Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The EU Council adopted a new sanctions framework against those responsible for destabilising actions against the EU and its member states.
The EU Council launched a new framework for restrictive measures in reaction to Russia’s destabilising actions abroad. This new framework will permit the EU to target individuals and entities committed in actions and policies by the government of the Russian Federation, which damage the fundamental values of the EU and its Member States, their security, independence and integrity, as well as those of global organisations and third countries.
How will the new framework target Russian destabilising actions?
According to the EU Council, the EU will as of now be capable of addressing a variety of hybrid threats, such as the damaging of electoral processes and the process of democratic institutions; threats against and sabotage of economic movements, services of public interest or crucial infrastructure; the use of coordinated disinformation, foreign data manipulation and interference (FIMI); malicious cyber activities, the instrumentalisation of migrants, and other destabilizing actions.
Also this decision, based on a recommendation by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, is characteristic of the EU’s response to the persistent campaign of hybrid activities by Russia, which has recently expanded through new operations on European soil. Under this newly launched framework, those specified will be subject to an asset freeze and EU citizens and businesses will be forbidden from making funds available to them. In addition, natural persons will also be subject to a travel embargo, which will prevent them from entering or travelling through EU territories.
How does the Strategic Compass relate to these sanctions?
The Strategic Compass for Security and Defence, endorsed by the EU Council in 2022, called for the development of an EU Hybrid Toolbox getting together existing and possible new instruments to notice and respond to a broad range of hybrid menaces. Such a Toolbox has been operating since December 2022.
Why are hybrid tactics considered a growing danger to the EU?
On 21 May 2024, the EU Council agreed on conclusions acknowledging that state and non-state actors were increasingly employing hybrid tactics, posing a growing danger to the security of the EU, its member states and allies, and called on EU institutions and the member states to step up action to observe attempts by foreign actors to meddle in the EU’s democratic process.
The European Council strongly criticised all types of hybrid movements, which are on the rise and target the EU, its member states and its allies. Furthermore, the European Council called, inter alia, for work to be taken forward in the Council to launch a new sanctions regime because of hybrid threats.
