EU 12th Sanctions Package

The EU's 12th sanctions package against Russia was adopted by the Council of the European Union on 18 December 2023, marking the latest major tightening of restrictive measures since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. It built on the eleven preceding packages by adding new individual listings, expanding sectoral trade restrictions, and — most notably — introducing tools aimed at curbing circumvention through third countries.

Key elements included:

• A ban on imports of Russian non-industrial diamonds, phased in from 1 January 2024, coordinated with G7 partners. Processed diamonds of Russian origin became subject to additional restrictions later in 2024.
• New export bans on dual-use and advanced technology goods, machinery, chemicals, and items relevant to Russia's military-industrial base, with additional companies (including some based in third countries) added to the list of entities supporting Russia's military.
• Tighter enforcement of the G7 oil price cap on Russian seaborne crude and refined products, including stricter attestation requirements for shipping and insurance providers.
• A new "no re-export" clause requiring EU exporters to contractually prohibit the re-exportation to Russia of certain sensitive goods sold to third countries.
• Additional individual asset freezes and travel bans on persons and entities involved in the war, the deportation of Ukrainian children, and Russia's hybrid activities.
• Measures targeting the alleged use of front companies to evade existing sanctions, and tighter information-sharing obligations on frozen Central Bank of Russia assets held in the EU — laying groundwork for later decisions on using windfall profits to support Ukraine.

The package was negotiated under the Spanish Council presidency and required unanimity among the 27 member states; Austria reportedly lifted a last-minute reservation related to listings before adoption.