New EU sanctions against Russia are a breakthrough, says Czech EU minister

Czech Minister for European Affairs Martin Dvořák (Mayors and Independents) has described the approval of the EU’s 18th sanctions package against Russia as a major breakthrough. However, he stressed it remains to be seen how effective the new measures will be. Dvořák highlighted the inclusion of a Czech-proposed “catch-all mechanism” allowing customs authorities to better prevent sanctions evasion via third countries. He recalled how Czech exports to one Central Asian country rose dramatically after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, suggesting products were being rerouted to Russia. The new sanctions target Russia’s energy and banking sectors and restrict the use of the Nord Stream pipeline.