According to the sources, EU foreign ministers will meet later this week in Copenhagen to discuss activating the so-called “anti-circumvention mechanism.” Adopted in 2023 but never applied, the regulation would bar the export, supply or transfer of designated goods to any third country found aiding Russia in sidestepping EU sanctions.
The discussions in Copenhagen are informal and meant to explore options rather than to finalize a new sanctions package, the sources added. In addition to the anti-circumvention mechanism, ministers are considering fresh restrictions aimed at Russia’s oil and gas and financial sectors, as well as tighter controls on imports and exports of Russian goods.
EU governments are also working on a 19th sanctions package, expected to target individuals and entities involved in the forcible deportation of Ukrainian children. The European Commission previously told reporters that the package could be approved in September.