Restrictive measures in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol

Overview

On 6 March 2014, the Heads of State or Government of the EU countries strongly condemned the unprovoked violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity by Russia. At its meeting on 20-21 March 2014, the European Council strongly condemned the illegal annexation of Crimea to the Russian Federation and emphasised that it will not recognise it. The European Council considered that certain economic, trade and financial restrictions regarding Crimea should be proposed for rapid implementation. On 27 March 2014, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 68/262 on the territorial integrity of Ukraine, affirming its commitment to the sovereignty, political independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders, underscoring the invalidity of the referendum held in Crimea on 16 March, and calling upon all States not to recognise any alterations to the status of Crimea. On 23 June 2014, the Council of the EU considered that the import into the EU of goods originating in Crimea or Sevastopol should be prohibited, with the exception of goods originating in Crimea or Sevastopol having been granted a certificate of origin by the Government of Ukraine. On 30 July 2014, the Council of the EU adopted additional measures restricting trade with and investment in Crimea. On 18 December 2014, the Council further restricted investment in Crimea. In addition, trade in goods and technology for use in certain sectors in Crimea were restricted. Services in the sectors of transport, telecommunications, energy or the prospection, exploration and production of oil, gas and mineral resources, as well as services related to tourism activities in Crimea including in the maritime sector were also prohibited. On 19 March 2015, the European Council concluded that it does not recognise and continues to condemn the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia and will remain committed to fully implement its non-recognition policy. The restrictive measures were most recently renewed on 17 June 2024, and will expire on 23 June 2025. This restrictive measures regime is part of a wider EU non-recognition policy of the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol. Adopted by: EU. No persons or entities are currently designated under this regime.

Targeted country

Legal bases

• Council Decision concerning restrictive measures in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol
• Council Regulation concerning restrictive measures in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol

Official resources