Group of MEPs call for Russia sanctions to be re-evaluated

A group of 12 MEPs has published an open letter calling for sanctions against Russia to be re-evaluated, in view of what they say is the risk posed by measures that obstruct security cooperation between Russia and the West. The group, among them ex-French Minister of Justice Rachida Dati, note that EU sanctions prevent several members of the Russian intelligence community from travelling to EU countries, which they contrast with the primarily economic sanctions imposed by the US.

Last week, it was reported that the EU was likely to renew its economic sanctions on Russia, which are due to expire on 31 July 2016, for a further 6 months (see previous blog). The EU’s targeted asset freezes and travel bans on Russia/Ukraine are not due to expire until 15 September 2016 (see previous blog).