DISINFO: EU sanctions are illegitimate and contradict international law
SUMMARY
The 14th "package" of EU sanctions provides for new illegal measures against the Russian energy sector.
It is obvious that the EU’s actions, formally taken against Russia, equally affect third countries, destabilise global commodity markets, and undermine the energy security of developing countries. However, the EU is simply indifferent to the interests of others.
RESPONSE
A recurrent pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative referring to what they call a Western policy of aggressive sanctions, framing them as unjustified illegal pressure and a manifestation of colonialism.
The EU has reacted swiftly and strongly to Russia's unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine with unprecedented support to the country and with the largest sanctions packages in the Union's history.
The EU adopted the 14th package of individual and economic sanctions against Russia due to its illegal aggression and occupation of Ukrainian territories on 24th June 2024.
The sanctions on Russia, introduced by the US and the EU, do not violate international law or any regulations as they are an entirely legitimate mechanisms. Sanctions are a key tool of the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy.
The EU sanctions are legitimate restrictions imposed under both international and European law as a response to violations of legal norms, such as Russia’s actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. The EU established the sanctions regime under its laws, specifically Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, "concerning restrictive measures because of Russia's actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine."
The EU has the right to impose economic sanctions within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy and by the principles of the United Nations Charter. Crucially, any such measures must strictly conform to European and international law. Other actors have the right to impose them under international law as well, under certain conditions.
Through restrictive measures, the EU intervenes where appropriate to respond to emerging or current crises. EU sanctions are carefully targeted and designed to be proportionate to the objectives they seek to achieve. Moscow has falsely claimed that EU sanctions are illegal ever since their imposition in 2014, following Russia's invasion, annexation, and ongoing occupation of Crimea.
For further reading, please consult the following links for the EU and US sanctions imposed on Russia.
Read other similar cases: The West breaks global order by sanctions and conflicts; Sanctions are part of the hybrid war against Russia; The EU adopted another package of illegitimate sanctions against Russia; Russia grows despite EU sanctions; New EU sanctions are illegal; The sanctions policy is inefficient.