EU- The European Union is considering fresh action against countries it believes are helping Moscow sidestep Western sanctions.

After years of restrictions targeting Russia directly, Brussels is now turning its attention to third states accused of facilitating sanctions evasion. EU foreign ministers are scheduled to meet in Copenhagen later this week for informal talks on stronger steps, including use of the “anti-circumvention tool” adopted in 2023. That measure would allow the EU to block exports or supplies of certain goods to countries suspected of channeling them to Russia.

The bloc has already passed 18 sanctions packages, the most recent just last month, after overcoming objections from Slovakia. Work on a 19th package is underway and could be finalized next month. Possible new steps may also target Russia’s oil, gas, financial sectors, and trade in specific goods.

Despite repeated rounds of sanctions, Moscow insists the restrictions have failed to weaken its economy, noting it has redirected much of its trade toward Asia, the Middle East, and other regions.
EU officials have pushed US President Donald Trump to adopt tougher measures on Russia’s trade partners, though Washington has so far refrained from expanding its sanctions list.