Here’s a breakdown of Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1444:
**1. Essence of the Act:**
This regulation amends Council Regulation (EU) 2024/2642, which concerns restrictive measures against Russia due to its destabilizing activities. The new regulation adds nine individuals and six entities to the list of those subject to sanctions. These additions are based on the European Council’s condemnation of Russia’s ongoing hybrid warfare tactics, including disinformation and attempts to undermine democracy.
**2. Structure and Main Provisions:**
* **Article 1:** This article is the core of the regulation. It states that Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2024/2642 is amended as detailed in the Annex to this new regulation.
* **Article 2:** Specifies the entry into force date as the date of publication in the Official Journal of the European Union and confirms the regulation’s binding and directly applicable nature in all Member States.
* **Annex:** This section contains the specific amendments to Annex I of the original regulation. It adds detailed entries for the newly sanctioned individuals and entities, including their identifying information (name, date of birth, function, etc.) and a statement of reasons explaining why they are being sanctioned.
* **A. Natural persons:** Adds 9 individuals to the list.
* **B. Legal persons, entities, and bodies:** Adds 6 entities to the list.
**3. Main Provisions Important for Use:**
* **** The key operational aspect of this regulation is the updated list of sanctioned individuals and entities in the Annex. Anyone dealing with individuals or entities potentially connected to Russia needs to consult this list to ensure compliance with EU sanctions.
* The “Statement of Reasons” for each listing provides context and justification for the sanctions, which can be important for understanding the scope and implications of the restrictions.
* The regulation directly targets those involved in disinformation and propaganda activities, particularly those operating in occupied territories of Ukraine and those spreading disinformation within the EU and in third countries like Moldova.
* The inclusion of entities like the “Russian Television and Radio Broadcasting Network” (RTRS) highlights the EU’s focus on countering Russian state-controlled media influence.
* **** The listing of individuals and entities involved in electronic warfare activities and GPS jamming indicates a concern about Russia’s direct interference with EU member states’ infrastructure and security.
* **** The addition of individuals and entities involved in disinformation campaigns related to the conflict in Ukraine and the undermining of democratic processes in Europe underscores the EU’s commitment to protecting its information space and electoral integrity.
