Although EU sanctions have already cost Russia significant losses, for the sanctions regime to become an effective mechanism of real punishment, the European Union needs to strengthen enforcement, ensure clear criminal consequences for serious violations, accelerate decision-making at the EU level, and expand response instruments in cross-border cases. At the same time, liability should extend to the entire chain of those involved in sanctions circumvention, while pressure on Russia should continue to increase, particularly with regard to its “shadow fleet.”
This was stated in a major interview with the Guildhall news agency by Latvian Member of the European Parliament Martins Stakis.
– Do you agree with this assessment of the main weakness in the EU’s sanctions enforcement?
– Partly. EU sanctions are working and have already cost Russia heavily – by some estimates hundreds of billions in lost revenues and assets since 2022. Europe today is carrying the largest share of economic, financial, and humanitarian support to Ukraine, and sanctions are a part of this. At the same time, enforcement can be stronger. Also, as long as one Member State can block decisions, strong and timely sanctions are harder to adopt. Within the current system, the EU is doing what is possible.
– 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?
– We need more consistent enforcement. Serious violations should lead to criminal cases, with clearer rules, stronger investigators, and better coordination between Member States. Decision-making at EU level also needs to become faster and more effective.
– 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?
– Yes. We should also keep increasing pressure where it hurts most, including doing more against Russia’s “shadow fleet.”
– Could expanding the powers of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office in investigating sanctions violations form part of the solution?
– A stronger role for the European Public Prosecutor’s Office would help handle cross-border cases and improve consistency.
Exclusive to Guildhall.
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