Implementation of the EU Sanctions Directive

Since February 6, 2026, stricter penalties and fines for violations of EU sanctions have been in force. Numerous violations that could previously only be prosecuted as administrative offenses are now subject to mandatory penalties for intentional acts, company fines have quadrupled and the due diligence requirements for dual-use goods have increased significantly. What has changed … Read more

18th sanctions package: Significant expansion of EU embargo provisions against Russia/Belarus

On 24 February 2025, the EU adopted the 16th sanctions package against Russia. On the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the EU is thus maintaining its sanctions policy with the aim of further increasing pressure on Russia. The new EU sanctions package contains a large number of tightening measures concerning Regulation (EU) 269/2014 and Regulation (EU) 833/2014 against Russia.

16. Sanctions package: Tightening of EU measures against Russia/Belarus

On 24 February 2025, the EU adopted the 16th sanctions package against Russia. On the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the EU is thus maintaining its sanctions policy with the aim of further increasing pressure on Russia. The new EU sanctions package contains a large number of tightening measures concerning Regulation (EU) 269/2014 and Regulation (EU) 833/2014 against Russia.

Upcoming tightening of foreign trade offences and administrative offences

As part of the implementation of Directive (EU) 2024/1226 on the harmonization of criminal law on penalties (EU Directive on Criminal Sanctions), significant amendments and additions to Sections 18 and 19 of the German Foreign Trade and Payments Act (AWG) will soon be made and will lead to tighter sanctions for offences and administrative offences …