The EU will punish violations and circumvention of sanctions: consequences and penalties

On April 12, the Council of the European Union confirmed the adoption of a law that criminalizes the violation and circumvention of sanctions imposed by the EU. The news was published on the official website of the EU Council.

According to the new law, all EU member states will criminalize assistance in circumventing the entry ban, trade in sanctioned goods and prohibited financial activities. This also applies to incitement, aiding and abetting offenses.

The severity of the penalty will depend on the nature and scope of the offense. In particular, intentional violation of international sanctions may result in imprisonment. Individuals involved in violating and circumventing EU restrictions may also be imprisoned and suffer financial losses.

In addition, legal entities, if their managers have committed a crime, will also be subject to liability. In such cases, sanctions may include a ban on business activities and revocation of permits and licenses to do business in the EU.

The Directive will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU. EU member states will have one year to integrate these provisions into their national legislation and ensure their implementation.