On 14 March 2026, the Council of the European Union unanimously decided to extend restrictive measures against individuals and entities undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine. The sanctions will now remain in effect until 15 September 2026. Latvia strongly opposed any politically motivated attempts to remove specific individuals from the sanctions list, and after intensive negotiations, the EU maintained a united position without weakening sanctions. Over 2,700 sanctioned entities continue to be included on the list.
The EU regularly reviews each sanctions regime every six months, with the Legal Service of the EU Council assessing the legal basis and evidence for sanctioned subjects. The Council carefully evaluates these assessments before deciding on any extension. The process of extending sanctions against Russia is complex, but EU Member States have consistently managed to reach consensus, ensuring no politically motivated removals from the list. Many individuals sanctioned by the EU are also subject to restrictions from countries including the United States, Canada, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Australia, and New Zealand.
Since 2014, the EU has imposed sanctions on Russian individuals and entities involved in undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty. Those targeted include the Russian President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, government and military officials, judiciary representatives, Kremlin-aligned companies and their leaders, oligarchs, media outlets, and propaganda figures. Both sectoral and individual sanctions require unanimous approval from all 27 EU Member States for extension every six months. Failure to reach an agreement would result in the sanctions lapsing, making timely consensus critical.
Latvia’s stance is guided by its parliamentary statements and government decisions supporting Ukraine, advocating for maximum sanctions until Russia ends its aggression, restores Ukraine’s territorial integrity, and compensates for damages caused. Latvia opposes any weakening of sanctions and promotes timely extensions as part of the EU’s broader support for Ukraine. It also actively proposes additional individuals, legal entities, and assets for inclusion on the sanctions list to limit Russia’s capabilities and revenues, in coordination with allies and partners. Negotiations on extending sanctions are conducted behind closed doors to maintain a unified EU approach.
