FM Lipavský: Czech-backed anti-evasion rule included in new EU sanctions on Russia

Czechia has succeeded in adding to the EU’s 18th sanctions package against Russia a provision allowing authorities to require export licenses from exporters if there is suspicion that goods could end up in Russia via a third country. Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský announced this on platform X on Friday.

Member states approved the package today after Slovakia withdrew its opposition. The new sanctions target Russia’s energy and banking sectors, reduce the oil price cap, and ban the use of Nord Stream infrastructure. Formal approval by EU ministers is expected later today.

Slovakia had delayed the deal while seeking guarantees over a separate EU plan to phase out Russian gas imports. Those guarantees were provided recently.