The effectiveness of EU sanctions against Russia depends not on identifying a single weak point, but on ensuring consistent and uniform implementation across all member states. In Engin Eroglu’s view, that requires stronger national enforcement, clearer responsibility, tighter Commission oversight, and consideration of broader EU-level tools, including a possible expansion of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office in cross-border sanctions cases.
This was stated in a comment to Guildhall by Engin Eroglu, a German Member of the European Parliament from Renew Europe and a member of the group’s Bureau.
— Do you agree with this assessment of the main weakness in the EU’s sanctions enforcement?
— I would be cautious about reducing the issue to a single “main weakness.” It is clear, however, that the effectiveness of EU sanctions depends crucially on their consistent and uniform implementation across member states. It is therefore essential to further strengthen enforcement, improve coordination among the relevant authorities, and ensure that violations are systematically investigated and punished. Only in this way can the measures achieve their full effect.
— In your view, what should be changed to ensure that every established case of sanctions violation leads to criminal proceedings and real punishment for those responsible?
— Above all, there is a need for significantly stronger and more consistent enforcement in the member states, with adequately resourced authorities and clear lines of responsibility. At the same time, the European Commission, under the leadership of Ursula von der Leyen, must be prepared to face some critical questions, as it plays a crucial role in monitoring how sanctions are implemented by the member states. This requires more binding guidelines, better coordination, and consistent oversight of implementation.
— Should such liability extend across the full chain of individuals and companies involved, including banks, traders, insurers, logistics operators, intermediaries, and entities from third countries that knew or should have known the nature of the operation?
— Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine must not succeed, and sanctions can only be effective if attempts to circumvent them are effectively addressed. It is essential to clearly define responsibilities and take action where violations are identifiable or preventable. The issue of liability across the entire chain of involved actors is fundamentally relevant.
— Could expanding the powers of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office in investigating sanctions violations form part of the solution?
— Expanding the powers of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office could be part of the solution and should at least be considered. It is crucial that we explore all options that could help us prosecute sanctions violations more effectively and better address cross-border cases.
Exclusively for Guildhall.
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