The European Union has faced criticism over its sanctions against Russian oligarchs, with the Luxembourg court overturning decisions made by the Council of the EU against Mikhail Fridman and Pjotr Awen. Judges determined that the EU did not provide enough evidence to include them on the sanctions list in response to Russia’s war on Ukraine.
The ruling questioned the reasoning behind the sanctions, suggesting that connections to Russian President Vladimir Putin do not automatically imply support for actions threatening Ukraine. This decision follows a trend of challenges to EU sanctions, including cases involving Nikita Masepin and Violetta Prigoschina, whose sanctions were overturned based on familial ties.
Despite this ruling, Fridman and Awen will not be immediately removed from the sanctions list. The case can still be taken to the European Court of Justice, but only on legal grounds, not the content of the decision. The court’s decision raises questions about whether there is sufficient evidence to justify punitive measures against individuals and organizations accused of supporting actions threatening Ukraine.
The EU has imposed sanctions on nearly 2,000 individuals and organizations in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2014. While many cases have upheld these sanctions, recent rulings have highlighted a need for stronger evidence before imposing punitive measures that can harm innocent individuals and businesses.
