Can sanctions come to Georgia and Armenia from Europe?
The EU punishes the targeted company or individual with a visa ban and asset freeze. And Washington completely removes the sanctioned institution from its financial system
Europe In the package of sanctions adopted by the European Union (EU) against Russia earlier this month, the possibility of punishing individuals and companies in third countries is mentioned. If they help EU institutions avoid sanctions with the Kremlin.
Radio Liberty Europe Correspondent Rikard Jozwiak writes that Brussels for years USAopposed the similar policy of , because secondary sanctions also affected EU companies. Now it’s the same way wants to cut off the financial sources of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
However, it seems unlikely that Brussels will target individuals and companies in neighboring Serbia, Georgia and Armenia, and there are many reasons for this. These countries have refused to join Western sanctions against Russia.
The EU’s sanctions document published on October 6 states that “natural and legal persons and organizations” that help evade the bloc’s sanctions will be targeted.
This move will apply to both EU and non-EU players. For example, they can be punished if they export sanctioned products from the bloc to Russia through a third country, or in the opposite direction.
The most important point here is related to the violation of EU sanctions against Russia. USAThere are limitations regarding the sanctions of The EU punishes the targeted company or individual with a visa ban and asset freeze. And Washington completely removes the sanctioned institution from its financial system.
The main issue is whether these sanctions will be applied at all. USA of third countries so far Russia did not resort to sanctions related to his relations with The EU is expected to show the same cautious behavior.
According to some diplomats who spoke to RFE/RL, the aim of expanding the scope of sanctions should be interpreted as “intimidation tactics”, that is, to persuade third countries to join the EU without sanctions.
“We have created a useful weapon that we can use if we need it,” – said the EU diplomat, adding that such a step has a “symbolic value”.
It is also true that Brussels is not very inclined to target neighboring countries, especially EU candidates or potential candidates. Because the main idea is that these countries don’t want to take a step that could push them away from the EU.
Sanctions require unanimity. Even political even if there is a will, there are obstacles such as the possibilities and legal aspects of sanctions, evidence packages for the violation of sanctions must be prepared, and so on.
So who are the possible targets of the EU? In sealing such an intention of the bloc with regard to third countries Greece and Cyprus are said to have a role, meaning Turkey could be a target.
On the impact of the bloc’s sanctions on Russia Europe The Commission has a leaked document. In the document Turkey It is mentioned in the chapter on evasion of sanctions together with China. According to the document, exports from Turkey to Russia doubled in the second quarter of 2022, and this trend is manifested in a number of key areas. It is also noted that “in 2022, exports from some member countries to Turkey increased sharply.”
Rikard Jozwiak writes that even Ankara may not worry this soon. But Brussels is gradually paying more attention to the behavior of neighboring countries in the matter of sanctions against Russia.
Russia to Ukraine on February 24 this year military after the start of the aggression, he faced harsh sanctions from the West.