EU-US-UK sanctions forum aimed at further disrupting Russian access to tech and revenues

European Union sanctions envoys met with counterparts from the US, UK and other countries to discuss additional ways of disrupting Russia’s access to dual-use technology and tighter enforcement of the G7 price cap on seaborne Russian oil.

The third Sanctions Coordinators Forum in Brussels, 13 February, gathered high-level representatives from all EU Member States and a coalition of international partners from 11 countries, the European Commission said.

‘The aim of the Forum was twofold,’ it explained. ‘First, to identify ways of further disrupting Russia’s access to sensitive technology with a potential military application, notably by tackling different circumvention practices and emerging trends. Second, to focus efforts on reducing Russia’s revenue, in particular by reinforcing implementation of the oil price cap. Domestic implementation and enforcement as well as engagement with third countries outside of the sanctioning coalition were overarching themes.’

EU Sanctions Envoy David O’Sullivan said, ‘Implementation and, where necessary, relentless enforcement is where we all need to focus now. One thing is clear – sanctions work but we are determined to make them work even better.’

Representatives from Ukraine were also present for a dedicated session on impacts of the sanctions plus ways to further curb Russia’s military ability.

The US Acting Sanctions Coordinator Erin McConaha and UK Sanctions Director David Reed, together with representatives of different government departments from both countries, joined senior European Commission officials ‘setting the scene for different issues under discussion,’ the Commission added, without reporting on specific decisions adopted.

‘Sanctions remain an important tool in our diplomatic arsenal,’ noted Reed, the British envoy. ‘That’s why we are setting up our new Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation which will work with business to ensure our sanctions regimes are as impactful as possible.’

‘The delegations discussed the use of targeted sanctions to deter and disrupt malign Russian activity and to demonstrate our readiness to take action to defend international norms,’ the US State Department said.