EU Mulls Monthly Russia Sanctions Lists to Bypass Unanimity Delays

The European Union is preparing to step up pressure on Russia by changing how it adopts sanctions, with foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas proposing monthly listings of targeted individuals and entities. The approach aims to avoid the lengthy negotiations that have repeatedly delayed larger sanctions packages, which require unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states, according to TVP World. Kallas said the bloc is also preparing a broader set of sanctions lists against Russia for the autumn, as Brussels seeks to increase the economic and political cost of Moscow's war in Ukraine.

The planned monthly lists would allow the EU to act more quickly against individuals, companies, and organizations linked to Russia's military-industrial complex, as well as those involved in human rights violations and Russia's hybrid activities, including cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns. Until Moscow ends the war, Kallas wants to increase by a third the number of sanctioned Russian entities. The proposal comes as the EU continues to seek ways to tighten its sanctions regime against Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.