Brussels : europe and the arabs

The European Commission in Brussels welcomed the adoption by the EU countries of the tenth package of sanctions against Russia and those who support it in its illegal aggression against Ukraine. The Commission said in a statement that February 24 marks one year since the comprehensive Russian invasion of Ukraine and 9 years since the beginning of the illegal Russian invasion and occupation of Ukrainian lands. "This package increases pressure in response to Putin's brutal war, including the brutal targeting of civilians and critical infrastructure. In order to increase the effectiveness of EU sanctions," the commission said through the statement. "Today's package contains new lists in addition to trade and financial sanctions, Including further export bans worth over €11 billion, which would deprive the Russian economy of technology and critical industrial goods. It is also stepping up enforcement and anti-fraud measures, including a new obligation to report assets of Russia's central bank.
Specifically, this package contains the following items:
additional listings
The European Union has added about 120 individuals and entities to our sanctions list, including Russian decision-makers, senior government officials, and military commanders complicit in the war against Ukraine, as well as proxy authorities installed by Russia in the occupied territories of Ukraine, among others. The list also includes key figures involved in the kidnapping of Ukrainian children to Russia, as well as organizations and individuals polluting public space with disinformation, adding to the military war through information warfare. Action is also being taken against individuals in Iran who are involved in the development of unmanned aircraft and components that support the Russian military. In addition, members and supporters of the Russian Wagner mercenary group and its activities in other countries, such as Mali or the Central African Republic, are being targeted.
Additional restrictions on exports in the European Union
New export restrictions have been imposed on sensitive dual-use and advanced technologies that contribute to Russia's military capabilities and their technological enhancement, based on information received from Ukraine, our member states, and our partners. This includes additional electronic components used in Russian weapons systems (drones, missiles, helicopters, and other vehicles), as well as a ban on specific rare earths and thermal cameras with military applications. Furthermore, we also list an additional 96 entities associated with the Russian military-industrial complex, bringing the total registered military end users to 506. This includes Russian entities associated with the Kremlin-controlled Wagner paramilitary organization. This also includes, for the first time, seven Iranian entities using EU components and providing Russia with Shahed military drones to attack civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. Most importantly, we work in close coordination with partners, adding Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Norway to our list of partner countries.
Additional export bans are now also imposed on goods that could easily be repurposed for use in support of Russia's war effort including:
Vehicles: not yet banned heavy trucks (and their parts), semi-trailers, and special vehicles such as snowmobiles;
Goods easily addressed to the Russian army: including generators, binoculars, radars, compasses, etc .;
Building goods such as bridges, tower-like building structures, forklifts, cranes, etc.;
goods necessary for the functioning and strengthening of Russian industrial capacity (electronics, machine parts, pumps, metal processing machinery, etc.);
Complete Industrial Facilities: This category was added to avoid gaps; Goods used in the aviation industry (jet engines).
These and the new restrictions cover EU exports worth €11.4 billion (2021 data). It comes on top of the €32.5 billion worth of exports already sanctioned in previous packages. With today's package, the EU sanctioned nearly half (49%) of its exports to Russia in 2021.
Additional imports into the European Union are prohibited
Today's package imposes an import ban on the following high-income Russian goods:

bitumen and related materials such as asphalt; synthetic rubber and carbon black. The new import ban covers EU imports worth approximately €1.3 billion, and this ban comes in addition to the €90 billion already sanctioned, which in total represents 58% of EU imports for 2021.
the financial sector
Three Russian banks have been added to the list of entities subject to an asset freeze and a ban on making funds and economic resources available.
Other measures include:
prohibiting Russian citizens from serving on the boards of directors of critical infrastructure companies in member states;
a ban on Russian citizens and entities reserving gas storage capacity in the Union (excluding LNG);
measures to facilitate divestment from Russia by EU operators;
A shipping company from a third country suspected of helping Russia circumvent sanctions
On oil exports, it was also included.

Enforcement and anti-fraud measures

Today's package imposes new reporting obligations on the assets of the Central Bank of Russia. This is especially important in connection with the possible use of general Russian assets to finance the reconstruction of Ukraine after Russia's defeat.

Other measures include:

reporting liabilities related to frozen assets (including pre-listing transactions) and assets that should be frozen;
Special flights between the EU and Russia must be notified, 

Directly or through other countries, in advance; prohibit the transit of dual-use goods and firearms through the territory of Russia to third countries.
In addition to today's package, EU sanctions envoy David O'Sullivan is reaching out to third countries, to ensure strict enforcement of sanctions and prevent circumvention. On February 23, the first Sanctions Coordinators Forum took place in Brussels, bringing together our international partners and Member States, to strengthen enforcement efforts.

Additional blocking of Russian disinformation outlets

Two additional Russian media outlets have been added to the media ban.

Technical modifications

an amendment to allow the provision of pilotage services necessary for maritime safety; Defining the term “import” to avoid “imprisonment” of goods in lengthy customs procedures

"The EU sanctions against Russia have proven effective," says the Commission. "They limit Russia's ability to wage war against Ukraine, including manufacturing new weapons and repairing existing ones, as well as impeding its transfer of materials."

The geopolitical, economic and financial repercussions of Russia's ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine are clear, as the war has disrupted global commodity markets, especially for agro-food and energy products. The EU continues to ensure that its sanctions do not affect energy and agri-food exports from Russia to third countries.

As guardian of the EU treaties, the European Commission monitors the implementation of EU sanctions across the EU.

The European Union stands united in its solidarity with Ukraine, and will continue to support Ukraine and its people alongside its international partners, including through additional political, financial, military and humanitarian support for as long as necessary.