EU imposes Russia, Myanmar, Syria & terrorism sanctions

February 22nd, 2022 | Maya Lester QC

Yesterday (21 February 2022), the EU Council made multiple designations under its Russia, Myanmar, Syria and terrorism sanctions regimes.

Russia

5 people involved in the Russian State Duma ‘elections’ that took place in Crimea and Sevastopol in September 2021 have been added to the EU’s Russia sanctions list: Aleksei Yurievich Cherniak (Member of the State Duma); Leonid Ivanovich Babashov (Member of the State Duma); Tatiana Georgievna Lobach (Member of the State Duma); Nina Sergeevna Faustova (Head of the Sevastopol electoral commission); Aleksandr Evgenevich Chmyhalov (Deputy Head of the Sevastopol electoral commission).

The Council said that the designations “are not linked to the current security situation”, referring to escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Press Release.

Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/236 & Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/241.

Myanmar

22 people have been designated alongside the Htoo Group, IGE (International Group of Entrepreneurs), Mining Enterprise 1 (ME 1) and the Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE) in the EU’s fourth round of Myanmar sanctions. The EU has adopted a derogation which provides for the making available of certain funds to MOGE where necessary for the decommissioning of oil and gas or the termination of contracts. Press Release.

Council Regulation (EU) 2022/238, Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/239 & Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/243.

Syria

5 members of the Makhlouf family were designated following the death of Mohammed Makhlouf, a listed Syrian businessman, in September 2020. The EU said that there is a risk that assets inherited by Mr Makhlouf’s heirs will be used to support the Syrian regime and contribute to the repression of civilians. Listed people: Hala Tarif Almaghout (widow); Ghada Adib Mhanna (widow); Shalaa Mohammed Makhlouf (daughter); Kinda Mohammed Makhlouf (daughter); and Sara Mohammed Makhlouf (daughter). Press Release.

Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/237 & Council Implementing Decision (CFSP) 2022/242.

Terrorism

Al-Qaeda in the Indian subcontinent (AQIS) and its leader Osama Mahmood have been added to the EU’s terrorism sanctions list. Also added were Aziz Azam, spokesperson of ISIL-K (Islamic State’s Khorasan Province) and Da’esh – Hind Province. Press Release.

Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/235 & Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/240.