Brussels demands Spain, France, Austria implement sanctions evasion law within two months
The European Commission has given Spain, France, and Austria a two-month ultimatum to fully implement a directive criminalizing the evasion of EU sanctions, with the threat of referral to the European Court of Justice and financial penalties if they fail. The demand, reported on Thursday, targets member states that have not yet transposed the bloc’s harmonised criminal penalties for sanctions violations into national law.
The directive was due for incorporation by May 2025. It aims to standardise punishment across the EU for breaching restrictive measures, particularly those imposed against Russia over its war against Ukraine. The Commission’s move underscores growing frustration in Brussels over persistent legal gaps that allow individuals and companies to exploit weaker jurisdictions.
If the three countries do not provide a satisfactory response within two months, the Commission will refer the cases to the EU’s highest court and seek financial sanctions. The step is part of a broader effort to close loopholes that have enabled Moscow to continue accessing dual-use goods and financial channels through intermediary networks.
Officials in Brussels have repeatedly warned that uneven enforcement undermines the effectiveness of EU sanctions. Without uniform criminal liability, sanctions violators can choose jurisdictions with lighter penalties or slower legal procedures, making investigations and prosecutions more difficult across borders.
The directive is designed to facilitate cross-border cooperation among law enforcement agencies and ensure that sanctions breaches are treated as serious crimes in all member states. The Commission has stressed that full implementation is essential to maintaining the bloc’s credibility and pressure on Russia.
