The European Union has approved a new sanctions framework to target individuals responsible for actions deemed as “destabilizing” by the EU. This framework will allow the EU to address actions and policies by the government of Russia that undermine the fundamental values of the EU and its member states.
The new framework is designed to combat “hybrid threats” such as undermining electoral processes, acts of sabotage, disinformation, malicious cyber activities, and more. Affected individuals could face asset freezes, bans on funding from EU citizens and companies, and travel bans.
This decision is based on a proposal by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and is a response to the continued campaign of hybrid activities by Russia, which has escalated through new operations on European soil.
On June 27, the European Council called for the establishment of this new sanctions framework against hybrid threats. The EU has also introduced its 14th package of sanctions against Russia, with over 2,200 Russian individuals and entities already sanctioned by the EU.