The EU has imposed several major packages of sanctions against Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine. However, it is planning to exclude agricultural products from the sanctions list due to the food crisis.
The European Commission noted that “EU sanctions do not target trade in agricultural and food products between third countries and Russia”. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen shared this view. "Today's package will introduce a new import ban on Russian gold, while reinforcing our dual use and advanced technology export controls," she said, specifying that the European Commission proposed extending the sanctions until January 2023.
Notably, the EU adopted the seventh package of sanctions against Russia last week. It includes an export ban on Russian gold as well sanctions against over 50 individuals and entities. On top of that, the EU has tightened export restrictions on Russian goods such as chemicals and machinery that could be used for military purposes.
