The EU is considering introducing secondary sanctions to prevent third countries from helping Russia evade sanctions.

According to sources, the EU is considering introducing secondary sanctions to prevent third countries from helping Russia evade the punitive measures already imposed by the EU, as reported by Jin10 Data on August 28. The EU is currently drafting its 19th round of sanctions. Sources indicate that EU foreign ministers will meet later this week in Copenhagen, where they are expected to discuss a range of options. Ministers are expected to discuss the “anti-circumvention tool” that was passed in 2023 but has yet to be activated, which could prohibit the export, supply, or transfer of certain goods to third countries seen as assisting in evading sanctions. Ministers are also considering further sanctions targeting Russian oil, gas, and financial sectors, as well as additional restrictions on the import and export of Russian goods. These discussions will take place informally and will not specifically focus on new sanction proposals.