TITLE: European Union Council Adopts Restrictive Measures Against Russia and Adds Sanctioned Persons and Entities
BODY:
On July 29, 2026, the High Representative of the European Union (EU) issued a statement on behalf of the EU regarding the alignment of certain countries with restrictive measures concerning the situation in Russia. On July 13, 2026, the Council of the European Union adopted Decision (CFSP) 2026/1709, which amended the sanctions regime established under Decision (CFSP) 2024/1484.
The Council added 11 natural persons and 5 entities to the list of natural and legal persons, entities and bodies set out in Annex I to Decision (CFSP) 2024/1484. This expansion of the sanctions list represents a continuation of the EU's response to Russia's war against Ukraine. Nine countries aligned themselves with the Council Decision: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, and Ukraine. These countries committed to ensuring that their national policies conform to the Council Decision, demonstrating coordinated international support for the EU's sanctions regime.
The EU welcomed the alignment of these countries with the restrictive measures, noting their commitment to implementing the sanctions in their respective jurisdictions. The decision reflects the continued international effort to respond to Russia's military actions through coordinated economic and diplomatic measures. The Official Journal of the European Union published the decision on July 13, 2026, under reference ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2026/1709/oj. This alignment by non-EU member states and candidate countries strengthens the effectiveness of the EU's sanctions framework by extending its reach beyond EU borders and demonstrating broader international consensus on restrictive measures related to Russia.