EU targets Russian hybrid threats with fresh sanctions framework

The European Union has established a new sanctions framework to counter Russian destabilizing activities abroad, as announced by the Council of the EU on 8 October 2024. This new regime will allow the EU to target individuals and entities engaged in actions and policies by the Russian government that undermine the fundamental values, security, independence, and integrity of the EU, its member states, international organizations, and third countries.

The framework, based on a proposal by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, is part of the EU’s response to Russia’s ongoing campaign of hybrid activities, which has recently intensified through new operations on European soil.

Under this new framework, the EU will be able to address a variety of hybrid threats, including:

• Undermining electoral processes and the functioning of democratic institutions
• Threats against and sabotage of economic activities, services of public interest, or critical infrastructure
• Coordinated disinformation and foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI)
• Malicious cyber activities
• Instrumentalisation of migrants
• Other destabilizing activities

Those designated under the new sanctions regime will be subject to asset freezes, and EU citizens and companies will be prohibited from making funds available to them. Additionally, natural persons will face travel bans, preventing them from entering or transiting through EU territories.

The establishment of this framework follows a series of EU actions to counter hybrid threats. In December 2022, the EU Hybrid Toolbox became operational, bringing together existing and new instruments to detect and respond to hybrid threats. On 21 May 2024, the Council approved conclusions acknowledging the growing threat of hybrid tactics used by state and non-state actors against the EU, its member states, and partners.

The European Council, in its conclusions of 27 June 2024, strongly condemned all types of hybrid activities targeting the EU, its member states, and partners, calling for the establishment of a new sanctions regime to address these threats.

This new framework represents a significant step in the EU’s efforts to protect its democratic processes, economic activities, and overall security from Russian interference and destabilizing actions.

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