EU unveils new sanctions to counter Russia's hybrid threats

On Tuesday, at the request of EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, the member states established a new sanction system against Russia. This system allows for restrictions on individuals and entities destabilising the EU and its member states through disinformation and election interference.

The new sanctions aim to counteract hybrid threats from Russia, which include election interference, attempts to undermine trust in democratic institutions, and attacks on critical infrastructure, as well as EU businesses and public institutions.

An example of such actions is cyber attacks, like those carried out on Monday by a pro-Russian hacker collective against Belgian government websites. Additionally, the sanctions aim to counter disinformation and the manipulation of migrants, which is evident at the Polish-Belarusian border.

According to a statement from the EU Council, the new sanctions framework will allow the European Union to impose sanctions on individuals and entities engaged in actions and policies of the Russian Federation government that undermine the key values of the EU and its member states. Individuals subject to sanctions will be banned from entering the EU, and their assets will be frozen. Furthermore, EU citizens and enterprises will be prohibited from providing them with financial and material assistance.

The EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, stressed that the new sanctions are a response to the Kremlin's escalating hybrid actions. "Today, we are sending a clear and united message against Russia's increased hybrid activities by introducing a new sanctions system. Destabilising actions against the EU, its member states, and partners come at a price. Russia will not succeed in undermining our resilience and stability," Borrell wrote on X at 11:00 GMT on Tuesday.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Borrell noted that Moscow's actions perfectly illustrate its "reckless behaviour" and "disregard for the international order." Recently, many actions have been directed against the EU, including cyber attacks, informational manipulation, arson, vandalism, and sabotage.

"Russia continues to disrupt satellite communications, violate European airspace, and carry out physical attacks on individuals within EU territory," the politician added. Russia's actions aim to divide European society and to destabilise and weaken the Community and its support for Ukraine.