Brussels, 23 April 2026

 

 

EU adopts 20th package of sanctions against Russia

The Commission welcomes the adoption by EU Member States of the 20th package of sanctions against Russia. The EU's commitment to a free and sovereign Ukraine is unwavering. This package puts further pressure on Russia to engage in negotiations and do so on terms acceptable for Ukraine. Every day of further Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure is another day of suffering for the Ukrainian people.

The new sanctions have a strong anti-circumvention angle and include robust energy measures, as well as the activation for the first time of the “anti-circumvention” tool. Today's package also targets financial services (including crypto), trade and media propaganda, and includes further measures for the protection of EU operators.

The 20th package contains the following key elements:

ENERGY MEASURES

  • Russian energy sector listings: 36 listings encompassing both the upstream and downstream segments of the Russian energy sector, including the exploration, extraction, refining, and transportation of oil.
  • Shadow fleet ecosystem: Revenues from Russian oil exports are further reduced through the listing of additional shadow fleet entities, including those operating in third countries, as well as a significant maritime insurer and 46 additional vessel listings. With these additions, a total of 632 vessels in Russia's shadow fleet are now listed by the EU. They are subject to a port access ban and a ban on receiving services. Alongside these additional listings, the EU continues its outreach to flag states to ensure that their registers do not allow these vessels to sail under their flags. While 46 vessels are added to the sanctions list, 11 vessels are also delisted in this 20th package, showing that delisting is a possibility for vessels returning to compliance. 
  • Tanker Sales: Inserting safeguards on tanker sales from the EU to prevent Russian end-use. Dedicated due diligence by EU sellers, as well as a mandatory 'no Russia' clause to be passed on into sales contracts is to prevent usage deployment within the shadow fleet. A new shadow fleet scrapping clause will facilitate the decommissioning or ‘recycling' of vessels and exit from the shadow fleet.
  • Port infrastructure ban: Listing of two Russian ports (Murmansk and Tuapse) as well as, for the first time, a third country port (Karimun Oil Terminal, in Indonesia) for their connections with the shadow fleet and circumvention of the oil price cap.
  • Future maritime services ban on Russian crude oil and petroleum products: the 20th sanctions package includes the basis for a future prohibition to transport Russian oil and petroleum products, in full coordination and discussion with the G7 and the Price Cap Coalition (G7 members and other participating countries). The Council will decide when the Maritime Services Ban is to enter into force, considering an appropriate wind-down period. This would further reduce the total available capacity to transport Russian oil, hitting Russia's main source of revenue for its war machine.
  • Maintenance: a new prohibition on maintenance services for Russian LNG tankers and icebreakers. This prohibits essential EU operators' support to Russian LNG exports and further constrains Russia's ability to maintain its seaborne assets.
  • Ban on LNG terminal services: This will allow Union operators to terminate any long-term contracts with Russian operators.  

FINANCIAL MEASURES

  • Russian Banks: the new measures extend the ban on EU operators that do any business with twenty additional Russian banks, with narrow exceptions such as for humanitarian transactions. This brings the number of Russian banks excluded from access to the EU internal market to 70.
  • Other third-country financial operators supporting Russia: the EU is extending the transaction ban to four banks in Kyrgyzstan, Laos, and Azerbaijan that assist the Russian war effort by significantly frustrating sanctions or connecting to the Russian System for Transfer of Financial Messages, the Russian banking messaging network.
  • Russian crypto services and exchange: the 20th package includes a total sectorial ban on carrying out exchanges with any Russian crypto asset service provider as well as any decentralised platforms enabling crypto trading because of their use in circumvention.
  • Cryptocurrencies and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBCDs): the new measures prohibit the use of (and support to) the cryptocurrency RUBx, a rouble-backed stablecoin, as well the digital rouble, a digital currency under development by the Central Bank of Russia, which is being set up to enable sanctions circumvention.
  • Payment services: the package prohibits transactions with agents in Russia and other third countries that offer to facilitate international transactions from Russia to bypass EU sanctions. 
  • Alongside the new financial measures, the Council today decided that 5 third-country financial entities are de-listed following the receipt of commitments that those entities will not engage in the activities for which they were listed.

TRADE MEASURES

The package introduces new export and imports restrictions and bans, to further disrupt and weaken Russia's military-industrial complex. These include:

  • New export bans to Russia on goods – from rubber to tractors, worth over €365 million.
  • New export restrictions on items and technologies used for Russia's military effort, such as explosives, laboratory glassware and high-performance lubricants and additives for lubricants.
  • New restriction on provision of cybersecurity services to Russia.
  • New import bans on metals, chemicals and minerals, not yet under sanctions, worth over €530 million.
  • A quota on ammonia to cap existing imports.

RUSSIA'S MILITARY INDUSTRY

  • Listings of producers and global suppliers: The 20th package further constrains the Russian military-industrial complex by designating 58 companies and associated individuals involved in the development and manufacturing of military goods, such as drones. Additionally, listings cover third-country suppliers of critical high-tech items, such as entities based in China, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Belarus which have provided dual-use goods or weapons systems to the Russian military-industrial complex.

ANTI-CIRCUMVENTION MEASURES

  • Activating the “anti-circumvention tool” for the first time: The EU will not ignore cases of EU sanctions being systematically circumvented by exporters in third countries that re-export sanctioned EU goods to Russia. Today, the EU activated its anti-circumvention tool due to systematic and persistent failure by the Kyrgyz Republic to prevent the sale, supply, transfer, or export to Russia of certain machine tools and certain telecommunication equipment imported from the EU and used for the manufacturing of drones and missiles in Russia. These high-risk items allow Russia to pursue its illegal military aggression against Ukraine and sustain its ability to wage war.
  • This package adds 60 entities to the list of those providing direct or indirect support to Russia's military industrial complex or engaged in sanctions circumvention. This includes 32 entities established in Russia and 28 in third countries (China, including Hong Kong, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, and Thailand).

 ADDITIONAL LISTINGS

  • Today's package contains 120 additional listings, including 33 individuals and 83 entities, resulting in an asset freeze and the prohibition to make funds and economic resources available to them, and – in the case of individuals – also in travel bans. On top of the above-mentioned listings of Russian energy companies, Russian energy companies, Russian military companies and their supply chains in 3rd countries, the EU is also imposing sanctions on oligarchs, persons involved in the abduction of children from Ukraine, propagandists and persons responsible for looting cultural heritage.

LEGAL PROTECTION OF EU OPERATORS

  • Protection of EU Member States, operators, and citizens remains a key priority. The new package adds further legal protection for EU firms against retaliatory actions of the Russian Government, by allowing Member State courts to fine Russians that launch abusive lawsuits before Russian Courts. In addition, the package allows EU firms to claim damages in case of enforcement of abusive judgments in third countries other than Russia. Moreover, it enables the Council to impose a transaction ban on third country firms and individuals cooperating in the enforcement of such actions.
  • The 20th package also introduces a transaction ban against Russian competitors taking advantage of de facto illegitimate expropriations of EU operators by the government of the Russian Federation.
  • Additionally, the measures introduce a transaction ban against those Russians who steal and use intellectual property rights of EU operators in Russia against their consent.

OTHER MEASURES

  • Fighting propaganda: New measures also tackle mirror outlets that circumvent the broadcasting ban by spreading the same content as listed propaganda media outlets (such as Russia Today, Sputnik etc.) online. The content of these mirror sites and domains will also be banned from distribution in the EU. This will facilitate the faster takedown or blocking of online sites that act as proxies or clones of official media outlets' channels.
  • Protecting EU research: New measures prohibiting the acceptance of funding, including donations or grants, from the Russian government in the area of research and innovation. This applies to research institutes, higher education establishments and other bodies in the EU, as well as individuals associated with these entities.

BELARUS

The package also mirrors certain provisions of the Russian regime related to trade, finance, services and legal protection of EU operators in the Belarus sanctions regime.

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More information on sanctions

EU Sanctions Helpdesk

Quote(s)

 

 Today we have finally broken the deadlock. On top of the €90-billion-loan for Ukraine, we have also adopted the 20th sanctions package. The EU will provide Ukraine what it needs to hold its ground while we inhibit those enabling Russia’s illegal aggression. Russia’s war economy is under growing strain, while Ukraine is getting a major boost. We must keep up this pressure until Putin understands his war leads nowhere. 

Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission

 

 I welcome today’s agreement. This comprehensive package – spanning energy, finance, and trade – will further constrain Russia’s capacity to fund its brutal and illegal war. It represents another decisive step in tackling sanctions evasion, targeting financial actors and infrastructure in third countries that enable circumvention. For the first time, we are activating our anti-circumvention instrument to block exports of critical EU goods to a third country used to undermine our measures. The evidence is clear: our sanctions are having a real effect. Their cumulative impact is weakening Russia’s war machine, while Europe’s resolve remains firm. We will not falter, and we will not rest, until a just and lasting peace is secured in Ukraine. 

Maria Luís Albuquerque, Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union

 

Commission launches public consultation on European Ocean Act

The European Commission has opened a public consultation to gather input on the European Ocean Act, set for adoption later this year, and a key legislative proposal under the European Ocean Pact, adopted by the Commission in June 2025. This consultation aims to ensure the future Ocean Act meets real-world needs.

The Ocean Act will strengthen EU ocean governance, serving as a legal framework to align economic, climate, environmental, and social goals for protecting marine ecosystems and ensuring sustainable ocean use.

It will take a coordinated approach, aligning the ongoing revision of the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive with the current update of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.

Running until 16 July 2026, the consultation invites stakeholders, public authorities and administrations, experts, citizens, and coastal communities to share their views via a structured questionnaire.

You can find more information on the public consultation online, including how to fill the questionnaire.

(For further information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel.: +32 2 296 64 83; Anna Wartberger – Tel.: +32 2 28 20 54)

 

Executive Vice-President Mînzatu in Finland to discuss skills, education, and workforce readiness

Today and tomorrow, Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, Roxana Mînzatu, is in Helsinki, Finland, to discuss boosting skills, education, and workforce readiness to build a more adaptive and inclusive labour market.

Today, the Executive Vice-President is visiting an anti-drone system company whose work contribute to the goals of the  EU preparedness union strategy. She will also visit a teacher training school and the University of Helsinki's expert forum advising on teachers' education. Furthermore, she will exchange with citizens in a youth café aiming to prevent social exclusion and poverty, and visit a foundation supported by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) that supports young people to get into and stay in education or employment.

On Friday, Executive Vice-President Mînzatu will meet with Finish authorities and government representatives, starting with Finnish President, Alexander Stubb. She will also meet Employment Minister, Matias Marttinen, for an exchange on quality jobs, the Finnish labour market, and the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, which has helped unemployed Finnish workers learn new skills and find a new job.

The Executive Vice-President will meet European Affairs Minister, Joakim Strand, and Education Minister, Anders Adlercreutz, for discussions on Erasmus+, Union of Skills actions and the upcoming Education package. Additionally, she will meet Social Security Minister, Sanni Grahn-Laasonen, to discuss preparedness, social security and occupational health. Executive Vice-President Mînzatu and Minister Grahn-Laasonem will also visit a civil defence shelter.

Lastly, she will meet representatives of the EU Committee of the Confederation of Finnish Industries and social partners.

(For more information: Eva Hrnčířová — Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Eirini Zarkadoula - Tel.: +32 2 295 70 65)

 

Commission greenlights Poland's fourth payment request for €7.2 billion under NextGenerationEU

Today, the European Commission positively assessed Poland's fourth payment request for €7.2 billion under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the centrepiece of NextGenerationEU.

The RRF, the cornerstone of NextGenerationEU, is the Commission's flagship post-pandemic programme supporting Member States' recovery, economic growth, and competitiveness.    

Following its assessment of the payment request, the Commission found that Poland has satisfactorily completed the 30 milestones and 13 targets set out in the Council Implementing Decision.

The reforms and investments tied to this payment request will drive positive change for citizens and businesses in Poland, improving healthcare services, digitising administrative processes, strengthening cybersecurity, expanding broadband infrastructure, reforming tax and labour laws, and advancing green initiatives—including hydrogen infrastructure, railway modernisation, and greater access to sustainable transport.

Poland submitted its payment request on 23 December 2025. Poland's recovery and resilience plan includes a wide range of investment and reform measures supporting climate and digital transition objectives. The plan will be financed by €54.71 billion (€25.27 billion in grants and €29.44 billion loans).

With today's positive assessment, this payment request will bring the funds paid to Poland by the Commission to €34.15 billion, corresponding to 62.4% of all the funds in its national plan, with 61% of all milestones and targets now fulfilled.

With a view to the closure of the Facility at the end of 2026, Members States must implement all outstanding milestones and targets by August 2026 and submit their last payment requests by the end of September 2026.

An interactive map showcasing examples of reforms and investments supported by the RRF, and further details on the RRF payment claim process are available online.   

A press release is available online.

(For further information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel.: +32 2 296 64 83; Anna Wartberger – Tel.: +32 2 28 20 54)

 

Commission disburses €1.18 billion to Greece under NextGenerationEU

Today, the European Commission disbursed €1.18 billion in grants and loans to Greece, marking the seventh payment under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the cornerstone of NextGenerationEU.  

Measures linked to this payment include improvements in energy and decarbonisation, transport, labour and skills development, and digitising government, healthcare, and business services.

Today's disbursement follows Greece's seventh payment request, submitted on 19 December 2025 and approved by the Commission on 26 March 2026.   

With this payment, Greece has received €24.6 billion or 68.5% of its total €35.95 billion allocation (€18.22 billion in grants and €17.73 billion in loans), with 53% of all milestones and targets under its national recovery and resilience plan now fulfilled.

As with all Member States, payments to Greece under the RRF are performance-based, contingent upon the successful implementation of milestones and targets included in its recovery and resilience plan.   

(For further information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel.: +32 2 296 64 83; Anna Wartberger – Tel.: +32 2 28 20 54)

 

 

Commission approves €37 million Croatian State aid measure to support the construction of an industry centre for the gaming sector

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €37 million Croatian measure to support the construction of an industry centre for the gaming sector in Novska, Sisak-Moslavina.

The measure will allow the construction and equipping of two facilities dedicated to the gaming sector: a business incubator and a business accelerator. They will offer both standard and specialised workspaces, such as conference rooms, offices, and game testing areas, as well as business support services to start-ups and SMEs in the sector.

The project is co-financed by the Just Transition Fund in Sisak-Moslavina, a region facing the challenges of transitioning away from heavy industries. The project will support the diversification of economic activities in the region with a focus on information and communications technology, specifically the gaming sector. It will also contribute to attracting and retaining talent in the area. The aid will take the form of a direct grant to RK SMŽ, the Regional Coordinator of the Sisak-Moslavina County, owner of the building.

The Commission assessed the measure under EU State aid rules, in particular Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which allows Member States to support the development of certain economic activities under certain conditions. The Commission found that the measure is necessary and appropriate for the construction of the facilities which will contribute to the development of new economic activities, benefitting the Just Transition area of Sisak-Moslavina. Furthermore, the Commission found that the aid is proportionate, as it is limited to the minimum necessary, and will have a limited impact on competition and trade between Member States. On this basis, the Commission approved the Croatian measure under EU State aid rules.

The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.113992 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.

(For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 2 299 47 74)

 

Commission approves €36 million Estonian State aid scheme to support energy-intensive companies

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €36 million Estonian scheme to lower electricity levy rates for energy-intensive companies. The scheme aims to reduce the risk of these companies relocating their activities to countries outside the EU with less ambitious climate policies, which would result in an increase in global greenhouse gas emissions.

The scheme will benefit companies in sectors listed in Annex 1 of the 2022 Guidelines on State aid for climate, environmental protection and energy ('CEEAG'). Those sectors rely heavily on electricity and are particularly exposed to international trade. Under the scheme, targeted companies will receive a levy reduction between 75% and 85%, depending on their risk exposure. The applicable reduction must not result in a levy below €0.5/MWh. Beneficiaries will have to implement certain energy audit recommendations, cover at least 30% of electricity consumption with renewable energy sources, or invest at least 50% of the aid in projects leading to substantial reductions of the installation's greenhouse gas emissions. The scheme will cover levy reductions until 31 December 2029.

The Commission assessed the measure under EU State aid rules, in particular Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, which enables Member States to support the development of certain economic activities under certain conditions, and the CEEAG. The Commission concluded that the scheme is necessary and appropriate to avoid relocation. Furthermore, the Commission found that the scheme is proportionate, as it is limited to the minimum necessary and has limited impact on competition and trade between Member States. On this basis, the Commission approved the Estonian scheme under EU State aid rules.

The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the number SA.121622 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.

(For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 2 299 47 74)

 

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