Central Asian countries such as Uzbekistan could be the first to be hit by new European Union sanctions aimed at combating circumvention of existing restrictions by using Russia’s neighbors, writes Politico.
The EU is putting together an 11th package of sanctions designed to undermine Russia’s ability to maintain its military machinery. For the first time, the sanctions will also include measures against countries that help Moscow circumvent restrictions imposed by Brussels. Three EU diplomats said they hope the EU’s initiatives on accountability in the event of sanctions evasion could encourage Central Asian countries to comply with the restrictions.
Politico was able to get acquainted with the recommendations of the 11th sanctions package. They show that the European Commission (EC) wants to
find and restrict individuals and legal entities that circumvent the sanctions and restrictions imposed by the bloc.
Such are, for example, companies established in third countries, which purchase products subject to sanctions in the EU and sell them directly or through intermediaries to Russia.
At the heart of the new EU sanctions is an attempt to prevent European companies from selling sensitive product categories to Russia’s neighbors when they are suspected of circumventing the sanctions. Products considered sensitive in the context of sanctions evasion will be listed first, followed by the countries to which they are shipped. Ambassadors to the EU will express their opinion on sanctions for the first time on Wednesday, the 10th of May.
Several EU countries fear that Brussels will open Pandora’s box with the new proposals.
Accepting the principle that countries that intentionally or unintentionally violate EU sanctions can face the consequences leaves the possibility that countries like Turkey or China will be the next to feel EU sanctions.
While the EC believes that the threat of punishment for Central Asian countries will be enough to change their behavior, a diplomat added that the EU should be ready to back up its words with actions.
On the 8th of May, Beijing already categorically opposed the conditions included in the EU’s 11th sanctions package. Chinese Foreign Ministry representative Wang Wenbin said:
“We urge the EU not to go on this wrong path, otherwise China will take firm actions
to safeguard our legitimate and lawful interests.”
For supporters of Ukraine, the new sanctions package is great news. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna told Politico: “I’m satisfied with that as long as the final decision has been made … All the sanctions which are harming the Russian war machine, we are supporting them.”