Brussels: Europe and the Arabs

A European Union statement issued in Brussels on Friday said that in response to Russia's ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine and the danger of the current escalation against civilians and civilian infrastructure, the European Union Council today adopted the ninth package of new measures aimed at stepping up pressure on Russia and its government.

“After food and hunger, Putin is now working to weaponize winter, by deliberately depriving millions of Ukrainians of water, electricity and heat. The European Union is responding to this latest escalation and war crime with our ninth set of harsh sanctions. Continue targeting the economy and against those who play an active role in the This brutal war.” Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, quoted the statement

The agreed package includes a series of measures aimed at severely striking the Russian economy and its capabilities to continue its aggression.

Export controls and restrictions
Today's decision imposes new export controls and restrictions on dual-use goods and technology as well as goods and technology that can contribute to the technological enhancement of Russia's defense and security sector by significantly expanding the list of entities associated with Russia's military and industrial complex. 168 entities targeted by sectoral measures. This will ensure that key chemicals, nerve agents, night vision equipment, radio navigation, electronics and information technology components that could be used by the Russian war machine are not freely circulated. To avoid detour, some Russian-controlled entities based in Crimea or Sevastopol that were illegally annexed were also included in the list.

Moreover, the EU will expand the ban on exporting aviation and goods and technology related to the space industry to include aircraft engines and parts. This ban will apply to both manned and unmanned aircraft, which means that from now on there will be a ban on direct exports of drone engines to Russia and any third country that can supply drones to Russia.

None of the measures adopted in view of Russia's destabilizing actions in Ukraine are in any way aimed at trade in agricultural and food products, including wheat and fertilizers, between Third World countries and Russia. However, in view of the union's firm stance to avoid and combat food insecurity worldwide, and in order to avoid disturbances in the payment channels for agricultural products, it was decided to introduce a new exception allowing the unfreezing of the assets, funds and economic resources available to certain individuals who played an important role in International trade in agricultural and food products, including wheat and fertilizers, prior to their inclusion in the list.

The banking sector
The EU will impose an asset freeze against two additional Russian banks and will add the Russian Regional Development Bank to the list of Russian state-owned or state-controlled entities subject to a complete transaction ban.

broadcast
In order to counteract the organized and international campaign of disinformation and information manipulation by the Russian Federation aimed at destabilizing its neighboring countries, the European Union and its member states, the Council has initiated the process of suspending the broadcasting licenses of four additional media outlets: NTV / NTV Mir, Rossiya 1, REN TV and Pervyi Kanal. These outlets are under permanent direct or indirect control of the leadership of the Russian Federation, and the latter has used them in its ongoing and coordinated disinformation operations and war propaganda actions, which legitimize Russian aggression and undermine support for Ukraine. In line with the Charter of Fundamental Rights, these measures will not prevent the media and their employees from carrying out activities in the EU other than broadcasting, for example. Research and interviews.
consulting services
Today's decisions place a ban on the provision of EU advertising, market research and public opinion survey services, as well as product testing and technical inspection services to the Russian Federation.

energy and mining sectors
The European Union will expand the ban targeting new investments in the Russian energy sector by banning new investments in the Russian mining sector, with the exception of mining and quarrying activities involving some important raw materials.

others
From today, EU citizens will be prohibited from holding any positions in the governing bodies of all legal persons, entities or bodies that are state-owned or controlled by the Russian state.

individual listings
In addition to economic sanctions, the Council decided to adopt a comprehensive set of individual measures in number and content with a list of a very large number of additional individuals and entities.

In the face of Russia's war of aggression, the European Union stands firmly with Ukraine and its people, and is unwavering in its support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.