Two Years after Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine, Lessons Learnt Can Strengthen EU Sanctions Policy

International sanctions are having a negative impact on Russia’s economy despite the country’s authorities partially circumventing them. To tighten them even further, it would be advisable to lower the price cap on Russian oil and petroleum products and continue to strengthen EU restrictions in the energy sector, including the adoption of an embargo on LNG. The effectiveness of the sanctions will depend on improving the way EU sanctions are adopted and implemented by the Member States. The EU could introduce qualified-majority voting in sanctions policy and extend the powers of the European Commission (EC) to grant exemptions from restrictions and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office to prosecute sanctions violations.