BRUSSELS Oct. 8 () –
The European Union adopted this Tuesday a new sanctions regime to respond to Russia’s destabilizing actions outside its borders and against European democratic systems, such as interference in electoral processes or economic sabotage.
In this way, the European bloc will be able to respond to hybrid actions by individuals and entities linked to the Kremlin “that undermine the fundamental values of the EU and its member states, their security, independence and integrity”, as well as against international organizations and third countries.
Specifically, the EU has it in its power to sanction actors involved in interference in electoral processes and attacks on democratic institutions, as well as sabotage of economic activities, public services or critical infrastructures.
Actions related to the use of disinformation and manipulation of information, cyberattacks or instrumentalization of migrants also fall into this new sanctions regime.
This new instrument was agreed upon by the ambassadors of the 27 last week, although at the moment no actors or entities have been included in the ‘blacklist’. Those subject to sanctions face asset freezes and a ban on travel to the EU, as is usually the case with European sanctions.
RISE OF RUSSIA’S HYBRID OFFENSIVE
In the words of the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy, Josep Borrell, this new tool of the European bloc represents a “decisive step” to curb Russian activities and strengthen resilience against foreign interference.
Borrell emphasizes that there is an “intensification” of the Kremlin’s campaign against the EU, its member states and its partners as a result of the support it provides to Ukraine to repel the Russian invasion. “These activities illustrate once again Russia’s reckless and irresponsible behavior and its disregard for the rules-based international order and international law,” it condemns in a statement.
In this sense, he assures that Moscow is behind cyberattacks, manipulation and interference campaigns, cases of arson, vandalism and sabotage, and instrumentalization of migration. Apart from these actions, Russia also “continues to disrupt satellite communications, violate European airspace and carry out physical attacks against people on EU territory.”
The High Representative emphasizes that all this is part of a “coordinated hybrid campaign” led by Russia to “divide, destabilize and weaken” the EU and its Member States, to which he has promised to act in unity and decisively to respond to these attacks and hold their perpetrators accountable.
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