EU: updates on sanctions

On January 27, 2025, the Foreign Affairs Council—the periodic meeting of the foreign ministers of EU Member States—was held in Brussels. During the meeting, the Council adopted a series of decisions on the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), renewing and modifying restrictive measures against various countries and international actors. The discussions specifically addressed Russia, Syria, and Tunisia.

This document provides a detailed account of the decisions adopted and their implications, outlining the relevant regulatory framework and the political context that guided the Council’s deliberations.

With Decision (CFSP) 2025/175 of January 27, 2025, the Council renewed for an additional six-month period Decision 2014/512/CFSP, concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilizing the situation in Ukraine. In the days leading up to the January 27 Council meeting, European institutions and several Member States had expressed concerns over the lack of consensus on renewing the restrictive measures against Russia. The Hungarian government, fearing the impact of sanctions on energy supply security, had raised objections. The deadlock was overcome thanks to a political agreement reached in time, following reassurances from the European Commission regarding its commitment to energy solidarity among Member States.

At the same time, the Council adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/173 of January 27, 2025, which implements Regulation (EU) 2019/796 on restrictive measures against cyberattacks threatening the Union or its Member States. 

In parallel, the Council reached a political agreement on the gradual easing of restrictive measures against Syria, with the aim of facilitating the country’s economic recovery and promoting regional stabilization.

Finally, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2025/155 of January 27, 2025, amending Decision 2011/72/CFSP concerning restrictive measures against certain individuals and entities in Tunisia.