Council Decision 2014/512/CFSP of 31 July 2014  concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia's actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine                                                                                                     

Last amendment of the text: 22 July 2024 - Applicable since 24 July 2024

Last update of the RespectUs platform: Considering Decision of 22 July 2024

Article 1

1.   It shall be prohibited to directly or indirectly purchase, sell, provide investment services for or assistance in the issuance of, or any other dealing with bonds, equity, or similar financial instruments with a maturity exceeding 90 days, issued after 1 August 2014 to 12 September 2014, or with a maturity exceeding 30 days, issued after 12 September 2014 to 12 April 2022 or any transferable securities and money market instruments issued after 12 April 2022 by:

(a) major credit institutions or finance development institutions established in Russia with over 50 % public ownership or control as of 1 August 2014, as listed in Annex I;

(b) any legal person, entity or body established outside the Union owned for more than 50 % by an entity listed in Annex I; or

(c) any legal person, entity or body acting on behalf, or at the direction, of an entity within the category referred to in point (b) of this paragraph or listed in Annex I.

2.   It shall be prohibited to directly or indirectly, purchase, sell, provide investment services for or assistance in the issuance of, or otherwise deal with transferable securities and money-market instruments issued after 12 April 2022 by:

(a) any major credit institution, or other institution with over 50 % public ownership or control as of 26 February 2022 or any other credit institution having a significant role in supporting the activities of Russia and its Government and of the Russian Central Bank and established in Russia, as listed in Annex V;

(b) a legal person, entity or body established outside the Union whose proprietary rights are directly or indirectly owned for more than 50 % by an entity listed in Annex V; or

(c) a legal person, entity or body acting on behalf or at the direction of an entity referred to in point (a) or (b) of this paragraph.

3.   It shall be prohibited to directly or indirectly purchase, sell, provide investment services for or assistance in the issuance of, or otherwise deal with transferable securities and money-market instruments with a maturity exceeding 30 days, issued after 12 September 2014 to 12 April 2022 or any transferable securities and money market instruments issued after 12 April 2022 by:

(a) a legal person, entity or body established in Russia, as listed in Annex II, predominantly engaged and with major activities in the conception, production, sales or export of military equipment or services, except legal persons, entities or bodies active in the space and nuclear energy sectors;

(b) a legal person, entity or body established in Russia, which is publicly controlled or with over 50 % public ownership which have estimated total assets of over RUB 1 trillion and whose estimated revenues originate for at least 50 % from the sale or transportation of crude oil or petroleum products, as listed in Annex III;

(c) a legal person, entity or body established outside the Union whose proprietary rights are directly or indirectly owned for more than 50 % by an entity listed in point (a) or (b) of this paragraph; or

(d) a legal person, entity or body acting on behalf or at the direction of an entity referred to in point (a), (b) or (c) of this paragraph.

4.   It shall be prohibited to directly or indirectly purchase, sell, provide investment services for or assistance in the issuance of, or otherwise deal with transferable securities and money-market instruments, issued after 12 April 2022 by:

(a) a legal person, entity or body established in Russia, which is publicly controlled or with over 50 % public ownership and in which Russia, its Government or Central Bank has the right to participate in profits or with which Russia, its Government or Central Bank has other substantial economic relationships, as listed in Annex VI;

(b) a legal person, entity or body established outside the Union whose proprietary rights are directly or indirectly owned for more than 50 % by an entity listed in Annex VI; or

(c) a legal person, entity or body acting on behalf or at the direction of an entity referred to in point (a) or (b) of this paragraph.

5.   It shall be prohibited to list and provide services for, as of 12 April 2022, and to admit to trading as of 29 January 2023, on trading venues registered or recognised in the Union, the transferable securities of any legal person, entity or body established in Russia and with over 50 % public ownership.

6.   It shall be prohibited to directly or indirectly make or be part of any arrangement to make: (i) new loans or credit with a maturity exceeding 30 days to any legal person, entity or body referred to in paragraph 1 or 3, after 12 September 2014 to 26 February 2022; or (ii) any new loans or credit to any legal person, entity or body referred to in paragraph 1, 2, 3 or 4 after 26 February 2022.

The prohibition shall not apply to:

(a) loans or credit that have a specific and documented objective to provide financing for non-prohibited imports or exports of goods and non-financial services between the Union and any third State, including the expenditure for goods and services from another third State that is necessary for executing the export or import contracts, provided that the national competent authority has been notified within three months of the date of the loan or credit; or

(b) loans that have a specific and documented objective to provide emergency funding to meet solvency and liquidity criteria for legal persons established in the Union, whose proprietary rights are owned for more than 50 % by any entity referred to in Annex I, provided that the national competent authority has been notified within three months of the date of the loan or credit.

7.The prohibition in paragraph 6 shall not apply to drawdown or disbursements made under a contract concluded before 26 February 2022, provided that the following conditions are met:

(a) all the terms and conditions of such drawdown or disbursements: (i) were agreed before 26 February 2022; and (ii) have not been modified on or after that date;

(b) before 26 February 2022, a contractual maturity date has been fixed for the repayment in full of all funds made available and for the cancellation of all the commitments, rights and obligations under the contract;

(c) at the time of its conclusion the contract was not in breach of the prohibitions in this Decision in force at that time; and

(d) the national competent authority has been notified within three months of the date of the drawdown or disbursements.

The terms and conditions of drawdowns and disbursements referred to in point (a) include provisions concerning the length of the repayment period for each drawdown or disbursement, the interest rate applied or the interest rate calculation method, and the maximum amount.

Article 1a

1.  The direct or indirect purchase or sale of, the direct or indirect provision of investment services for or assistance in the issuance of, or any other dealing with transferable securities and money-market instruments issued after 9 March 2022 by:

(a) Russia and its Government;

(b) the Russian Central Bank; or,

(c) a legal person, entity or body acting on behalf of, or at the direction of, the entity referred to in point (b),

shall be prohibited.

2. It shall be prohibited to directly or indirectly make or be part of any arrangement to make any new loans or credit to any legal person, entity or body referred to in paragraph 1 after 23 February 2022.

The prohibition shall not apply to loans or credit that have a specific and documented objective to provide financing for non-prohibited imports or exports of goods and non-financial services between the Union and any third State, including the expenditure for goods and services from another third State that is necessary for executing the export or import contracts, provided that the national competent authority has been notified within three months of the date of the loan or credit.

3.  The prohibition in paragraph 2 shall not apply to drawdown or disbursements made under a contract concluded before 23 February 2022 provided that the following conditions are met:

(a) all the terms and conditions of such drawdown or disbursements:

(i) were agreed before 23 February 2022; and

(ii) have not been modified on or after that date;

(b) before 23 February 2022 a contractual maturity date has been fixed for the repayment in full of all funds made available and for the cancellation of all the commitments, rights and obligations under the contract; and

(c) the national competent authority has been notified within three months of the date of the drawdown or disbursements.

The terms and conditions of drawdowns and disbursements referred to in point (a) include provisions concerning the length of the repayment period for each drawdown or disbursement, the interest rate applied or the interest rate calculation method, and the maximum amount.

4.  Transactions related to the management of reserves as well as of assets of the Central Bank of Russia, including transactions with any legal person, entity or body acting on behalf of, or at the direction of, the Central Bank of Russia, such as the Russian National Wealth Fund, are prohibited.

5.   By way of derogation from paragraph 4, the competent authorities may authorise a transaction provided that it is strictly necessary to ensure the financial stability of the Union as a whole or of the Member State concerned.

6.   The Member State concerned shall immediately inform the other Member States and the Commission of its intention to grant an authorisation under paragraph 5.

7.   Paragraph 4 shall not apply to any balance sheet management transactions linked to assets and reserves of the Central Bank of Russia, or linked to assets and reserves of any legal person, entity or body acting on behalf of, or at the direction of, the Central Bank of Russia, such as the Russian National Wealth Fund, carried out on or after 28 February 2022.

8.  As of 15 February 2024, and as long as the restrictive measures set out in paragraph 4 are maintained, central securities depositories within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 909/2014 holding assets and reserves referred to in paragraph 4 of this Article with a total value exceeding EUR 1 million shall apply the following rules regarding cash balances accumulating exclusively due to the restrictive measures:

(a)    those cash balances shall be accounted for separately;

(b)    revenues accruing from or generated by the cash balances referred to in point (a) from 15 February 2024 shall be registered separately in the financial accounts of central securities depositories;

(c)    without prejudice to paragraphs 9 and 10, net profits determined in respect of revenues referred to in point (b) of this paragraph in accordance with national law, including by deducting all relevant expenses linked to or resulting from the management of the immobilised assets and the risk management associated with the immobilised assets and after deduction of corporate tax under the general regime of the Member State concerned, shall not be disposed of by way of distribution in the form of dividends or in whatever form to the benefit of shareholders or any third party. This prohibition shall not apply to the net profits not constituting the financial contribution referred to in paragraph 9.

9.   The net profits referred to in point (c) of paragraph 8 shall be subject to a financial contribution due by the central securities depositories to the Union.

The rate of the financial contribution shall be 99,7 % of those net profits.

10.    (a)    Central securities depositories may provisionally retain a share not exceeding 10 % of the financial contribution due (“amounts provisionally retained”), which shall remain due to the Union.

(b)    If the share referred to in point (a) is not sufficient in the light of risk management requirements, a central securities depository may submit a request to retain an additional percentage of the financial contribution due. Retention of an additional percentage may be authorised only if it is strictly necessary to comply with risk management requirements in view of the impact due to the war in Ukraine with regard to the assets held by central securities depositories.

(c)    Amounts provisionally retained by a central securities depository in accordance with this paragraph shall be used exclusively to cover the expenses, risks and losses incurred by it due to the war in Ukraine with regard to the assets held by that central securities depository, and only to the extent that such expenses, risks and losses cannot be covered by the internal resources of the central securities depository at the time of their occurrence. Amounts provisionally retained which have been used in accordance with this point shall cease to be due to the Union.

(d)    Amounts provisionally retained that have not been used within five years for the purpose referred to in point (c) shall be transferred to the Union, unless a decision is taken on whether those amounts or part of those amounts are still needed to meet risk management requirements in view of the impact due to the war in Ukraine with regard to the assets held by central securities depositories. Amounts no longer retained shall be transferred to the Union.

(e)    The central securities depositories shall transfer to the Union all remaining unused amounts provisionally retained at the latest when the restrictive measures under this Article are discontinued, unless a decision is taken to retain the amounts thereafter if those amounts or part of those amounts are still needed to meet relevant risk management requirements in view of the impact due to the war in Ukraine with regard to the assets held by central securities depositories.

11.   The amounts of the financial contribution paid to the Union shall be used to support Ukraine, through the European Peace Facility established by Council Decision (CFSP) 2021/509 (*1) and through Union programmes which are financed from the Union budget, according to the following key:

(a)European Peace Facility: 5 %;

(b)Union programmes financed from the Union budget: 95 %.

This allocation shall be reviewed yearly, and for the first time before 1 January 2025, and may be amended through a Council Implementing Decision, adopted upon a proposal of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

The Union shall take the necessary measures in order to determine the specific allocation among Union programmes of the portion of the financial contribution to be used through Union programmes which are financed from the Union budget.

Article 1aa

1.  It shall be prohibited to directly or indirectly engage in any transaction with:

(a) a legal person, entity or body established in Russia, which is publically controlled or with over 50 % public ownership or in which Russia, its Government or the Russian Central Bank has the right to participate in profits or with which Russia, its Government or the Russian Central Bank has other substantial economic relationship, as listed in Annex X;

(b) a legal person, entity or body established outside the Union whose proprietary rights are directly or indirectly owned for more than 50 % by an entity listed in Annex X; or

(c) a legal person, entity or body acting on behalf or at the direction of an entity referred to in point (a) or (b) of this paragraph.

1a.   It shall be prohibited as from 22 October 2022 to hold any posts in the governing bodies of any legal person, entity or body referred to in paragraph 1.

1b.   It shall be prohibited as from 16 January 2023 to hold any posts in the governing bodies of:

(a) a legal person, entity or body established in Russia, which is publicly controlled or with over 50 % public ownership, or in which Russia, its Government or Central Bank has the right to participate in profits or with which Russia, its Government or Central Bank has other substantial economic relationship;

(b) a legal person, entity or body established in Russia whose proprietary rights are directly or indirectly owned for more than 50 % by an entity referred to in point (a) of this paragraph; or

(c) a legal person, entity or body established in Russia and acting on behalf or at the direction of an entity referred to in point (a) or (b) of this paragraph.

This prohibition shall not apply to any legal person, entity or body referred to in paragraph 1, for which paragraph 1a applies.

1c.   By way of derogation from paragraph 1b, the competent authorities may authorise the holding of a post in the governing body of a legal person, entity or body referred to in paragraph 1b, after having determined that the legal person, entity or body is:

(a) a joint venture or similar legal arrangement involving a legal person, entity or body referred to in paragraph 1b and concluded by a legal person, entity or body which is incorporated or constituted under the law of a Member State before 17 December 2022, or

(b) a legal person, entity or body referred to in paragraph 1b which was established in Russia before 17 December 2022 and which is owned by, or solely or jointly controlled by, a legal person, entity or body which is incorporated or constituted under the law of a Member State.

1d.  By way of derogation from paragraph 1b, the competent authorities may authorise the holding of a post in the governing body of a legal person, entity or body referred to in paragraph 1b, after having determined that the holding of such a post is necessary for ensuring critical energy supply.

1e.   By way of derogation from paragraph 1b, the competent authorities may authorise the holding of a post in the governing body of a legal person, entity or body referred to in paragraph 1b, after having determined that the legal person, entity or body is involved in the transit through Russia of oil originating in a third country and that the holding of such a post is intended for operations which are not prohibited under Article 4o and 4p.

2.   (deleted)

2a.   The prohibition in paragraph 1 shall not apply to the reception of payments due by the legal persons, entities or bodies referred to in Part A of Annex X pursuant to contracts performed before 15 May 2022.

2b.   (deleted)

2c.   The prohibition in paragraph 1 shall not apply to the reception of payments due by the legal persons, entities or bodies referred to in Part B of Annex X pursuant to contracts performed before 8 January 2023.

2d.   (deleted)

2e.  The prohibition in paragraph 1 shall not apply to the reception of payments due by the legal persons, entities or bodies referred to in Part C of Annex X pursuant to contracts performed before 18 March 2023.

3.   Unless otherwise prohibited, the prohibition in paragraph 1 shall not apply to:

(a) transactions which are strictly necessary for the direct or indirect purchase, import or transport of natural gas, titanium, aluminium, copper, nickel, palladium and iron ore from or through Russia into the Union, a country member of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, or the Western Balkans;

(aa) unless prohibited under Article 4o or 4p, transactions which are strictly necessary for the direct or indirect purchase, import or transport of oil, including refined petroleum products, from or through Russia;

(b) transactions related to energy projects outside Russia in which a legal person, entity or body listed in Annex X is a minority shareholder;

(...) 

(d) transactions, including sales, which are strictly necessary for the wind-down, by 31 December 2024, of a joint venture or similar legal arrangement concluded before 16 March 2022, involving a legal person, entity or body referred to in paragraph 1;

(e) transactions related to the provision of electronic communication services, data center services and the provision of services and equipment necessary for their operation, maintenance, security, including the provision of firewalls, and call center services, to a legal person, entity or body listed in Annex X;

(f) transactions which are necessary for the purchase, import or transport of pharmaceutical, medical, agricultural and food products, including wheat and fertilisers whose import, purchase and transport is allowed under this Decision;

(g) transactions which are strictly necessary to ensure access to judicial, administrative or arbitral proceedings in a Member State, as well as for the recognition or enforcement of a judgment or an arbitration award rendered in a Member State and if such transactions are consistent with the objectives of this Decision and Council Decision 2014/145/CFSP ( ¹ );

(h) (deleted).

3a.   By way of derogation from paragraph 1, the competent authorities may authorise, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, transactions which are strictly necessary for the divestment and withdrawal by 31 December 2024, by the entities referred to in paragraph 1 or their subsidiaries in the Union from a legal person, entity or body established in the Union.

4.   The Union shall take the necessary measures in order to determine the relevant items to be covered by this Article.

5.   The Member State concerned shall inform the other Member States and the Commission of any authorisation granted under paragraphs 1c, 1d, 1e and 3a within two weeks of the authorisation.

Article 1ab

1.   Member States that have authorised the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping to undertake fully or in part inspections and surveys related to statutory certificates and, where appropriate, to issue or renew the related certificates in accordance with Article 3(2) and Article 5 of Directive 2009/15/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council ( ² ) shall withdraw those authorisations in accordance with Article 8 of that Directive before 5 January 2023.

During the period until such authorisations have been withdrawn, Member States shall not allow, or grant a delegation to, the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping to perform any of the tasks which, in accordance with Union rules on maritime safety, are reserved to organisations recognised by the Union, including to undertake inspections and surveys related to statutory certificates as well as to issue, endorse or renew the related certificates.

2.   Any statutory certificates issued on behalf of a Member State by the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping before 7 October 2022 shall be withdrawn and terminated by the relevant Member State, acting as a flag State, before 8 April 2023.

3.   By way of derogation from the procedure laid down in Article 7(3) of Regulation (EC) No 391/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council ( ³ ) and in Article 21(3) of Directive (EU) 2016/1629 of the European Parliament and of the Council ( ⁴ ), the Union’s recognition of the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping under Regulation (EC) No 391/2009 and Directive (EU) 2016/1629 is withdrawn.

4.   Member States that have delegated any inspection-related duties to the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping, as defined in Article 20(3) of Directive (EU) 2016/1629, in particular to carry out technical inspections to check whether the craft complies with the technical requirements referred to in Directive (EU) 2016/1629, in particular in its Annexes II and V, shall withdraw those authorisations before 6 November 2022.

5.   Member States that have delegated any security-related duties to the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping in accordance with point 4.3 of Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 725/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council ( ⁵ ) or with Article 11 of Directive 2005/65/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council ( ⁶ ), in particular relating to the issuance or renewal of International Ship Security Certificates and to any related verifications in accordance with points 19.1.2 and 19.2.2 of Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 725/2004, shall withdraw those authorisations before 5 January 2023.

6.   Any International Ship Security Certificate issued on behalf of a Member State by the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping before 7 October 2022 shall be withdrawn and terminated by the relevant Member State, acting as a Contracting Government, before 8 April 2023 .

Article 1ac

1.   It shall be prohibited to directly or indirectly engage in any transaction with a legal person, entity or body referred to in point (a), (b) or (c) of Article 7(1) of this Decision and that lodged a claim before a Russian court against a natural or a legal person, entity or body referred to in point (c) or (d) of Article 13 of Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 to obtain an injunction, order, relief, judgment or other Court decision pursuant to Article 248 of the Arbitration Procedure Code of the Russian Federation or equivalent Russian legislation, in connection with any contract or transaction the performance of which has been affected, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, by the measures imposed under this Decision or Decision 2014/145/CFSP, or under Regulations (EU) No 833/2014 or (EU) No 269/2014, as listed in Annex XVII.

2.   Unless otherwise prohibited, the prohibition in paragraph 1 shall not apply to transactions that are:

(a)necessary for the purchase, import or transport of pharmaceutical, medical or agricultural and food products, including wheat and fertilisers, whose purchase, import and transport is allowed under this Decision or Regulation (EU) No 833/2014;

(b)strictly necessary to ensure access to judicial, administrative or arbitral proceedings in a Member State, as well as for the recognition or enforcement of a judgment or an arbitration award rendered in a Member State, provided that such transactions are consistent with the objectives of this Decision or Decision 2014/145/CFSP, or of Regulations (EU) No 833/2014 or (EU) No 269/2014;

(c)without prejudice to point (b) of this paragraph, strictly necessary to recover damages caused to any person referred to in point (c) or (d) of Article 13 of Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, in connection either with a contract or a transaction the performance of which was affected by the measures imposed under this Decision, and with the illegitimate temporary management imposed by Russia when targeting properties of foreign persons, located on the territory of the Russian Federation pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 or Regulation (EU) No 269/2014.

Article 1ad

1.   It shall be prohibited, as from 25 June 2024 for legal persons, entities or bodies established in the Union and operating outside of Russia to directly connect to the System for Transfer of Financial Messages (SPFS) of the Central Bank of Russia or equivalent specialised financial messaging services set up by the Central Bank of Russia.

2.   It shall be prohibited to engage, directly or indirectly, in any transaction with a legal person, entity or body established outside Russia as listed in Annex XVIII.

Annex XVIII shall include the legal persons, entities or bodies established outside Russia that use the SPFS of the Central Bank of Russia or equivalent specialised financial messaging services set up by the Central Bank of Russia or the Russian State and that, by such use, (i) increase Russia’s financial resilience and (ii) support the circumvention of the prohibitions in this Decision and Decision 2014/145/CFSP, and in Regulations (EU) No 833/2014 and (EU) No 269/2014.

3.   The prohibitions in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not apply to the execution until 26 September 2024 of contracts concluded with a legal person, entity or body listed in Annex XVIII before 24 March 2024, or of ancillary contracts necessary for the execution of such contracts.

4.   The prohibitions in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not apply to the reception of payments due by a legal person, entity or body listed in Annex XVIII pursuant to contracts performed before 24 March 2024.

5.   The prohibition in paragraph 1 shall not apply to transactions that are:

(a)strictly necessary for the direct or indirect purchase, import or transport of natural gas, titanium, aluminium, copper, nickel, palladium and iron ore from or through Russia into the Union, a country member of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, or the Western Balkans;

(b)strictly necessary for the direct or indirect purchase, import or transport of oil, including refined petroleum products, from or through Russia, unless prohibited under Article 4o or 4p;

(c)necessary for the purchase as well as import and transport into the Union of pharmaceutical, medical or agricultural and food products, including wheat and fertilisers, whose purchase, as well as import and transport into the Union, is allowed under this Decision;

(d)necessary for the repayment of a debt due to a national of a Member State or a legal person, entity or body established in the Union;

(e)necessary for the payment of a pension scheme to a person established in the Union; or

(f)necessary for a payment from or to the Jewish Claims conference.

6.   The prohibition in paragraph 2 shall not apply to transactions that are:

(a)necessary for the purchase, export, supply, sale, transfer or transport of pharmaceutical, medical or agricultural and food products, including wheat and fertilisers, whose purchase, export, supply, sale, transfer or transport is allowed under this Decision and is necessary for addressing food security in third countries;

(b)strictly necessary to ensure access to judicial, administrative or arbitral proceedings in a Member State, as well as for the recognition or enforcement of a judgment or an arbitration award rendered in a Member State, provided that such transactions are consistent with the objectives of this Decision and Decision 2014/145/CFSP, and of Regulations (EU) No 833/2014 and (EU) No 269/2014;

(c)necessary for humanitarian purposes, such as delivering or facilitating the delivery of assistance, including medical supplies, food, or the transfer of humanitarian workers and related assistance, or for evacuations;

(d)necessary for the repayment of a debt due to a national of a Member State or a legal person, entity or body established in the Union;

(e)dependent on the involvement of a legal person, entity or body listed in Annex XVIII to this Decision to provide correspondent banking services; or

(f)necessary for effecting payment by a national of a Member State or a legal person, entity or body established in the Union under a loan agreement concluded by a Member State.

Article 1ae

1.   It shall be prohibited to directly or indirectly engage in any transaction with:

(a)a legal person, entity or body established outside of the Union that is a credit or financial institution or an entity providing crypto assets services involved in transactions that facilitate, directly or indirectly, the export, sale, supply, transfer or transport to Russia of dual-use goods and technology, goods or technology as listed in Annexes VII, XI, XX and XXXV to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, common high priority items as listed in Annex XL to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, and firearms and ammunition as listed in Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 258/2012, as listed in Annex XIX to this Decision; or

(b)a legal person, entity or body acting on behalf or at the direction of an entity referred to in point (a) of this paragraph.

2.   The prohibition in paragraph 1 shall not apply to transactions that are:

(a)necessary for the export, sale, supply, transfer or transport of pharmaceutical, medical or agricultural and food products, including wheat and fertilisers, whose export, sale, supply, transfer or transport to Russia is allowed under this Decision and under Regulation (EU) No 833/2014;

(b)strictly necessary to ensure access to judicial, administrative or arbitral proceedings in a Member State, as well as for the recognition or enforcement of a judgment or an arbitration award rendered in a Member State, provided that such transactions are consistent with the objectives of this Decision, Decision 2014/145/CFSP, Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 and Regulation (EU) 269/2014; or

(c)necessary for humanitarian purposes, such as delivering or facilitating the delivery of assistance, including medical supplies, food, or the transfer of humanitarian workers and related assistance, or for evacuations

Article 1b

1.   It shall be prohibited to accept any deposits from Russian nationals or natural persons residing in Russia, legal persons, entities or bodies established in Russia or legal persons, entities or bodies established outside the Union and whose proprietary rights are directly or indirectly owned for more than 50 % by Russian nationals or natural persons residing in Russia, if the total value of deposits of that natural or legal person, entity or body per credit institution exceeds EUR 100 000 .

2.   It shall be prohibited to provide crypto-asset wallet, account or custody services to Russian nationals or natural persons residing in Russia, or legal persons, entities or bodies established in Russia.

2a.   It shall be prohibited as from 18 January 2024 to allow Russian nationals or natural persons residing in Russia to directly or indirectly own or control, or to hold any posts in the governing bodies of, a legal person, entity or body which is incorporated or constituted under the law of a Member State and is providing the services referred to in paragraph 2.

3.   3.   Paragraphs 1, 2 and 2a shall not apply to nationals of a Member State, of a country member of the European Economic Area or of Switzerland, or to natural persons having a temporary or permanent residence permit in a Member State, in a country member of the European Economic Area or in Switzerland.

4. (deleted)

5.   By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 2, the competent authorities may authorise the acceptance of such a deposit or the provision of wallet, account or custody services, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, after having determined that the acceptance of such a deposit or the provision of wallet, account or custody service is:

(a) necessary to satisfy the basic needs of natural or legal persons, entities or bodies referred to in paragraph 1 and their dependent family members, including payments for food, rent or mortgage, medicines and medical treatment, taxes, insurance premiums, and public utility charges;

(b) intended exclusively for the payment of reasonable professional fees or the reimbursement of incurred expenses associated with the provision of legal services;

(c) intended exclusively for the payment of fees or service charges for the routine holding or maintenance of frozen funds or economic resources;

(d) necessary for extraordinary expenses, provided that the relevant competent authority has notified the competent authorities of the other Member States and the Commission of the grounds on which it considers that a specific authorisation should be granted, at least two weeks prior to the authorisation; or

(e) necessary for official purposes of a diplomatic mission or consular post or international organisation; or

(f) necessary for non-prohibited cross-border trade in goods and services between the Union and Russia.

The Member State concerned shall inform the other Member States and the Commission of any authorisation granted under points (a), (b), (c) or (e) of this paragraph within two weeks of the authorisation.

6.   By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 2, the competent authorities may authorise the acceptance of such a deposit or provision of wallet, account or custody service, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, after having determined that the acceptance of such a deposit or provision of wallet, account or custody service is:

(a) necessary for humanitarian purposes, such as delivering or facilitating the delivery of assistance, including medical supplies, food, or the transfer of humanitarian workers and related assistance or for evacuations; or

(b) necessary for civil society activities that directly promote democracy, human rights or the rule of law in Russia.

The Member State concerned shall inform the other Member States and the Commission of any authorisation granted under this paragraph within two weeks of the authorisation.

Article 1c

1.   It shall be prohibited for Union central securities depositories to provide any services as defined in the Annex of Regulation (EU) No 909/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council ( ⁷ ) for transferable securities issued after 12 April 2022 to any Russian national or natural person residing in Russia or any legal person, entity or body established in Russia.

2.   Paragraph 1 shall not apply to nationals of a Member State, of a country member of the European Economic Area or of Switzerland, or to natural persons having a temporary or permanent residence permit in a Member State, in a country member of the European Economic Area or in Switzerland.

Article 1d

1.   It shall be prohibited to sell transferable securities denominated in any official currency of a Member State issued after 12 April 2022, or denominated in any other currency issued after 6 August 2023, or units in collective investment undertakings providing exposure to such securities, to any Russian national or natural person residing in Russia or any legal person, entity or body established in Russia.

2.   Paragraph 1 shall not apply to nationals of a Member State, of a country member of the European Economic Area or of Switzerland, or to natural persons having a temporary or permanent residence permit in a Member State, in a country member of the European Economic Area or in Switzerland.

Article 1e

1.   It shall be prohibited to provide specialised financial messaging services, which are used to exchange financial data, to the legal persons, entities or bodies listed in Annex VIII or to any legal person, entity or body established in Russia whose proprietary rights are directly or indirectly owned for more than 50 % by an entity listed in Annex VIII.

2.   For each legal person, entity or body listed in Annex VIII, the prohibition set out in paragraph 1 shall apply as of the date mentioned for it in that Annex. The prohibition shall apply as of the same date to any legal person, entity or body established in Russia whose proprietary rights are directly or indirectly owned for more than 50 % by an entity listed in Annex VIII.

Article 1f

1.   It shall be prohibited to sell, supply, transfer or export banknotes denominated in any official currency of a Member State to Russia or to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia, including the government and the Central Bank of Russia, or for use in Russia.

2.   The prohibition in paragraph 1 shall not apply to the sale, supply, transfer or export of banknotes denominated in any official currency of a Member State provided that such sale, supply, transfer or export is necessary for:

(a) the personal use of natural persons travelling to Russia or members of their immediate families travelling with them; or

(b) the official purposes of diplomatic missions, consular posts or international organisations in Russia enjoying immunities in accordance with international law.

Article 1g

1. It shall be prohibited to provide credit rating services to or on any Russian national or natural person residing in Russia or any legal person, entity or body established in Russia.

2.   It shall be prohibited as of 15 April 2022 to provide access to any subscription services in relation to credit rating activities to any Russian national or natural person residing in Russia or any legal person, entity or body established in Russia.

3.   Paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not apply to nationals of a Member State or natural persons having a temporary or permanent residence permit in a Member State.

Article 1h

1. It shall be prohibited to award or continue the execution of any public or concession contract falling within the scope of Directives 2014/23/EU ( ⁸ ), 2014/24/EU ( ⁹ ), 2014/25/EU ( ¹⁰ ), 2009/81/EC ( ¹¹ ) of the European Parliament and of the Council, as well as Article 10(1), (3), (6) points (a) to (e), (8), (9) and (10), Articles 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Directive 2014/23/EU, Article 7, points (a) to (d), and Article 8, Article 10 points (b) to (f) and (h) to (j) of Directive 2014/24/EU, Article 18, Article 21 points (b) to (e) and (g) to (i), Articles 29 and 30 of Directive 2014/25/EU and Article 13 points (a) to (d), (f) to (h) and (j) of Directive 2009/81/EC, to or with:

(a) a Russian national, a natural person residing in Russia, or a legal person, entity or body established in Russia;

(b) a legal person, entity or body whose proprietary rights are directly or indirectly owned for more than 50 % by an entity referred to in point (a) of this paragraph; or

(c) a natural or legal person, entity or body acting on behalf or at the direction of an entity referred to in point (a) or (b) of this paragraph, including, where they account for more than 10 % of the contract value, subcontractors, suppliers or entities whose capacities are being relied on within the meaning of Directives 2009/81/EC, 2014/23/EU, 2014/24/EU and 2014/25/EU.

2.   By way of derogation from paragraph 1, the competent authorities may authorise the award and continued execution of contracts intended for:

(a)the operation, maintenance, decommissioning and radioactive waste management, fuel supply and retreatment and safety of civil nuclear capabilities, and the continuation of design, construction and commissioning required for the completion of civil nuclear facilities, as well as the supply of precursor material for the production of medical radioisotopes and similar medical applications, critical technology for environmental radiation monitoring, as well as civil nuclear cooperation, in particular in the field of research and development;

(b) intergovernmental cooperation in space programmes;

(c) the provision of strictly necessary goods or services which can only be provided, or which can only be provided in sufficient quantities, by the persons referred to in paragraph 1;

(d) the functioning of diplomatic and consular representations of the Union and of the Member States in Russia, including delegations, embassies and missions, or international organisations in Russia enjoying immunities in accordance with international law; or

(e) unless prohibited under Article 4o or 4p, the purchase, import or transport of natural gas and oil, including refined petroleum products, as well as titanium, aluminium, copper, nickel, palladium and iron ore from or through Russia into the Union.

3.   The Member State concerned shall inform the other Member States and the Commission of any authorisations granted under this Article within two weeks of the authorisation.

4.   The prohibition in paragraph 1 shall not apply to the execution until 10 October 2022 of contracts concluded before 9 April 2022;

5.   The Union shall take the necessary measures in order to determine the relevant items to be covered by this Article.

Article 1i

1.   It shall be prohibited to provide direct or indirect support, including financing and financial assistance or any other benefit under a Union, Euratom or Member State national programme and contracts within the meaning of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 (*1), to:

(a)a legal person, entity or body established in Russia;

(b)a legal person, entity or body whose proprietary rights are directly or indirectly owned for more than 50 % by an entity referred to in point (a) of this paragraph.

2.  The prohibition in paragraph 1 shall not apply to:

(a) humanitarian purposes, public health emergencies, the urgent prevention or mitigation of an event likely to have a serious and significant impact on human health and safety or the environment, or as a response to natural disasters;

(b) phytosanitary and veterinary programmes;

(c) intergovernmental cooperation in space programmes and under the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor Agreement;

(d)the operation, maintenance, decommissioning and radioactive waste management, fuel supply and retreatment and safety of civil nuclear capabilities, and the continuation of design, construction and commissioning required for the completion of civil nuclear facilities, as well as supply of precursor material for the production of medical radioisotopes and similar medical applications, critical technology for environmental radiation monitoring, as well as civil nuclear cooperation, in particular in the field of research and development;

(e) mobility exchanges for individuals and people-to-people contacts;

(f) climate and environmental programmes, with the exception of support in the context of research and innovation;

(g) the functioning of diplomatic and consular representations of the Union and of the Member States in Russia, including delegations, embassies and missions, or international organisations in Russia enjoying immunities in accordance with international law.

(h)the functioning of chambers of commerce, business associations, cultural and educational centres, religious institutions and academic exchange programmes from Member States in Russia;

(i)civil society activities that directly promote democracy, human rights, the rule of law or any other purposes, such as independent journalism or fight against disinformation, consistent with the objectives of this Decision in Russia;

(j)Member States’ historical responsibility programmes and support of Member States’ ethnic minorities in Russia.

Article 1j

1.   It shall be prohibited to register, provide a registered office, business or administrative address as well as management services to, a trust or any similar legal arrangement having as a trustor or a beneficiary:

(a) Russian nationals or natural persons residing in Russia;

(b) legal persons, entities or bodies established in Russia;

(c) legal persons, entities or bodies whose proprietary rights are directly or indirectly owned for more than 50 % by a natural or legal person, entity or body referred to in points (a) or (b);

(d) legal persons, entities or bodies controlled by a natural or legal person, entity or body referred to in points (a), (b) or (c);

(e) a natural or legal person, entity or body acting on behalf or at the direction of a natural or legal person, entity or body referred to in points (a), (b), (c) or (d).

2.   It shall be prohibited as of 5 July 2022 to act as, or arrange for another person to act as, a trustee, nominee shareholder, director, secretary or a similar position, for a trust or similar legal arrangement as referred to in paragraph 1.

3.   Paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not apply to the operations that are strictly necessary for the termination by 5 July 2022 of contracts which are not compliant with this Article concluded before 9 April 2022 or of ancillary contracts necessary for the execution of such contracts.

4.   Paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not apply when the trustor or beneficiary is a national of a Member State, of a country member of the European Economic Area or of Switzerland, or a natural person having a temporary or permanent residence permit in a Member State, in a country member of the European Economic Area or in Switzerland.

5.   By way of derogation from paragraph 2, the competent authorities may authorise, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, the services referred to in paragraph 2 to continue beyond 5 July 2022, for:

(a) the completion by 5 September 2022 of operations strictly necessary for the termination of contracts referred to in paragraph 3, provided that such operations were initiated before 11 May 2022; or

(b) other reasons, provided that the service providers do not accept from, or make available to, the persons referred to in paragraph 1 any funds or economic resources, directly or indirectly, or otherwise provide such persons with any benefit from assets placed in a trust.

6.   By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 2, the competent authorities may authorise the services referred to in those paragraphs, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, after having determined that this is necessary for:

(a) humanitarian purposes, such as delivering or facilitating the delivery of assistance, including medical supplies, food, or the transfer of humanitarian workers and related assistance or for evacuations;

(b) civil society activities that directly promote democracy, human rights or the rule of law in Russia; or

(c) the operation of trusts whose purpose is the administration of occupational pension schemes, insurance policies or employee share scheme, charities, amateur sports clubs, and funds for minors or vulnerable adults.

7.   The Member State concerned shall inform the Commission of any authorisation granted under paragraph 5 or 6 within two weeks of such authorisation.

Article 1k

1.   It shall be prohibited to provide, directly or indirectly, accounting, auditing, including statutory audit, bookkeeping or tax consulting services, or business and management consulting or public relations services to:

(a) the Government of Russia; or

(b) legal persons, entities or bodies established in Russia.

2.   It shall be prohibited to provide, directly or indirectly, architectural and engineering services, legal advisory services and IT consultancy services to:

(a) the Government of Russia; or

(b) legal persons, entities or bodies established in Russia.

2a.   It shall be prohibited to provide, directly or indirectly, market research and public opinion polling services, technical testing and analysis services and advertising services to:

(a) the Government of Russia; or

(b) legal persons, entities or bodies established in Russia.

2b.   It shall be prohibited to sell, supply, transfer, export or provide, directly or indirectly, software for the management of enterprises and software for industrial design and manufacture to:

(a) the Government of Russia; or

(b) legal persons, entities or bodies established in Russia.

3.   (deleted)

3a. It shall be prohibited to:

(a) provide technical assistance, brokering services or other services related to the goods and services referred to in paragraphs 1, 2, 2a and 2b for their provision, directly or indirectly, to the Government of Russia or legal persons, entities or bodies established in Russia;

(b) provide financing or financial assistance related to the goods and services referred to in paragraphs 1, 2, 2a and 2b for their provision, or for the provision of related technical assistance, brokering services or other services, directly or indirectly, to the Government of Russia or legal persons, entities or bodies established in Russia.

4.   (deleted)

4a.  (deleted)

4b. Paragraph 2b shall not apply to the sale, supply, transfer, export or provision of software that is strictly necessary for the termination by 20 March 2024 of contracts which are not compliant with this Article concluded before 19 December 2023, or of ancillary contracts necessary for the execution of such contracts.

5.   Paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not apply to the provision of services that are strictly necessary for the exercise of the right of defence in judicial proceedings and the right to an effective legal remedy.

6.   Paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not apply to the provision of services which are strictly necessary to ensure access to judicial, administrative or arbitral proceedings in a Member State, or for the recognition or enforcement of a judgment or an arbitration award rendered in a Member State, provided that such provision of services is consistent with the objectives of this Decision and of Decision 2014/145/CFSP.

7.   Paragraphs 1, 2, 2a and 2b shall not apply until 30 September 2024 to the sale, supply, transfer, export or provision of services intended for the exclusive use of legal persons, entities or bodies established in Russia that are owned by, or solely or jointly controlled by, a legal person, entity or body which is incorporated or constituted under the law of a Member State, a country member of the European Economic Area, Switzerland or a partner country as listed in Annex VII.

8.   Paragraphs 2 and 2a shall not apply to the provision of services necessary for public health emergencies, the urgent prevention or mitigation of an event likely to have a serious and significant impact on human health and safety or the environment, or as a response to natural disasters.

8a.   Paragraphs 1, 2 and 2a shall not apply to the provision of services, by nationals of a Member State who are residents of Russia and were so before 24 February 2022, to the legal persons, entities or bodies referred to in point (h) of paragraph 10 who are their employers, provided that such services are intended for the exclusive use of those legal persons, entities or bodies

9.   Paragraph 2 shall not apply to the provision of services necessary for software updates for non-military use and for a non-military end user, permitted by Articles 3(3)(d) and 3a(3)(d).

9a.   By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 2, the competent authorities may authorise the provision of services referred to therein, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, after having determined that those services are strictly necessary for the setting-up, certification or evaluation of a firewall which:

(a) removes the control by a natural or legal person, entity or body listed in the Annex to Decision 2014/145/CFSP, over the assets of a non-listed legal person, entity or body incorporated or constituted under the law of a Member State which is owned or controlled by the former; and

(b) ensures that no further funds or economic resources accrue to the benefit of that listed natural or legal person, entity or body.

10.   By way of derogation from paragraphs 1, 2 and 2a, the competent authorities may authorise the services referred to therein, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, after having determined that this is necessary for:

(a) humanitarian purposes such as delivering or facilitating the delivery of assistance, including medical supplies, food, or the transfer of humanitarian workers and related assistance, or for evacuations;

(b) civil society activities that directly promote democracy, human rights or the rule of law in Russia;

(c) the functioning of diplomatic and consular representations of the Union and of the Member States or partner countries in Russia, including delegations, embassies and missions, or international organisations in Russia enjoying immunities in accordance with international law;

(d) ensuring critical energy supply within the Union and the purchase, import or transport into the Union of titanium, aluminium, copper, nickel, palladium and iron ore;

(e) ensuring the continuous operation of infrastructures, hardware and software which are critical for human health and safety, or the safety of the environment;

(f)the establishment, operation, maintenance, fuel supply and retreatment and safety of civil nuclear capabilities, and the continuation of design, construction and commissioning required for the completion of civil nuclear facilities, the supply of precursor material for the production of medical radioisotopes and similar medical applications, or critical technology for environmental radiation monitoring, as well as for civil nuclear cooperation, in particular in the field of research and development

(g) the provision of electronic communication services by Union telecommunication operators necessary for the operation, maintenance and security, including cybersecurity, of electronic communication services, in Russia, in Ukraine, in the Union, between Russia and the Union, and between Ukraine and the Union, and for data centre services in the Union.

11.  The Member State concerned shall inform the other Member States and the Commission of any authorisation granted under paragraphs 9a and 10 within two weeks of the authorisation.

Article 1l

1.  It shall be prohibited as of 27 March 2023 to allow Russian nationals or natural persons residing in Russia to hold any posts in the governing bodies of the owners or operators of critical infrastructures, European critical infrastructure and critical entities.

2.  Paragraph 1 shall not apply to nationals of a Member State, of a country member of the European Economic Area or of Switzerland.

Article 1m

1.   It shall be prohibited to provide storage capacity, as defined in Article 2, paragraph 1, point 28, of Regulation (EC) No 715/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council ( ¹³ ) in a storage facility, as defined in Article 2, point 9, of Directive 2009/73/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council ( ¹⁴ ), except for the part of liquefied natural gas facilities used for storage, to:

(a) a Russian national, a natural person residing in Russia, or a legal person, entity or body established in Russia;

(b) a legal person, entity or body whose proprietary rights are directly or indirectly owned for more than 50 % by a legal person, entity or body referred to in point (a) of this paragraph; or

(c) a natural or legal person, entity or body acting on behalf or at the direction of a legal person, entity or body referred to in point (a) or (b) of this paragraph.

2.   (deleted)

3.   By way of derogation from paragraph 1, the competent authorities may authorise, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, the provision of storage capacity as referred to in paragraph 1 after having determined that it is necessary for ensuring critical energy supply within the Union.

4.   The Member State or Member States concerned shall inform the other Member States and the Commission of any authorisation granted under paragraph 3 within two weeks of the authorisation.

Article 1n

1.   Legal persons, entities and bodies established in the Union whose proprietary rights are directly or indirectly owned for more than 40 % by:

(a) a legal person, entity or body established in Russia;

(b) a Russian national; or

(c)  a natural person residing in Russia,

shall, as of 1 May 2024, report to the competent authority of the Member State where they are established, within two weeks of the end of each quarter, any transfer of funds exceeding 100 000 EUR out of the Union that they made during that quarter, directly or indirectly, in one or several operations.

2.   Notwithstanding the applicable rules concerning reporting, confidentiality and professional secrecy, credit and financial institutions shall, as of 1 July 2024, report to the competent authority of the Member State where they are located, within two weeks of the end of each semester, information on all transfers of funds out of the Union of a cumulative amount, over that semester, exceeding 100 000 EUR that they initiated, directly or indirectly, for the legal persons, entities and bodies referred to in paragraph 1.

3.   Member States shall assess the information received in accordance with paragraphs 1 and 2 to identify transactions, entities and business sectors that indicate a serious risk of breaches or circumvention of, or use of funds for purposes incompatible with, this Decision or Council Decisions 2014/145/CFSP, 2014/386/CFSP, 2014/512/CFSP, or (CFSP) 2022/266, or Council Regulations (EU) No 269/2014, (EU) No 833/2014, (EU) No 692/2014 or (EU) 2022/263 and shall regularly inform each other and the Commission of their findings.

4.   Based on the information received from the Member States under paragraph 3, the Commission shall review the functioning of the measures provided for in this Article no later than 20 December 2024.

Article 1o

1.   Intellectual property offices and other competent institutions constituted under the law of a Member State or the Union shall not accept:

(a)new applications for registration of trademarks, patents, industrial designs, utility models, protected designations of origin, and geographical indications filed by Russian nationals or natural persons residing in Russia, or by legal persons, entities or bodies established in Russia, including if jointly filed by a Russian national or natural persons residing in Russia, legal persons, entities or bodies established in Russia with one or more non-Russian natural or legal person resident or established outside of Russia.

(b)any requests or submission filed by Russian nationals or natural persons residing in Russia, or by legal persons, entities or bodies established in Russia during the registration procedures before such intellectual property offices related to any of the intellectual property rights referred to in point (a).

2.   Member States, in their capacity as Contracting States to the Convention on the Grant of European Patents of 5 October 1973, as revised on 17 December 1991 and on 29 November 2000 (the “EPC”) and in fulfilling their international obligations undertaken in the EPC, shall use best efforts to ensure that the European Patent Office refuses requests for unitary effect within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 1257/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council (*2) that are filed by Russian nationals or natural persons residing in Russia, or by legal persons, entities or bodies established in Russia, including if jointly filed by a Russian national or natural persons residing in Russia, legal persons, entities or bodies established in Russia with one or more non-Russian natural or legal person resident or established outside of Russia.

3.   Member States in their capacity as Contracting States to the EPC and in fulfilling their international obligations undertaken in the EPC shall use best efforts to ensure that the European Patent Office does not accept new applications for registration of European patent applications that are filed by Russian nationals or natural persons residing in Russia, or by legal persons, entities or bodies established in Russia, including if jointly filed by a Russian national or natural persons residing in Russia, legal persons, entities or bodies established in Russia with one or more non-Russian natural or legal person resident or established outside of Russia.

4.   Member States and, where applicable, the Union, when acting under the Convention Establishing the World Intellectual Property Organisation of 14 July 1967 and as amended on 28 September 1979 (WIPO) shall use best efforts to ensure that WIPO or intellectual property offices constituted under the law of a Member State or the Union, or the European Patent Office, do not accept new applications for such rights by any Russian nationals or natural persons residing in Russia, or by legal persons, entities or bodies established in Russia, including if jointly filed by a Russian national or natural persons residing in Russia, legal persons, entities or bodies established in Russia with one or more non-Russian natural or legal person resident or established outside of Russia.

5.   Paragraphs 1 to 4 shall not apply to nationals of a Member State, of a country member of the European Economic Area or of Switzerland, or to natural persons having a temporary or permanent residence permit in a Member State, in a country member of the European Economic Area or in Switzerland.

Article 1p

1.   It shall be prohibited to accept donations, economic benefits or support, including financing and financial assistance, directly or indirectly, from:

(a)the Government of Russia;

(b)a legal person, entity or body established in Russia that is publicly controlled or with over 50 % public ownership;

(c)a legal person, entity or body established outside the Union whose proprietary rights are directly or indirectly owned for more than 50 % by an entity referred to in point (a) or (b); or

(d)a natural or legal person, entity or body acting on behalf or at the direction of an entity referred to in point (a), (b) or (c).

2.   Paragraph 1 shall only apply to:

(a)European political parties and European political foundations, as defined in Regulation (EU) No 1141/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council (*3);

(b)political parties and political alliances, as defined in Regulation (EU) No 1141/2014, without prejudice to the fundamental principles of constitutional nature, as applied in the Member States, governing the functioning of such political parties and alliances;

(c)non-governmental organisations established or registered in accordance with the law of a Member State; and

(d)media service providers, as defined in Regulation (EU) 2024/1083 of the European Parliament and of the Council (*4), established in a Member State, without prejudice to fundamental principles of constitutional nature, as applied in the Member States, related to freedom of the press and freedom of expression.

3.   By way of derogation from paragraph 1, the competent authorities may authorise, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, the acceptance of donations, economic benefits or support, including financing and financial assistance by the entities referred to in points (c) and (d) of paragraph 2, provided that such acceptance would in no way interfere with the democratic processes in the Union or undermine its democratic foundations, including through influence campaigns and the promotion of disinformation, aimed at undermining the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine and through propaganda actions in support of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine.

4.   The Member State concerned shall inform the other Member States and the Commission of any authorisation granted under paragraph 3 within two weeks of the authorisation.

Article 2

1.   The direct or indirect sale, supply, transfer or export of arms and related materiel of all types, including weapons and ammunition, military vehicles and equipment, paramilitary equipment, and spare parts therefor, to Russia by nationals of Member States or from the territories of Member States or using their flag vessels or aircraft, shall be prohibited whether originating or not in their territories.

2.   It shall be prohibited:

(a) to provide technical assistance, brokering services or other services related to military activities and to the provision, manufacture, maintenance and use of arms and related materiel of all types, including weapons and ammunition, military vehicles and equipment, paramilitary equipment, and spare parts therefor, directly or indirectly to any natural or legal person, entity or body in, or for use in Russia;

(b)  to provide financing or financial assistance related to military activities, including in particular grants, loans and export credit insurance or guarantee, as well as insurance and reinsurance for any sale, supply, transfer or export of arms and related materiel, or for the provision of related technical assistance, brokering services or other services directly or indirectly to any person, entity or body in, or for use in Russia.

3.   The direct or indirect import, purchase or transport of arms and related materiel of all types, including weapons and ammunition, military vehicles and equipment, paramilitary equipment, and spare parts therefor, from Russia by nationals of Member States or using their flag vessels or aircraft, shall be prohibited.

4.   The prohibition in paragraph 3 shall be without prejudice to the execution of contracts concluded before 1 August 2014 or ancillary contracts necessary for the execution of such contracts, and to the provision of spare parts and services necessary for the maintenance and safety of existing capabilities within the Union.

4a.   The prohibitions in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not apply to the provision of spare parts and services necessary for the maintenance, repair and safety of existing capabilities within the Union.

5.   The prohibitions in paragraphs 1 and 3 shall not apply to:

(a) the sale, supply, transfer or export and to the import, purchase or transport of hydrazine (CAS 302-01-2) in concentrations of 70 per cent or more;

(b) the import, purchase or transport of unsymmetrical dimethyl hydrazine (CAS 57-14-7);

(c) the sale, supply, transfer or export and to the import, purchase or transport of monomethyl hydrazine (CAS 60-34-4);

for use of launchers operated by European launch service providers, or for the use of launches of European space programmes, or for the fuelling of satellites by European satellites manufacturers.

The amount of any export of hydrazine shall be calculated in accordance with the launch or launches or the satellites for which it is made and shall not exceed a total quantity of 800 kg for each individual launch or satellite. The amount of any export of monomethyl hydrazine shall be calculated in accordance with the launch or launches or the satellites for which it is made.

5a.   The prohibitions in paragraphs 1 and 3 shall not apply to the sale, supply, transfer or export and to the import, purchase or transport of hydrazine (CAS 302-01-2) in concentrations of 70 % or more for the tests and flight of ExoMars descent module and for the flight of ExoMars carrier module in the framework of the ExoMars 2020 mission, under the following conditions:

(a) the amount of hydrazine destined for the tests and flight of the ExoMars descent module in the framework of the ExoMars 2020 mission, calculated in accordance with the needs of each phase of that mission, is not to exceed a total of 5 000  kg for the entire duration of the mission;

(b) the amount of hydrazine destined for the flight of the ExoMars carrier module in the framework of the ExoMars 2020 mission is not to exceed a total of 300 kg.

6.   The prohibitions in paragraph 2 shall not apply to the provision of technical assistance, brokering services or other services, and to the provision of financing or financial assistance, related to the operations referred to in paragraphs 5 and 5a.

7.   The operations referred to paragraphs 5, 5a and 6 shall be subject to prior authorisation by the competent authorities of the Member States. Member States shall duly inform the Council in all cases where they grant an authorisation. The information shall include the details of the amounts transferred and of the end-use.

Article 3

1.   The direct or indirect sale, supply, transfer or export of all dual-use goods and technology listed in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2021/821 of the European Parliament and of the Council ( ¹⁵ ) to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia or for use in Russia by nationals of Member States or from the territories of Member States or using their flag vessels or aircraft, shall be prohibited whether originating or not in their territories.

1a.   The transit via the territory of Russia of the dual-use goods and technology, as referred to in paragraph 1, exported from the Union shall be prohibited.

2.   It shall be prohibited:

(a) to provide technical assistance, brokering services or other services related to the goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1 and to the provision, manufacture, maintenance and use of those goods and technology, directly or indirectly to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia or for use in Russia;

(b) to provide financing or financial assistance related to the goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1 for any sale, supply, transfer or export of those goods and technology, or for the provision of related technical assistance, brokering services or other services, directly or indirectly to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia, or for use in Russia;

(c) sell, license or transfer in any other way intellectual property rights or trade secrets as well as grant rights to access or re-use any material or information protected by means of intellectual property rights or constituting trade secrets related to the goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1 and to the provision, manufacture, maintenance and use of those goods and technology, directly or indirectly to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia or for use in Russia.

3.   Without prejudice to the authorisation requirements pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2021/821, the prohibitions in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not apply to the sale, supply, transfer or export of dual-use goods and technology or to the related provision of technical and financial assistance, for non-military use and for a non-military end user, intended for:

(a) humanitarian purposes, health emergencies, the urgent prevention or mitigation of an event likely to have a serious and significant impact on human health and safety or the environment, or as a response to natural disasters;

(b) medical or pharmaceutical purposes;

(c) temporary export of items for use by news media;

(d) software updates;

(e) use as consumer communication devices; or

(g) personal use by natural persons travelling to Russia or members of their immediate families travelling with them, and limited to personal effects, household effects, vehicles or tools of trade owned by those individuals and not intended for sale.

With the exception of point (g) of the first subparagraph, the exporter shall declare in the customs declaration that the items are being exported under the relevant exception set out in this paragraph and shall notify the competent authority of the Member State where the exporter is resident or established of the first use of the relevant exception within 30 days from the date when the first export took place.

3a.   Without prejudice to the authorisation requirements pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2021/821, the prohibition in paragraph 1a of this Article shall not apply to the transit via the territory of Russia of dual-use goods and technology intended for the purposes set out in points (a) to (e) of paragraph 3 of this Article.

4.   By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 2 of this Article, and without prejudice to the authorisation requirements pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2021/821, the competent authorities may authorise the sale, supply, transfer or export of dual-use goods and technology or the provision of related technical or financial assistance, for non-military use and for a non-military end user, after having determined that such goods or technology or the related technical or financial assistance are:

(a) intended for cooperation between the Union, the governments of Member States and the government of Russia in purely civilian matters;

(b) intended for intergovernmental cooperation in space programmes;

(c)intended for the operation, maintenance, fuel retreatment and safety of civil nuclear capabilities, as well as civil nuclear cooperation, in particular in the field of research and development;

(d) intended for maritime safety;

(e) intended for civilian non-publicly available electronic communications networks which are not the property of an entity that is publicly controlled or with over 50 % public ownership;

(f) intended for the exclusive use of entities owned, or solely or jointly controlled by a legal person, entity or body which is incorporated or constituted under the law of a Member State or of a partner country;

(g) intended for the diplomatic representations of the Union, Member States and partner countries, including delegations, embassies and missions;

(h) intended for ensuring cyber-security and information security for natural and legal persons, entities and bodies in Russia except for its government and undertakings directly or indirectly controlled by that government.

4a.   By way of derogation from paragraph 1a, and without prejudice to the authorisation requirements pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2021/821, competent authorities may authorise the transit via the territory of Russia of dual-use goods and technology after having determined that such goods or technology are intended for the purposes set out in points (b), (c), (d) and (h) of paragraph 4 of this Article.

5.   By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 2 of this Article, and without prejudice to the authorisation requirements pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2021/821, the competent authorities may authorise the sale, supply, transfer or export of dual-use goods and technology or the provision of related technical or financial assistance, for non-military use and for a non-military end-user, after having determined that such goods or technology or the related technical or financial assistance are due under contracts concluded before 26 February 2022, or ancillary contracts necessary for the execution of such a contract, provided that the authorisation is requested before 1 May 2022.

6.   All authorisations required under this Article shall be granted by the competent authorities in accordance with the rules and procedures laid down in Regulation (EU) 2021/821, which shall apply mutatis mutandis. The authorisation shall be valid throughout the Union.

7.   When deciding on requests for authorisations in accordance with paragraphs 4 and 5, the competent authorities shall not grant an authorisation if they have reasonable grounds to believe that:

(i) the end-user might be a military end-user, a natural or legal person, entity or body in Annex IV or that the goods might have a military end-use, unless the sale, supply, transfer or export of goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1 or the provision of related technical or financial assistance is allowed under paragraph 1(a) of Article 3b;

(ii) the sale, supply, transfer or export of goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1 or the provision of related technical or financial assistance is intended for aviation or the space industry, unless such sale, supply, transfer or export or the provision of related technical or financial assistance is allowed under paragraph 4(b); or

(iii) the sale, supply, transfer or export of goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1 or the provision of related technical or financial assistance is intended for the energy sector, unless such a sale, supply, transfer or export or the related technical or financial assistance is allowed under the exceptions referred to in paragraphs 3 to 6 of Article 4.

8.   The competent authorities of the Member States may annul, suspend, modify or revoke an authorisation which they have granted pursuant to paragraphs 4 and 5 if they deem that such annulment, suspension, modification or revocation is necessary for the effective implementation of this Decision.

9.   The partner countries as referred to in this Article and in points (f) and (g) of Article 3a(4), and which apply substantially equivalent export control measures, are included in Annex VII.

Article 3a

1.   It shall be prohibited to sell, supply, transfer or export, directly or indirectly, goods and technology which might contribute to Russia’s military and technological enhancement, or the development of the defence and security sector, whether or not originating in the Union, to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia or for use in Russia.

1a.   The transit via the territory of Russia of goods and technology which might contribute to Russia’s military and technological enhancement or to the development of its defence and security sector, exported from the Union, shall be prohibited.

2.   It shall be prohibited:

(a) to provide technical assistance, brokering services or other services related to goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1 and to the provision, manufacture, maintenance and use of those goods and technology, directly or indirectly to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia, or for use in Russia;

(b) to provide financing or financial assistance related to the goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1 for any sale, supply, transfer or export of those goods and technology, or for the provision of related technical assistance, brokering services or other services, directly or indirectly to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia, or for use in Russia;

(c) sell, license or transfer in any other way intellectual property rights or trade secrets as well as grant rights to access or re-use any material or information protected by means of intellectual property rights or constituting trade secrets related to the goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1 and to the provision, manufacture, maintenance and use of those goods and technology, directly or indirectly to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia or for use in Russia.

3.   The prohibitions in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not apply to the sale, supply, transfer or export of goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1 or to the related provision of technical and financial assistance, for non-military use and for a non-military end-user, intended for:

(a) humanitarian purposes, health emergencies, the urgent prevention or mitigation of an event likely to have a serious and significant impact on human health and safety or the environment, or as a response to natural disasters;

(b) medical or pharmaceutical purposes;

(c) temporary export of items for use by news media;

(d) software updates;

(e) use as consumer communication devices; or

(g) personal use of natural persons travelling to Russia or members of their immediate families travelling with them, and limited to personal effects, household effects, vehicles or tools of trade owned by those individuals and not intended for sale.

With the exception of point (g) of the first subparagraph, the exporter shall declare in the customs declaration that the items are being exported under the relevant exception set out in this paragraph and shall notify the competent authority of the Member State where the exporter is resident or established of the first use of the relevant exception within 30 days from the date when the first export took place.

3a.   The prohibition in paragraph 1a of this Article shall not apply to the transit via the territory of Russia of goods and technology which might contribute to Russia’s military and technological enhancement or to the development of its defence and security sector, as listed in Annex VII to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, intended for the purposes set out in points (a) to (e) of paragraph 3 of this Article.

4.   By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 2, the competent authorities may authorise the sale, supply, transfer or export of goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1 or the provision of related technical or financial assistance, for non-military use and for a non-military end-user, after having determined that such goods or technology or the related technical or financial assistance are:

(a) intended for cooperation between the Union, the governments of Member States and the government of Russia in purely civilian matters;

(b) intended for intergovernmental cooperation in space programmes;

(c)intended for the operation, maintenance, fuel retreatment and safety of civil nuclear capabilities, as well as civil nuclear cooperation, in particular in the field of research and development

(d) intended for maritime safety;

(e) intended for civilian non-publicly available electronic communications networks which are not the property of an entity that is publicly controlled or with over 50 % public ownership;

(f) intended for the exclusive use of entities owned, or solely or jointly controlled by a legal person, entity or body which is incorporated or constituted under the law of a Member State or of a partner country; or

(g) intended for the diplomatic representations of the Union, Member States and partner countries, including delegations, embassies and missions; or

(h) intended for ensuring cyber-security and information security for natural and legal persons, entities and bodies in Russia except for its government and undertakings directly or indirectly controlled by that government; or

(i) intended for the exclusive use and under the full control of the authorising Member State and in order to fulfil its maintenance obligations in areas which are under a long-term lease agreement between that Member State and the Russian Federation.

4a.   By way of derogation from paragraph 1a, the competent authorities may authorise the transit via the territory of Russia of goods and technology which might contribute to Russia’s military and technological enhancement or to the development of its defence and security sector, as listed in Annex VII to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, after having determined that such goods or technology are intended for the purposes set out in points (b), (c), (d), and (h) of paragraph 4 of this Article.

5.   By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 2, the competent authorities may authorise the sale, supply, transfer or export of goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1 or the provision of related technical or financial assistance, for non-military use and for a non-military end-user, after having determined that such goods or technology or the related technical or financial assistance are due under contracts concluded before 26 February 2022, or ancillary contracts necessary for the execution of such a contract, provided that the authorisation is requested before 1 May 2022.

6.   All authorisations required under this Article shall be granted by the competent authorities in accordance with the rules and procedures laid down in Regulation (EU) 2021/821, which shall apply mutatis mutandis. The authorisation shall be valid throughout the Union.

7.   When deciding on requests for authorisations in accordance with paragraphs 4 and 5 of this Article, the competent authorities shall not grant an authorisation if they have reasonable grounds to believe that:

(i) the end-user might be a military end-user, a natural or legal person, entity or body in Annex IV or that the goods might have a military end-use, unless the sale, supply, transfer or export of goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1 or the provision of related technical or financial assistance is allowed under paragraph 1 of Article 3b;

(ii) the sale, supply, transfer or export of goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1 or the provision of related technical or financial assistance is intended for aviation or the space industry, unless such sale, supply, transfer or export or the provision of related technical or financial assistance is allowed under paragraph 4(b); or

(iii) the sale, supply, transfer or export of goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1 or the provision of related technical or financial assistance is intended for the energy sector, unless such a sale, supply, transfer or export or the related technical or financial assistance is allowed under the exceptions referred to in paragraphs 3 to 6 of Article 4.

8.   The competent authorities of the Member States may annul, suspend, modify or revoke an authorisation which they have granted pursuant to paragraphs 4 and 5 if they deem that such annulment, suspension, modification or revocation is necessary for the effective implementation of this Decision.

9.   The Union shall take the necessary measures in order to determine the relevant items to be covered by this Article.

Article 3aa

1.   It shall be prohibited to sell, supply, transfer or export, directly or indirectly, firearms, their parts and essential components and ammunition as listed in Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 258/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council ( ¹⁶ ) and certain other firearms and arms, whether or not originating in the Union, to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia or for use in Russia.

1a.   The transit via the territory of Russia of firearms, their parts and essential components and ammunition, as referred to in paragraph 1, exported from the Union shall be prohibited.

2.  It shall be prohibited to:

(a) provide technical assistance, brokering services or other services related to the goods referred to in paragraph 1 and to the provision, manufacture, maintenance and use of those goods, directly or indirectly, to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia or for use in Russia;

(b) provide financing or financial assistance related to the goods referred to in paragraph 1 for any sale, supply, transfer or export of those goods, or for the provision of related technical assistance, brokering services or other services, directly or indirectly to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia, or for use in Russia;

(c) sell, license or transfer in any other way intellectual property rights or trade secrets as well as grant rights to access or re-use any material or information protected by means of intellectual property rights or constituting trade secrets related to the goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1 and to the provision, manufacture, maintenance and use of those goods and technology, directly or indirectly to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia or for use in Russia.

3.   The Union shall take the necessary measures in order to determine the relevant items to be covered by this Article.

Article 3b

1.   With regard to the natural or legal persons, entities or bodies listed in Annex IV, by way of derogation from Articles 3 and 3a of this Decision, and without prejudice to the authorisation requirements pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2021/821, the competent authorities of the Member States may only authorise the sale, supply, transfer or export of dual-use goods and technology and the goods and technology referred to in Article 3a of this Decision, or the provision of related technical or financial assistance after having determined:

(a) that such goods or technology or the related technical or financial assistance are necessary for the urgent prevention or mitigation of an event likely to have a serious and significant impact on human health and safety or the environment; or

(b) that such goods or technology or the related technical or financial assistance are due under contracts concluded before 26 February 2022, or ancillary contracts necessary for the execution of such a contract, provided that the authorisation is requested before 1 May 2022.

2.   All authorisations required under this Article shall be granted by the competent authorities in accordance with the rules and procedures laid down in Regulation (EU) 2021/821, which shall apply mutatis mutandis. The authorisation shall be valid throughout the Union.

3.   The competent authorities of the Member States may annul, suspend, modify or revoke an authorisation which they have granted pursuant to paragraph 1 if they deem that such annulment, suspension, modification or revocation is necessary for the effective implementation of this Decision.

Article 4

1.   It shall be prohibited to sell, supply, transfer or export, directly or indirectly, certain goods and technology suited to certain categories of exploration and production projects, whether or not originating in the Union, to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia, including its Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf, or for use in Russia, including its Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf.

The Union shall take the necessary measures in order to determine the relevant items to be covered by this paragraph.

2.  It shall be prohibited to:

(a) provide technical assistance, brokering services or other services related to the goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1 and to the provision, manufacture, maintenance and use of those goods and technology, directly or indirectly to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia, or for use in Russia;

(b) provide financing or financial assistance related to the goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1 for any sale, supply, transfer or export of those goods and technology, or for the provision of related technical assistance, brokering services or other services, directly or indirectly to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia, or for use in Russia.

3.   The prohibitions in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not apply to the sale, supply, transfer or export of goods or technology, or to the provision of technical or financial assistance, necessary for:

(a) the transport of natural gas and oil, including refined petroleum products, unless prohibited under Article 4o or 4p, from or through Russia into the Union; or

(b) the urgent prevention or mitigation of an event likely to have a serious and significant impact on human health and safety or the environment.

4.   The prohibitions in paragraph 2 shall not apply until 20 June 2024 to the provision of insurance or reinsurance to any legal person, entity or body that is incorporated or constituted under the law of a Member State with regard to its activities outside the energy sector in Russia.

5.   By way of derogation from paragraph 2, the competent authorities may authorise, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, the provision of insurance or reinsurance after 20 June 2024 to any legal person, entity or body that is incorporated or constituted under the law of a Member State with regard to its activities outside the energy sector in Russia.

6.   By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 2, the competent authorities may authorise, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, the sale, supply, transfer or export and the provision of technical or financial assistance, after having determined that:

(a) it is necessary for ensuring critical energy supply within the Union; or

(b) it is intended for the exclusive use of entities owned, or solely or jointly controlled by a legal person, entity or body which is incorporated or constituted under the law of a Member State.

7.   The Member State or Member States concerned shall inform the other Member States and the Commission of any authorisation granted under paragraph 6 within two weeks of the authorisation.

Article 4a

1.   It shall be prohibited to:

(a)acquire any new or extend any existing participation in any legal person, entity or body incorporated or constituted under the law of Russia or any other third country and operating in the energy sector in Russia, including projects under construction for the production of liquified natural gas;

(b) grant or be part of any arrangement to grant any new loan or credit or otherwise provide financing, including equity capital, to any legal person, entity or body incorporated or constituted under the law of Russia or any other third country and operating in the energy sector in Russia, or for the documented purpose of financing such a legal person, entity or body;

(c) create any new joint venture with any legal person, entity or body incorporated or constituted under the law of Russia or any other third country and operating in the energy sector in Russia;

(d) provide investment services directly related to the activities referred to in points (a), (b) and (c).

2.   It shall be prohibited to:

(a) acquire any new or extend any existing participation in any legal person, entity or body incorporated or constituted under the law of Russia or any other third country and operating in the mining and quarrying sector in Russia;

(b) grant or be part of any arrangement to grant any new loan or credit or otherwise provide financing, including equity capital, to any legal person, entity or body incorporated or constituted under the law of Russia or any other third country and operating in the mining and quarrying sector in Russia, or for the documented purpose of financing such a legal person, entity or body;

(c) create any new joint venture with any legal person, entity or body incorporated or constituted under the law of Russia or any other third country and operating in the mining and quarrying sector in Russia;

(d) provide investment services directly related to the activities referred to in points (a), (b) and (c).

3.   By way of derogation from paragraph 1, the competent authorities may authorise, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, any activity referred to in paragraph 1 after having determined that:

(a) it is necessary to ensure critical energy supply within the Union, as well as the transport of natural gas and oil, including refined petroleum products, unless prohibited under Article 4o or 4p, from or through Russia into the Union; or

(b) it exclusively concerns a legal person, entity or body operating in the energy sector in Russia owned by a legal person, entity or body which is incorporated or constituted under the law of a Member State.

3a.   By way of derogation from point (b) of paragraph 1 of this Article, the competent authorities may authorise, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, any activity referred to therein after having determined that, in accordance with point (b) of Article 1aa(3), such an activity is necessary to ensure the operation of a deep-water offshore gas project in the Mediterranean Sea in which a legal person, entity or body listed in Annex X was a minority shareholder before 31 October 2017 and remains so, provided that the project is solely or jointly controlled or operated by a legal person incorporated or constituted under the law of a Member State

4.   The Member State or Member States concerned shall inform the other Member States and the Commission of any authorisation granted under paragraph 3 within two weeks of the authorisation.

5.   The prohibition in paragraph 2 shall not apply to mining and quarrying activities that yield their highest value from, or have as their primary objective, the production of certain materials. The Union shall take the necessary measures in order to determine the relevant items to be covered by this paragraph.

Article 4b

1.   It shall be prohibited to provide public financing or financial assistance for trade with, or investment in, Russia.

2.   The prohibition in paragraph 1 shall not apply to:

(a) binding financing or financial assistance commitments established prior to 26 February 2022;

(b) the provision of public financing or financial assistance up to the total value of EUR 10 000 000 per project benefiting small and medium-sized enterprises established in the Union; or

(c) the provision of public financing or financial assistance for trade in food, and for agricultural, medical or humanitarian purposes.

3.   It shall be prohibited to invest, participate or otherwise contribute to projects co-financed by the Russian Direct Investment Fund.

4.   By way of derogation from paragraph 3, the competent authorities may authorise, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, an investment participation in, or contribution to, projects co-financed by the Russian Direct Investment Fund, after having determined that such an investment participation or contribution is due under contracts concluded before 2 March 2022 or ancillary contracts necessary for the execution of such contracts.

Article 4c

1.   It shall be prohibited to sell, supply, transfer, or export, directly or indirectly, goods and technology suited for use in oil refining and liquefaction of natural gas, whether or not originating in the Union, to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia or for use in Russia.

2.   It shall be prohibited to:

(a) provide technical assistance, brokering services or other services related to the goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1 and to the provision, manufacture, maintenance and use of those goods and technology, directly or indirectly to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia or for use in Russia;

(b) provide financing or financial assistance related to the goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1 for any sale, supply, transfer or export of those goods and technology, or for the provision of related technical assistance, brokering services or other services, directly or indirectly to any person, entity or body in Russia or for use in Russia;

(c) sell, license or transfer in any other way intellectual property rights or trade secrets as well as grant rights to access or re-use any material or information protected by means of intellectual property rights or constituting trade secrets related to the goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1 and to the provision, manufacture, maintenance and use of those goods and technology, directly or indirectly to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia or for use in Russia.

3.   The prohibitions in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall be without prejudice to the execution until 27 May 2022 of contracts concluded before 26 February 2022, or ancillary contracts necessary for the execution of such contracts.

4.   By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 2, the competent authorities of the Member States may authorise, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, the sale, supply, transfer or export of goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1 or the provision of related technical or financial assistance, after having determined that such goods or technology or the provision of related technical or financial assistance are necessary for the urgent prevention or mitigation of an event likely to have a serious and significant impact on human health and safety or the environment.

In duly justified cases of emergency, the sale, supply, transfer or export may proceed without prior authorisation, provided that the exporter notifies the competent authority within five working days after the sale, supply, transfer or export has taken place, providing detail about the relevant justification for the sale, supply, transfer or export without prior authorisation.

4a.   The Member State concerned shall inform the other Member States and the Commission of any authorisation granted under this paragraph within two weeks of the authorisation.

5.   The Union shall take the necessary measures in order to determine the relevant items to be covered by this Article.

Article 4d

1.   It shall be prohibited to sell, supply, transfer or export, directly or indirectly, goods and technology suited for use in aviation or the space industry, as well as jet fuel and fuel additives, whether or not originating in the Union, to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia or for use in Russia.

1a.   The transit via the territory of Russia of goods and technology suited for use in aviation or the space industry and of jet fuel and fuel additives, exported from the Union, shall be prohibited.

2.   It shall be prohibited to provide insurance and reinsurance, directly or indirectly, in relation to goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1 to any person, entity or body in Russia or for use in Russia.

3.   It shall be prohibited to provide any one or any combination of the following activities: overhaul, repair, inspection, replacement, modification or defect rectification of an aircraft or component, with the exception of pre-flight inspection, in relation to the goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1, directly or indirectly, to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia or for use in Russia.

4.   It shall be prohibited to:

(a) provide technical assistance, brokering services or other services related to the goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1 and to the provision, manufacture, maintenance and use of those goods and technology, directly or indirectly to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia or for use in Russia;

(b) provide financing or financial assistance related to goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1 for any sale, supply, transfer or export of those goods and technology, or for the provision of related technical assistance, brokering services or other services, directly or indirectly to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia or for use in Russia;

(c) sell, license or transfer in any other way intellectual property rights or trade secrets as well as grant rights to access or re-use any material or information protected by means of intellectual property rights or constituting trade secrets related to the goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1 and to the provision, manufacture, maintenance and use of those goods and technology, directly or indirectly to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia or for use in Russia.

5.   (deleted)

5a.  (deleted).

5b.  (deleted)

5c.  (deleted)

6.   By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 4, the national competent authorities may authorise, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, the execution of an aircraft financial lease concluded before 26 February 2022 after having determined that:

(a) it is strictly necessary to ensure lease re-payments to a legal person, entity or body incorporated or constituted under the law of a Member State which does not fall under any of the restrictive measures provided for in this Decision; and

(b) no economic resources will be made available to the Russian counterpart, with the exception of the transfer of ownership of the aircraft after full reimbursement of the financial lease.

6a.   By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 4, the competent authorities may authorise, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, the sale, supply, transfer or export of goods listed in Part B of Annex XI to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, or related technical assistance, brokering services, financing or financial assistance, after having determined that this is necessary for the production of titanium goods required in the aeronautic industry, for which no alternative supply is available.

6b.   By way of derogation from paragraph 4, the competent authorities may authorise, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, the provision of technical assistance, related to the use of the goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1, after having determined that the provision of such technical assistance is necessary for avoiding collision between satellites, or their unintended re-entry into the atmosphere.

6c.   By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 4, the competent authorities may authorise, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, the sale, supply, transfer or export of the goods falling under CN codes 8517 71 00 , 8517 79 00 and 9026 00 00 listed in Part B of Annex XI to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, or related technical assistance, brokering services, financing or financial assistance, after having determined that it is necessary for medical or pharmaceutical purposes, or for humanitarian purposes, such as delivering or facilitating the delivery of assistance, including medical supplies, food, or the transfer of humanitarian workers and related assistance or for evacuations.

When deciding on requests for authorisations for medical, pharmaceutical or humanitarian purposes in accordance with this paragraph, the national competent authorities shall not grant an authorisation for exports to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia or for use in Russia, if they have reasonable grounds to believe that the goods might have a military end-use.

6d.   By way of derogation from paragraph 1a of this Article, the competent authorities may authorise the transit via the territory of Russia of goods and technology suited for use in aviation or the space industry, as listed in Annex XI to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, and of jet fuels and fuel additives as listed in Annex XX to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, after having determined that such goods or technology are intended for the purposes set out in paragraphs 6a, 6b and 6c of this Article.

6e.   By way of derogation from paragraph 1 of this Article, the competent authorities may authorise the sale, supply, transfer or export of the goods listed in Part B of Annex XI to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, if the goods are intended for the exclusive use and under the full control of the authorising Member State and in order to fulfil its maintenance obligations in areas which are under a long-term lease agreement between that Member State and the Russian Federation.

6f.   By way of derogation from paragraphs 1, 2 and 4, the competent authorities may authorise, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, the export and transfer of the goods falling under CN code 9026 00 00, as listed in Part B of Annex XI to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, that are physically located in the Union as of 25 June 2024 for the purposes of maintenance or repairs, or the provision of related technical assistance, brokering services or other services, insurance or reinsurance, or financing or financial assistance, after having determined that it is strictly necessary for the functioning of the Sakhalin-2 (Сахалин-2) Project to ensure Japan’s energy security

7.   The Member State concerned shall inform the other Member States and the Commission of any authorisations granted under this Article within two weeks of the authorisation.

8.   The prohibition in paragraph 1 shall be without prejudice to Articles 3(4)(b) and 3a(4)(b).

8a.   The prohibition in paragraph 4 point (a) shall not apply to the exchange of information aimed at establishing technical standards in the framework of the International Civil Aviation Organization in relation to goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1.

9.   The Union shall take the necessary measures in order to determine the relevant items to be covered by this Article.

Article 4e

1.   Member States shall, in accordance with their national rules and laws and consistent with international law, in particular relevant international civil aviation agreements, deny to any aircraft operated by Russian air carriers, including as a marketing carrier in code-sharing or blocked-space arrangements, or for any Russian registered aircraft, or for any non-Russian-registered aircraft which is owned or chartered, or otherwise controlled by any Russian natural or legal person, entity or body, to land in, take off from or overfly the territory of the Union. The prohibition in this paragraph shall also apply to any other aircraft which is used for a non-scheduled flight and with regard to which a Russian natural or legal person, entity or body is in a position to effectively determine the place or time of its take-off or landing. The prohibition in this paragraph shall not apply to aircraft that have a maximum seating capacity of 4 persons and a maximum take-off mass of no more than 2000 kg when used for private, non-corporate, flights carried out within Union territory and airspace for recreational purposes or for the purpose of training for private pilot licences and related ratings with Union training providers.

1a.   Without prejudice to paragraph 5, aircraft operators shall provide, for non-scheduled flights, information needed for the purpose of verifying compliance with paragraph 1, including among other information:

(a)credible and satisfactory information regarding the actual ultimate beneficial owner of the aircraft and, where applicable, of the natural or legal person, entity or body ultimately chartering the aircraft; and

(b)a general declaration, passenger manifest and other official documents displaying the full names, birth dates, birth places and nationalities of all passengers and the crew members, where reasonable grounds to suspect circumvention of the prohibition in paragraph 1 exist, based on factors such as routing and origin of the flight, or information about the relevant operator.

The information shall be provided upon request of the competent authorities of the Member State of departure, destination or overflying.

The information shall be provided in advance of landing in, taking off from or overflying the territory of the Union, within a deadline set by the competent authorities of the Member State or Member States concerned.

2.   Paragraph 1 shall not apply in the case of an emergency landing or an emergency overflight.

3.   By way of derogation from paragraph 1, the competent authorities may authorise an aircraft to land in, take off from, or overfly, the territory of the Union if the competent authorities have determined that such landing, take-off or overflight is required for humanitarian purposes or for any other purpose consistent with the objectives of this Decision.

4.   The Member State or Member States concerned shall inform the other Member States and the Commission of any authorisation granted under paragraph 3 within two weeks of the authorisation.

5.   Aircraft operators of non-scheduled flights between Russia and the Union, operated directly or via a third country, shall notify prior to their operation, and at least 48 hours in advance, all relevant information concerning the flight to the competent authorities of the Members State of departure or destination.

6.   Upon refusal of a flight notified in accordance with paragraph 5, the Member State concerned shall immediately inform the other Member States, the Network Manager and the Commission.

Article 4f

1.   The Network Manager for air traffic management network functions of the single European sky shall support the Commission and the Member States in ensuring the implementation of, and compliance with, Article 4e. The Network Manager shall, in particular, reject all flight plans filed by aircraft operators indicating an intent to carry out activities over the territory of the Union that constitute a violation of this Decision, such that the pilot is not permitted to fly.

2.   The Network Manager shall regularly supply to the Commission and Member States, based on the analysis of flight plans, reports on the implementation of Article 4e.

Article 4g

1.   It shall be prohibited for operators to broadcast, or to enable, facilitate or otherwise contribute to broadcast, any content by the legal persons, entities or bodies listed in Annex IX, including through transmission or distribution by any means such as cable, satellite, IP-TV, internet service providers, internet video-sharing platforms or applications, whether new or pre-installed.

2.   Any broadcasting licence or authorisation, transmission and distribution arrangement with the legal persons, entities or bodies listed in Annex IX shall be suspended.

3.   It shall be prohibited to advertise products or services in any content produced or broadcast by the legal persons, entities or bodies listed in Annex IX, including through transmission or distribution by any of the means referred to in paragraph 1.

Article 4h

1.    It shall be prohibited to sell, supply, transfer or export, directly or indirectly, maritime navigation goods and technology, whether or not originating in the Union, to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia, for use in Russia, or for the placing on board of a Russian-flagged vessel.

2.   It shall be prohibited to:

(a) provide technical assistance, brokering services or other services related to the goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1 and to the provision, manufacture, maintenance and use of those goods and technology, directly or indirectly to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia or for use in Russia;

(b) provide financing or financial assistance related to the goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1 for any sale, supply, transfer or export of those goods and technology, or for the provision of related technical assistance, brokering services or other services, directly or indirectly to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia or for use in Russia;

(c) sell, license or transfer in any other way intellectual property rights or trade secrets as well as grant rights to access or re-use any material or information protected by means of intellectual property rights or constituting trade secrets related to the goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1 and to the provision, manufacture, maintenance and use of those goods and technology, directly or indirectly to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia or for use in Russia.

3.   The prohibitions in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not apply to the sale, supply, transfer or export of the goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1 or to the related provision of technical and financial assistance, for non-military use and for a non-military end-user, intended for humanitarian purposes, health emergencies, the urgent prevention or mitigation of an event likely to have a serious and significant impact on human health and safety or the environment, or as a response to natural disasters.

4.   By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 2, the competent authorities may authorise the sale, supply, transfer or export of the goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1 or the provision of related technical or financial assistance, for non-military use and for a non-military end-user, after having determined that such goods or technology or the related technical or financial assistance are intended for maritime safety.

4a.   The Member State concerned shall inform the other Member States and the Commission of any authorisation granted under paragraph 4 within two weeks of the authorisation.

5.   The Union shall take the necessary measures in order to determine the relevant items to be covered by this Article.

Article 4ha

1.   It shall be prohibited to provide access, after 16 April 2022, to ports and, after 29 July 2022, to locks in the territory of the Union to any vessel registered under the flag of Russia, and for such vessels to access ports and locks, with the exception of access to locks for the purpose of leaving the territory of the Union

1a.   The prohibition in paragraph 1 shall also apply, after 8 April 2023, to any vessel certified by the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping.

2.   Paragraph 1 shall apply to vessels that have changed their Russian flag or their registration, to the flag or register of any other State after 24 February 2022.

3.   For the purposes of this Article, with the exception of paragraph 1a, a ‘vessel’ means:

(a)a ship falling within the scope of the relevant international conventions, including replicas of historical ships;

(b) a yacht, of 15 metres in length or more, which does not carry cargo and carrying no more than 12 passengers; or

(c) recreational craft or personal watercraft as defined in Directive 2013/53/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council ( ¹⁸ ).

4.   Paragraphs 1 and 1a shall not apply in the case of a vessel in need of assistance seeking a place of refuge, of an emergency port call for reasons of maritime safety, or for saving life at sea.

5.   By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 1a, the competent authorities may authorise a vessel to access a port or lock, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, after having determined that the access is necessary for:

(a) unless prohibited under Article 4o or 4p, the purchase, import or transport into the Union of natural gas and oil, including refined petroleum products, titanium, aluminium, copper, nickel, palladium and iron ore, as well as certain chemical and iron products;

(b) the purchase, import or transport of pharmaceutical, medical, agricultural and food products, including wheat and fertilisers whose import, purchase and transport is allowed under this Decision;

(c) humanitarian purposes; or

(d)transport of nuclear fuel and other goods strictly necessary for the functioning of civil nuclear capabilities.

5a.  By way of derogation from paragraph 2, the competent authorities may authorise vessels that have changed their Russian flag or their registration, to the flag or register of any other State prior to 16 April 2022, to access a port or a lock, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, after having determined that:

(a) a Russian flag or registration was required by contract; and

(b) the access is necessary for the unloading of goods strictly necessary for the completion of renewable energy projects in the Union, provided that the import of such goods is not otherwise prohibited under this Decision.

5b.   By way of derogation from paragraph 2, the competent authorities may authorise, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, a vessel to access a port or lock provided that it:

(a) has flown the Russian Federation flag under a bareboat charter registration initially effected prior to 24 February 2022;

(b) has resumed its right to fly the flag of the underlying Member State registry before 31 January 2023; and

(c) is not owned, chartered, operated or otherwise controlled by a Russian national or any legal person, entity or body incorporated or constituted under the law of the Russian Federation.

5c.   By way of derogation from paragraph 2, the competent authorities may authorise vessels that have changed their Russian flag to the flag of any other State prior to 16 April 2022, to access a port or a lock, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, after having determined that the vessel:

(a)was declared abandoned under the law of a Member State prior to 24 February 2022;

(b)was subject to a forced sale by the competent national authorities of a Member State prior to 24 February 2022; and

(c)was physically located in the territory of a Member State at the time of the forced sale

6.   The Member State concerned shall inform the other Member States and the Commission of any authorisation granted under paragraphs 5, 5a, 5b and 5c within two weeks of the authorisation.

7.   The Union shall take the necessary measures in order to determine the relevant items to be covered by this Article.

Article 4hb

1.   It shall be prohibited, as of 24 July 2023, to provide access to ports and locks in the territory of the Union by any vessel performing ship-to-ship transfers, at any point of the voyage to a Member State’s ports or locks, if the competent authority has reasonable cause to suspect that the vessel is in breach of the prohibitions set out in Article 4o (1) and (2) and Article 4p(1) and (4).

2.   A competent authority shall not grant access if a vessel does not notify the competent authority at least 48 hours in advance about a ship-to-ship transfer occurring within the Exclusive Economic Zone of a Member State or within 12 nautical miles from the baseline of that Member State’s coast.

3.   Paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not apply in the case of a vessel in need of assistance seeking a place of refuge, of an emergency port call for reasons of maritime safety, or for saving life at sea.

4.   By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 2, the competent authorities may authorise a vessel to access a port or lock in the territory of the Union, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, after having determined that such access is necessary for humanitarian purposes.

5.   Upon refusal of a port access call in accordance with paragraphs 1 and 2, the competent authorities concerned shall immediately inform the other competent authorities of the Member States. The Member State concerned shall inform the other Member States and the Commission without delay.

6.   For the purposes of paragraphs 1 and 2, the competent authorities shall use, in addition to any national system and information, the integrated maritime information available in the Union Maritime Information and Exchange System (SafeSeaNet) established in accordance with Directive 2002/59/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council ( ¹⁹ ).

Article 4hc

1.   It shall be prohibited, as of 24 July 2023, to provide access to ports and locks in the territory of the Union by any vessel which the competent authority has reasonable cause to suspect of illegally interfering with, switching off or otherwise disabling its shipborne automatic identification system, at any point of the voyage to a Member State’s ports or locks, in breach of SOLAS Regulation V/19, point 2.4, when transporting crude oil or petroleum products subject to the prohibitions set out in Article 4o(1) and (2) and Article 4p(1) and (4).

2.   Paragraph 1 shall not apply in the case of a vessel in need of assistance seeking a place of refuge, of an emergency port call for reasons of maritime safety, or for saving life at sea.

3.   By way of derogation from paragraph 1, the competent authorities may authorise a vessel to access a port or lock in the territory of the Union, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, after having determined that such access is necessary for humanitarian purposes.

4.   Upon refusal of a port access call in accordance with paragraph 1, the competent authorities concerned shall immediately inform the other competent authorities of the Member States. The Member State concerned shall inform the other Member States and the Commission without delay.

5.   For the purposes of paragraph 1, the competent authorities shall use, in addition to any national system and information, the integrated maritime information available in the Union Maritime Information and Exchange System (SafeSeaNet) established in accordance with Directive 2002/59/EC.

Article 4i

1.   It shall be prohibited:

(a) to import, directly or indirectly, iron and steel products into the Union if they:

(i) originate in Russia; or

(ii) have been exported from Russia;

(b) to purchase, directly or indirectly, iron and steel products which are located or which originated in Russia;

(c) to transport iron and steel products if they originated in Russia or are being exported from Russia to any other country;

(d) to import or purchase, as from 30 September 2023, directly or indirectly, iron and steel products as listed in Annex XVII to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 when processed in a third country incorporating iron and steel products originating in Russia as listed in Annex XVII to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014; with regard to products listed in Annex XVII to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 processed in a third country incorporating steel products originating in Russia of CN codes 7207 11, 7207 12 10 or 7224 90, this prohibition shall apply as of 1 April 2024 for CN code 7207 11 and as of 1 October 2028 for CN codes 7207 12 10 and 7224 90;

For the purpose of the application of this point, at the moment of importation, importers shall provide evidence of the country of origin of the iron and steel inputs used for the processing of the product in a third country unless the product is imported from a partner country for importation of iron and steel as listed in Annex XV.

For the purposes of the application of this point, at the moment of importation, importers shall provide evidence of the country of origin of the iron and steel inputs used for the processing of the product in a third country.

(e) to provide, directly or indirectly, technical assistance, brokering services, financing or financial assistance, including financial derivatives, as well as insurance and re-insurance, related to the prohibitions in points (a), (b), (c) and (d).

The Union shall take the necessary measures in order to determine the relevant items to be covered by this paragraph.

4.   The prohibitions in points (a), (b), (c) and (e) of paragraph 1 shall not apply to the import, purchase or transport, or related technical or financial assistance, of the following quantities of goods falling under CN code 7207 12 10 :

(a) 3 747 905 metric tonnes between 7 October 2022 and 30 September 2023;

(b) 3 747 905 metric tonnes between 1 October 2023 and 30 September 2024;

(c) 3 185 719 metric tonnes between 1 October 2024 and 30 September 2025;

(d) 2 998 324 metric tonnes between 1 October 2025 and 30 September 2026;

(e) 2 623 534 metric tonnes between 1 October 2026 and 30 September 2027;

(f) 2 061 348 metric tonnes between 1 October 2027 and 30 September 2028.’

5.   The prohibitions in paragraph 1 shall not apply to the import, purchase or transport, or related technical or financial assistance, of the following quantities of goods falling under CN code 7207 11 :

(a) 487 202 metric tonnes between 7 October 2022 and 30 September 2023;

(b) 85 260 metric tonnes between 1 October 2023 and 31 December 2023;

(c) 48 720 metric tonnes between 1 January 2024 and 31 March 2024;

5a.   The prohibitions in paragraph 1 shall not apply to the import, purchase or transport, or related technical or financial assistance, of the following quantities of the goods falling under CN code 7224 90 :

(a) 147 007 metric tonnes between 17 December 2022 and 31 December 2023;

(b) 110 255 metric tonnes between 1 January 2024 and 30 September 2024;

(c) 124 956 metric tonnes between 1 October 2024 and 30 September 2025;

(d) 117 606 metric tonnes between 1 October 2025 and 30 September 2026;

(e) 102 905 metric tonnes between 1 October 2026 and 30 September 2027

(f) 80 854 metric tonnes between 1 October 2027 and 30 September 2028.

6.   The import volume quotas set out in paragraphs 4, 5 and 5a shall be managed by the Commission and the Member States in accordance with the management system for tariff-rate quotas provided for in Articles 49 to 54 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2447.

7.   By way of derogation from paragraph 1, the competent authorities may authorise the purchase, import or transfer of the goods listed in Annex XVII to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, after having determined that this is necessary for the establishment, operation, maintenance, fuel supply and retreatment and safety of civil nuclear capabilities, and the continuation of design, construction and commissioning required for the completion of civil nuclear facilities, the supply of precursor material for the production of medical radioisotopes and similar medical applications, or critical technology for environmental radiation monitoring, as well as for civil nuclear cooperation, in particular in the field of research and development.

8.   The Member State concerned shall inform the other Member States and the Commission of any authorisation granted under paragraph 7 within two weeks of the authorisation.

Article 4j

1.   It shall be prohibited to sell, supply, transfer or export, directly or indirectly, luxury goods, whether or not originating in the Union, to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia or for use in Russia.

2.   It shall be prohibited to:

(a) provide technical assistance, brokering services or other services related to the goods referred to in paragraph 1 and related to the provision, manufacture, maintenance and use of those goods, directly or indirectly to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia or for use in Russia;

(b) provide financing or financial assistance related to the goods referred to in paragraph 1 for any sale, supply, transfer or export of those goods, or for the provision of related technical assistance, brokering services or other services, directly or indirectly to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia or for use in Russia;

(c) sell, license or transfer in any other way intellectual property rights or trade secrets as well as grant rights to access or re-use any material or information protected by means of intellectual property rights or constituting trade secrets related to the goods referred to in paragraph 1 and to the provision, manufacture, maintenance and use of those goods, directly or indirectly to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia or for use in Russia.

2a.   The prohibitions referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall apply to luxury goods insofar as their value exceeds EUR 300 per item, unless otherwise specified.

3.   The prohibition referred to in paragraph 1 shall not apply to goods which are necessary for the official purposes of diplomatic or consular missions of Member States or partner countries in Russia or of international organisations enjoying immunities in accordance with international law, or to the personal effects of their staff.

3a.   The prohibition in paragraph 1 shall not apply to luxury goods for personal use of natural persons travelling from the European Union or members of their immediate families travelling with them, owned by those individuals and not intended for sale.

4.   By way of derogation from paragraph 1, the competent authorities may authorise the transfer or export to Russia of cultural goods which are on loan in the context of formal cultural cooperation with Russia.

4a.   By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 2, the competent authorities may authorise the sale or supply of a vessel falling under CN code 8901 10 00 or 8901 90 00 , or the provision, until 31 December 2023, of related technical or financial assistance to a legal person, entity or body in Russia or for use in Russia, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, after having determined that:

(a) the vessel is physically located in Russia on 24 June 2023 and for use in Russia;

(b) the vessel has flown the Russian Federation flag under a bareboat charter registration initially effected prior to 24 February 2022;

(c) the legal person, entity or body in Russia is not a military end user and will not use the vessel for military purposes;

(d) the sale or supply is not for the benefit of a person, entity or body listed in the Annex to Decision 2014/145/CFSP or subject to the restrictive measures provided for in this Decision.

5.   The Member State concerned shall inform the other Member States and the Commission of any authorisations granted under paragraphs 4 and 4a within two weeks of the authorisation.

6.   The Union shall take the necessary measures in order to determine the relevant items to be covered by this Article.

Article 4k

1.   It shall be prohibited to purchase, import, or transfer, directly or indirectly, goods which generate significant revenues for Russia thereby enabling its actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine into the Union if they originate in Russia or are exported from Russia.

2.   It shall be prohibited to:

(a) provide technical assistance, brokering services or other services related to the goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1 and to the provision, manufacture, maintenance and use of those goods and technology, directly or indirectly in relation to the prohibition in paragraph 1;

(b) provide financing or financial assistance related to the goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1 for any purchase, import or transfer of those goods and technology, or for the provision of related technical assistance, brokering services or other services, directly or indirectly in relation to the prohibition in paragraph 1.

3a.   The prohibition in paragraph 1 shall not apply to purchases in Russia which are necessary for the functioning of diplomatic and consular representations of the Union and of the Member States, including delegations, embassies and missions, or for the personal use of nationals of Member States and their immediate family members.

3aa. The competent authorities of a Member State may allow the import of goods which are intended for the strict personal use of natural persons travelling to the Union or of their immediate family members, limited to personal effects owned by those individuals and which are manifestly not intended for sale.

3ab.   The competent authorities may authorise, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, the entry into the Union of a vehicle falling under CN code 8703 not intended for sale and owned by a citizen of a Member State or an immediate family member who is resident in Russia and is driving the vehicle into the Union for strict personal use.

3ac.   The prohibition in paragraph 1 shall not apply to the entry into the Union of motor vehicles falling under CN code 8703 provided that they have a diplomatic vehicle registration plate and are necessary for the functioning of diplomatic and consular representations, including delegations, embassies and missions, or of international organisations enjoying immunities in accordance with international law, or for the personal use of their staff and their immediate family members.

3ad.   The prohibition in paragraph 1 shall not prevent vehicles already in the territory of the Union on 19 December 2023 from being registered in a Member State.

3ca.   (deleted)

3cb.   With regard to the goods falling under CN codes 2711 12, 2711 13, 2711 14, 2711 19 and 7202, the prohibitions in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not apply to the execution until 20 December 2024 of contracts concluded before 19 December 2023, or of ancillary contracts necessary for the execution of such contracts.

3cc. With regard to the goods falling under CN code 7201, the prohibitions in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not apply to the import, purchase or transport, or related technical or financial assistance of the following quantities of goods:

(a) 1 140 000 metric tonnes between 19 December 2023 and 31 December 2024;

(b) 700 000 metric tonnes between 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2025.

3cd.   With regard to the goods falling under CN code 7203, the prohibitions in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not apply to the import, purchase or transport, or related technical or financial assistance, of the following quantities of goods:

(a) 1 140 836 metric tonnes between 19 December 2023 and 31 December 2024;

(b) 651 906 metric tonnes between 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2025.

3ce.   By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 2, the competent authorities may authorise, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, the import or transfer of goods that were physically located in Russia before the relevant prohibition entered into force in respect of those goods, falling under CN codes 8471, 8523, 8536 and 9027, as listed in Annex XXI, or the provision of related technical and financial assistance, after having determined that those goods are components of medical devices and are brought into the Union for the purpose of maintenance, repair or returning of defective components.

3cf.   With regard to the goods falling under CN codes 28042910 and 284540, the prohibitions in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not apply to the execution until 26 September 2024 of contracts concluded before 25 June 2024, or of ancillary contracts necessary for the execution of such contracts.

3c.   By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 2, the competent authorities may authorise the purchase, import or transfer of the goods listed in Annex XXI to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, or the provision of related technical and financial assistance, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, after having determined that this is necessary for the establishment, operation, maintenance, fuel supply and retreatment and safety of civil nuclear capabilities, and the continuation of design, construction and commissioning required for the completion of civil nuclear facilities, the supply of precursor material for the production of medical radioisotopes and similar medical applications, or critical technology for environmental radiation monitoring, as well as for civil nuclear cooperation, in particular in the field of research and development

3da.   The prohibitions in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not apply to the import, purchase or transport, or related technical or financial assistance, necessary for the import into the Union, until 30 June 2024, of the following quantities:

(a) 752 475 metric tonnes for goods falling under CN code 2803 ;

(b) 562 973 metric tonnes for goods falling under CN code 4002 .

3e.   By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 2 of this Article, the competent authorities may authorise the purchase, import or transfer of goods falling under CN codes 7007 , 8479 , 8481 , 8487 , 8504 , 8517 , 8525 , 8531 , 8536 , 8537 , 8538 , 8542 , 8543 , 8603 as listed in Annex XXI to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, or the provision of related technical and financial assistance, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, after having determined that this is necessary for the operation, maintenance or repair of Budapest metro line 3 cars delivered in 2018, in execution of a guarantee provided by Metrowagonmash prior to 24 June 2023.

4.   As of 10 July 2022, the prohibitions in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not apply to the import, purchase or transport, or the related technical or financial assistance, necessary for the import into the Union, of:

(a) 837 570 metric tonnes of potassium chloride of CN 3104 20 between 10 July of a given year and 9 July of the following year;

(b) 1 577 807 metric tonnes combined of the other products under CN 3105 20 , 3105 60 and 3105 90 between 10 July of a given year and 9 July of the following year.

5.   The import volume quotas set out in paragraphs 3cc, 3cd, 3da and 4 of this Article shall be managed by the Commission and the Member States in accordance with the management system for tariff-rate quotas provided for in Articles 49 to 54 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2447.

5a.   The Member State concerned shall inform the other Member States and the Commission of any authorisation granted under paragraphs 3ab, 3c, and 3e within two weeks of the authorisation.

6.   The Union shall take the necessary measures in order to determine the relevant items to be covered by this Article.

Article 4m

1.   It shall be prohibited to sell, supply, transfer or export, directly or indirectly, goods which could contribute in particular to the enhancement of Russian industrial capacities, whether or not originating in the Union, to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia or for use in Russia.

1a. The transit via the territory of Russia of certain goods and technology, exported from the Union, shall be prohibited.

2.  It shall be prohibited to:

(a) provide technical assistance, brokering services or other services related to the goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1 and to the provision, manufacture, maintenance and use of those goods and technology, directly or indirectly to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia or for use in Russia;

(b) provide financing or financial assistance related to the goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1 for any sale, supply, transfer or export of those goods and technology, or for the provision of related technical assistance, brokering services or other services, directly or indirectly to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia, or for use in Russia;

(c) sell, license or transfer in any other way intellectual property rights or trade secrets as well as grant rights to access or re-use any material or information protected by means of intellectual property rights or constituting trade secrets related to the goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1 and to the provision, manufacture, maintenance and use of those goods and technology, directly or indirectly to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia or for use in Russia.

3.   (deleted)

3a.  (deleted)

3aa. (deleted)

3ab.   With regard to certain goods, the prohibitions in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not apply to the execution until 20 June 2024 of contracts concluded before 19 December 2023, or of ancillary contracts necessary for the execution of such contracts

3b.(deleted)

3ad.   With regard to the goods listed in Annex XXIIIC to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, the prohibitions in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not apply to the execution until 26 September 2024 of contracts concluded before 25 June 2024, or of ancillary contracts necessary for the execution of such contracts.

3ae.   With regard to the goods falling under CN code 2602, the prohibitions in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not apply to the execution until 26 July 2024 of contracts concluded before 25 June 2024, or of ancillary contracts necessary for the execution of such contracts.

3af.   With regard to the goods falling under CN codes 8481 80 and 8708 99, the prohibitions in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not apply to the execution until 26 December 2024 of contracts concluded before 25 June 2024, or of ancillary contracts necessary for the execution of such contracts.

4.   The prohibitions in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not apply to goods which are necessary for the official purposes of diplomatic or consular missions of Member States or partner countries in Russia or of international organisations enjoying immunities in accordance with international law, or to the personal effects of their staff.

4a.   The competent authorities of the Member States may authorise, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, the sale, supply, transfer or export of the following goods, or the provision of related technical or financial assistance, after having determined that such goods or the provision of related technical or financial assistance are necessary for personal household use of natural persons in Russia:

(a)goods falling under CN code 8417 20;

(b)taps, cocks and valves falling under CN code 8481 80 that are designed for plumbing, heating, ventilation or air conditioning systems;

(c)copper tubes, pipes and pipe fittings falling under CN codes 7411 or 7412 that have an internal diameter of up to 50 mm.

4aa.   The prohibitions in paragraphs 1, 1a and 2 shall not apply to the sale, supply, transfer or export of the goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1 or to the related provision of technical and financial assistance, for non-military use and for a non-military end-user, intended for health emergencies, the urgent prevention or mitigation of an event likely to have a serious and significant impact on human health and safety or the environment, or as a response to natural disasters.

4aa.   The competent authorities of the Member States may authorise, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, the sale, supply, transfer or export of the goods falling under CN code 3917 10, or the provision of related technical or financial assistance, after having determined that such goods are sold, supplied, transferred or exported strictly for the production of food items for human consumption in Russia

4b.   By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 2, the competent authorities may authorise, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, the sale, supply, transfer or export of the goods falling under CN chapters 72, 84, 85 and 90 as listed in Annex XXIII to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, or related technical assistance, brokering services, financing or financial assistance, after having determined that it is strictly necessary for the production of titanium goods required in the aeronautic industry, for which no alternative supply is available.

4c. By way of derogation from paragraph 1a, the competent authorities may authorise the transit via the territory of Russia of certain goods and technology which could contribute in particular to the enhancement of Russian industrial capacities, after having determined that such goods or technology are intended for the purposes set out in paragraphs 4b and 5 of this Article

4d.   By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 2, the competent authorities of the Member States may authorise, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, the sale, supply, transfer or export of the goods and technology falling under CN codes 3917, 8421, 8471, 8523, 8536 and 8544, as listed in Annex XXIII to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, or the provision of related technical or financial assistance, after having determined that those goods or the provision of related technical or financial assistance are necessary for the purposes of maintenance or repair of medical devices.

4e.   By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 2, the competent authorities may authorise, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, the export and transfer of the goods falling under CN codes 8414 90 and 9026, as listed in Annex XXIII to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, that are physically located in the Union as of 25 June 2024 for the purpose of maintenance or repairs, or the provision of related technical assistance, brokering services or other services, or financing or financial assistance, after having determined that it is strictly necessary for the functioning of the Sakhalin-2 (Сахалин-2) Project to ensure Japan’s energy security.

5.   The competent authorities of the Member States may authorise, under the conditions they deem appropriate, the sale, supply, transfer or export of the goods and technology covered by this Article, or the provision of related technical or financial assistance, after having determined that such goods or technology or the provision of related technical or financial assistance are necessary for:

(a) medical or pharmaceutical purposes, or for humanitarian purposes, such as delivering or facilitating the delivery of assistance, including medical supplies, food, or the transfer of humanitarian workers and related assistance or for evacuations; or

(b) the exclusive use and under the full control of the authorising Member State and in order to fulfil its maintenance obligations in areas which are under a long-term lease agreement between that Member State and the Russian Federation; or

(c)the establishment, operation, maintenance, fuel supply and retreatment and safety of civil nuclear capabilities, and the continuation of design, construction and commissioning required for the completion of civil nuclear facilities, the supply of precursor material for the production of medical radioisotopes and similar medical applications, or critical technology for environmental radiation monitoring, as well as for civil nuclear cooperation, in particular in the field of research and development

5a. When deciding on requests for the authorisations referred to in paragraphs 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 5 and 5aa, the competent authorities shall not grant an authorisation for exports to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia or for use in Russia, if they have reasonable grounds to believe that the goods might have a military end-use.

5b.   The Member State concerned shall inform the other Member States and the Commission of any authorisation granted under paragraphs 4a, 4b and 5 within two weeks of the authorisation.

6.   The Union shall take the necessary measures in order to determine the relevant items to be covered by this Article.

Article 4n

1.   It shall be prohibited for any road transport undertaking established in Russia to transport goods by road within the territory of the Union, including in transit.

1a.   The prohibition in paragraph 1 shall apply to the transport of goods within the territory of the Union by road transport undertakings, carried out by means of trailers or semi-trailers registered in Russia, including if those trailers or semi-trailers are hauled by trucks registered in other countries.

1b.   It shall be prohibited for any legal person, entity or body established in the Union which is owned for 25 % or more by a Russian natural or legal person, entity or body to be admitted to become a road transport undertaking which transports goods by road within the territory of the Union, including in transit.

1c.   It shall be prohibited, as of 26 July 2024 for any road transport undertaking established in the Union after 8 April 2022, which is owned for 25 % or more by a Russian natural or legal person, entity or body to transport goods by road within the territory of the Union, including in transit.

1d.   Road transport undertakings established in the Union shall, upon request of the national competent authority of the Member State where they are established, supply information on their ownership structure to that national competent authority.

2.   The prohibition in paragraph 1 shall not apply to road transport undertakings transporting:

(a) mail as a universal service;

(b) goods in transit though the Union between the Kaliningrad Oblast and Russia, provided that the transport of such goods is not otherwise prohibited under this Decision.

2a.   Paragraphs 1b and 1c shall not apply to road transport undertakings established in the Union which are owned for 25 % or more by Russian nationals who are also nationals of a Member State or who have a temporary or permanent residence permit in a Member State

3.   (deleted)

3a.  (deleted)

4.    By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 1a, the competent authorities of a Member State may authorise the transport of goods by a road transport undertaking established in Russia or any road transport undertaking when the goods are carried out by means of trailers or semi-trailers registered in Russia, including if those trailers or semi-trailers are hauled by trucks registered in other countries, if the competent authorities have determined that such transport is necessary for:

(a) unless otherwise prohibited, the purchase, import or transport into the Union of natural gas and oil, including refined petroleum products, as well as titanium, aluminium, copper, nickel, palladium and iron ore;

(b) the purchase, import or transport of pharmaceutical, medical, agricultural and food products, including wheat and fertilisers whose import, purchase and transport is allowed under this Decision;

(c) humanitarian purposes;

(d) the functioning of diplomatic and consular representations in Russia, including delegations, embassies and missions, or international organisations in Russia enjoying immunities in accordance with international law; or

(e) the transfer or export to Russia of cultural goods which are on loan in the context of formal cultural cooperation with Russia.

5.   The Member State concerned shall inform the other Member States and the Commission of any authorisation granted under paragraph 4 within two weeks of the authorisation.

Article 4o

1.   It shall be prohibited to purchase, import or transfer, directly or indirectly, crude oil or petroleum products, as listed in Annex XIII to this Decision, if they originate in Russia or are exported from Russia.

2.   It shall be prohibited to provide, directly or indirectly, technical assistance, brokering services, financing or financial assistance or any other services related to the prohibition in paragraph 1.

3.   The prohibitions in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not apply:

(a) until 5 December 2022, to one-off transactions for near-term delivery, concluded and executed before that date, or to the execution of contracts for the purchase, import or transfer of crude oil, concluded before 4 June 2022, or of ancillary contracts necessary for the execution of such contracts, provided that those contracts have been notified by the relevant Member States to the Commission by 24 June 2022 and that the one-off transactions for near-term delivery be notified by the relevant Member States to the Commission within 10 days of their completion;

(b) until 5 February 2023, to one-off transactions for near-term delivery, concluded and executed before that date, or to the execution of contracts for the purchase, import or transfer of petroleum products concluded before 4 June 2022, or of ancillary contracts necessary for the execution of such contracts, provided that those contracts have been notified by the relevant Member States to the Commission by 24 June 2022 and that the one-off transactions for near-term delivery be notified by the relevant Member States to the Commission within 10 days of their completion;

(c) to the purchase, import or transfer of seaborne crude oil and of petroleum products, as listed in Annex XIII to this Decision, where those goods originate in a third country and are only being loaded in, departing from, or transiting through Russia, provided that both the origin and the owner of those goods are non-Russian;

(d) to crude oil which is delivered by pipeline from Russia into Member States, until the Council, acting by unanimity, on a proposal by the High Representative with the support of the Commission, decides that the prohibitions in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall apply.

3a.   The exemption in paragraph 3, point (d), shall stop applying to Germany and Poland on 23 June 2023.

4.   If the supply of crude oil by pipeline from Russia to a landlocked Member State is interrupted for reasons outside the control of that Member State, seaborne crude oil from Russia may be imported into that Member State, by way of an exceptional temporary derogation from paragraphs 1 and 2 , until the supply is resumed or until the Council decision referred to in paragraph 3(d) applies with regard to that Member State, whichever is the earliest.

5.  As of 5 December 2022, and by way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 2, the competent authorities of Bulgaria may authorise the execution until 31 December 2024 of contracts concluded before 4 June 2022, or of ancillary contracts necessary for the execution of such contracts, for the purchase, import or transfer of seaborne crude oil and of petroleum products, as listed in Annex XIII to this Decision, originating in Russia or exported from Russia.

6.   As of 5 February 2023, and by way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 2, the competent authorities of Croatia may authorise until 31 December 2024 the purchase, import or transfer of vacuum gas oil falling under CN code 2710 19 71 originating in Russia or exported from Russia, provided that the following conditions are fulfilled:

(a) no alternative supply of vacuum gas oil is available; and

(b) Croatia has notified the Commission, at least two weeks prior to the authorisation, of the grounds on which it considers that a specific authorisation should be granted and the Commission has not objected within that time frame.

7.   The goods imported following a derogation granted by a competent authority under paragraph 5 or 6 shall not be sold on to buyers located in another Member State or in a third country.

As from 5 February 2023, it shall be prohibited to transfer or transport petroleum products falling under CN 2710 which are obtained from crude oil imported on the basis of a derogation granted by the Bulgarian competent authority under paragraph 5, to other Member States or to third countries, or to sell such petroleum products to purchasers in other Member States or in third countries.

By way of derogation from the prohibition set out in the second subparagraph, the competent authorities of Bulgaria may authorise, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, the sale, supply, transfer or export to Ukraine of certain petroleum products, which are obtained from crude oil imported under paragraph 5, after having determined that:

(a) the products are intended for exclusive use in Ukraine;

(b) such sale, supply, transfer or export is not meant to circumvent the prohibitions in the second subparagraph.

By way of derogation from the prohibition set out in the second subparagraph, the competent authorities of Bulgaria may authorise, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, the sale, supply, transfer or export to any third country of certain petroleum products, which are obtained from crude oil imported under paragraph 5, within the export volume quotas mentioned in Annex XXXII to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, after having determined that:

(a) the products cannot be stored in Bulgaria due to environmental and safety risks;

(b) such sale, supply, transfer or export is not meant to circumvent the prohibitions in the second subparagraph.

Bulgaria shall inform the other Member States and the Commission of any authorisations granted under the third and fourth subparagraphs within two weeks of the authorisation.

The Union shall take the necessary measures in order to determine the relevant items to be covered by the derogations set out in the third and fourth subparagraphs.

8.   The transfer or transport of crude oil delivered by pipeline into Member States as referred to in paragraph 3(d) to other Member States or to third countries, or its sale to purchasers in other Member States or in third countries, shall be prohibited.

All consignments and containers of such crude oil shall be clearly marked as ‘REBCO: export prohibited’.

As from 5 Feburary 2023, where crude oil has been delivered by pipeline into a Member State as referred to in paragraph 3(d), it shall be prohibited to transfer or transport petroleum products which are obtained from such crude oil to other Member States or to third countries, or to sell such petroleum products to purchasers in other Member States or in third countries.

By way of temporary derogation, the prohibitions referred to in the third subparagraph shall apply as from 5 December 2024 to the import and transfer into Czechia, and to the sale to purchasers in Czechia, of petroleum products obtained from crude oil which has been delivered by pipeline into another Member State as referred to in paragraph 3(d). If alternative supplies for such petroleum products are made available to Czechia before that date, the Council shall terminate that temporary derogation. During the period until 5 December 2024, the volumes of such petroleum products imported into Czechia from other Member States shall not exceed the average volumes imported into Czechia from those other Member States over the same period during the previous five years

As from 5 February 2023, by way of derogation from the prohibitions referred to in the third subparagraph, the competent authorities of Hungary and Slovakia may authorise, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, the sale, supply, transfer or export to Ukraine of certain petroleum products which are obtained from crude oil imported under paragraph 3(d) after having determined that:

(a) the products are intended for exclusive use in Ukraine;

(b) such sale, supply, transfer or export is not meant to circumvent the prohibitions in the third subparagraph.

The Member State concerned shall inform the other Member States and the Commission of any authorisations granted under this paragraph within two weeks of the authorisation.

The Union shall take the necessary measures in order to determine the relevant items to be covered by the derogation set out in the fifth subparagraph.

9.   The prohibitions in paragraph 1 shall not apply to purchases in Russia of crude oil or petroleum products, as listed in Annex XIII to this Decision, which are required in order to meet the essential needs of the purchaser in Russia or of humanitarian projects in Russia.

10.   The Union shall take the necessary measures in order to determine the relevant items to be covered by this Article.

Article 4p

1.   It shall be prohibited to provide, directly or indirectly, technical assistance, brokering services or financing or financial assistance, related to the trading, brokering or transport, including through ship-to-ship transfers, to third countries of crude oil or petroleum products, as listed in Annex XIII to this Decision, which originate in Russia or which have been exported from Russia.

2.   The prohibition in paragraph 1 shall not apply to the execution of contracts concluded before 4 June 2022, or of ancillary contracts necessary for the execution of such contracts, until:

(a) 5 December 2022, for crude oil falling under CN code 2709 00 ;

(b) 5 February 2023, for petroleum products falling under CN code 2710 .

3.   The prohibition in paragraph 1 does not apply to the payment of insurance claims after 5 December 2022, for crude oil falling under CN code 2709 00 , or after 5 February 2023, for petroleum products falling under CN code 2710 , on the basis of insurance contracts concluded before 4 June 2022 and provided that the insurance coverage has ceased by the relevant date.

4.   It shall be prohibited to trade, broker or transport, including through ship-to-ship transfers, to third countries crude oil falling under CN code 2709 00 , as of 5 December 2022, or petroleum products falling under CN code 2710 , as of 5 February 2023, as listed in  Annex XIII to this Decision, which originate in Russia or which have been exported from Russia.

5.   The prohibition in paragraph 4 of this Article shall apply as from the date of entry into force of the first Council Decision amending Annex XI in accordance with point (a) of paragraph 9 of this Article.

As from the date of entry into force of every subsequent Council Decision amending Annex XI to this Decision, the prohibitions in paragraphs 1 and 4 of this Article shall not apply, for a period of 90 days, to the transport of products listed in Annex XIII to this Decision which originate in Russia or which have been exported from Russia, and to the provision, directly or indirectly, of technical assistance, brokering services or financing or financial assistance, related to the transport, provided that:

(a) the transport or the provision of technical assistance, brokering services or financing or financial assistance, related to the transport is based on a contract concluded before the date of entry into force of every subsequent Council Decision amending Annex XI to this Decision; and

(b) the purchase price per barrel did not exceed the price laid down in Annex XI to this Decision on the date of conclusion of that contract.

6.   The prohibitions in paragraphs 1 and 4 shall not apply:

(a) as of 5 December 2022, to crude oil falling under CN code 2709 00 , and as of 5 February 2023, to petroleum products falling under CN code 2710 , which originate in Russia or which have been exported from Russia, provided that the purchase price per barrel of such products does not exceed the prices laid down in Annex XI to this Decision;

(b) to crude oil or petroleum products as listed in Annex XIII to this Decision where those goods originate in a third country and are only being loaded in, departing from or transiting through Russia, provided that both the origin and the owner of those goods are non-Russian;

(c) to the transport, or to technical assistance, brokering services, financing or financial assistance related to such transport, of the products mentioned in Annex XII to this Decision to the third countries mentioned therein, for the duration specified in that Annex;

(d) as of 5 December 2022, to crude oil falling under CN code 2709 00 , which originates in Russia or which has been exported from Russia purchased above the price laid down in Annex XI to this Decision which is loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading prior to 5 December 2022 and unloaded at the final port of destination prior to 19 January 2023;

(e) as of 5 February 2023, to petroleum products falling under CN code 2710 , which originate in Russia or which have been exported from Russia purchased above the respective price laid down in Annex XI to this Decision which are loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading prior to 5 February 2023 and unloaded at the final port of destination prior to 1 April 2023.

6a. In application of paragraphs 4 and 6, point (a), for Russian crude oil or petroleum products listed in Annex XIII, loaded as of 20 February 2024, service providers with no access to the purchase price per barrel laid down in Annex XI of such products shall collect itemised price information for ancillary costs as provided by operators further up the supply chain of Russian crude oil or petroleum product trade. Such itemised price information shall be provided to counterparties and competent authorities, upon their request, for the purpose of verifying compliance with this Article.

7.   The prohibition in paragraph 1 shall not apply to the provision of pilot services necessary for reasons of maritime safety.

8.   (deleted)

9.   The Council, acting by unanimity on a proposal by the High Representative with the Commission’s support, shall amend:

(a) Annex XI on the basis of the prices agreed by the Price Cap Coalition;

(b) Annex XII on the basis of objective eligibility criteria agreed by the Price Cap Coalition to exempt specific energy projects essential for the energy security of certain third countries.

10.   The prohibitions in paragraph 1 and 4 shall not apply to the transport or provision of technical assistance, brokering services or financing or financial assistance, related to the transport necessary for the urgent prevention or mitigation of an event likely to have a serious and significant impact on human health and safety or the environment, or as a response to natural disasters, provided that the national competent authority has been notified immediately once the event has been identified.

11.   The Member States and the Commission shall inform each other of detected instances of a breach or circumvention of the prohibitions set out in this Article.

Any information provided or received in accordance with this Article shall be used for the purposes for which it was provided or received, including ensuring the effectiveness of the measure.

12.   The functioning of the price cap mechanism, including Annex XI as well as the prohibitions in paragraphs 1 and 4 of this Article, shall be reviewed by mid-March 2023 and every 2 months thereafter.

The review shall take into account the effectiveness of the measure in terms of its expected results, its implementation, international adherence to and informal alignment with the price cap mechanism, and its potential impact on the Union and its Member States. It shall respond to developments in the market, including possible turbulences.

In order to achieve the objectives of the price cap, including its ability to reduce Russia’s oil revenues, the price cap shall be at least 5 % below the average market price for Russian oil and petroleum products, calculated on the basis of data provided by the International Energy Agency.

Article 4pa

1.   By way of derogation from Articles 3, 3a, 4h and 4m, the competent authorities may authorise the sale, supply, transfer, export or transit through Russia of the goods and technology referred to in those Articles, or the provision of related technical assistance, brokering services or other services, or financing or financial assistance, for the operation and maintenance of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) pipelines and associated infrastructure necessary for the transport of goods falling under CN 2709 00 originating in Kazakhstan and which are only being loaded in, departing from or transiting through Russia, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, after having determined that:

(a) such a sale, supply, transfer, export or transit through Russia or the provision of related technical assistance, brokering services or other services, or financing and financial assistance, is necessary for the operation, essential maintenance, repair or replacement of components of the CPC pipeline and associated infrastructure;

(b) the type of goods, technologies and assistance requested does not go beyond the type of goods and technology previously exported from, or the assistance previously provided from, the Union, a country member of the European Economic Area, Switzerland or a partner country as listed in Annex VII, to Russia for the operation, essential maintenance, repair or replacement of components of the CPC pipeline and associated infrastructure, and related assistance;

(c) the requested volumes are commensurate with those used for the operation, essential maintenance, repair or replacement of components of the CPC pipeline and associated infrastructure; and

(d) such goods and technology will be provided by a natural or legal person subject to Article 13 of Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 exclusively for end use in the operation, essential maintenance, repair or replacement of components of the CPC pipeline and associated infrastructure.

2.   By way of derogation from Article 1k, the competent authorities may authorise the provision of auditing services, engineering services, legal advisory services, technical testing and analysis services for the operation and maintenance of the CPC pipelines and associated infrastructure necessary for the transport of goods falling under CN 2709 00 originating in Kazakhstan and which are only being loaded in, departing from or transiting through Russia after having determined that:

(a) the provision of those services is necessary for the operation, essential maintenance, repair or replacement of components of the CPC pipeline and associated infrastructure; and

(b) such services are provided by a natural or legal person subject to Article 13 of Regulation (EU) No 833/2014.

3.  The Member State concerned shall inform the other Member States and the Commission of any authorisation granted under paragraphs 1 and 2 within two weeks of the authorisation.

4.   When granting an authorisation under paragraphs 1 and 2, the competent authority shall require the presentation of an end-user certificate and detailed regular reports indicating that no such goods, technology or services were diverted from their intended purpose during the relevant works. It may impose additional conditions, in accordance with paragraph 1.

Article 4q

1.   It shall be prohibited to purchase, import, or transfer, directly or indirectly, gold if it originates in Russia and it has been exported from Russia into the Union or to any third country after 22 July 2022.

2.   It shall be prohibited to purchase, import, or transfer, directly or indirectly, products processed in a third country incorporating the product prohibited in paragraph 1.

3.   It shall be prohibited to purchase, import, or transfer, directly or indirectly, gold jewellery if it originates in Russia and it has been exported from Russia into the Union after 22 July 2022.

4.   It shall be prohibited to:

(a) provide technical assistance, brokering services or other services related to the goods referred to in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 and to the provision, manufacture, maintenance and use of those goods, directly or indirectly in relation to the prohibition in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3;

(b) provide financing or financial assistance related to the goods referred to in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 for any purchase, import or transfer of those goods, or for the provision of related technical assistance, brokering services or other services, directly or indirectly in relation to the prohibition in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3.

5.   The prohibitions in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 shall not apply to gold which is necessary for the official purposes of diplomatic missions, consular posts or international organisations in Russia enjoying immunities in accordance with international law.

6.   The prohibition in paragraph 3 shall not apply to gold jewellery for personal use of natural persons travelling to the European Union or members of their immediate families travelling with them, owned by those individuals and not intended for sale.

7.   By way of derogation from paragraphs 1, 2 and 3, the competent authorities may authorise the transfer or import of cultural goods which are on loan in the context of formal cultural cooperation with Russia.

8.   The Union shall take the necessary measures in order to determine the relevant items to be covered by this Article.

Article 4r

1.   By way of derogation from Articles 3, 3a, 4, 4c, 4d, 4g, 4j and 4m, the competent authorities may authorise the sale, supply or transfer of goods and technologies listed in Annexes II, VII, X, XI, XVI, XVIII, XX and XXIII to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 and in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2021/821 as well as the sale, licensing or transfer in any other way of intellectual property rights or trade secrets as well as granting rights to access or re-use any material or information protected by means of intellectual property rights or constituting trade secrets, related to the goods and technology mentioned above until 31 December 2024, where such sale, supply, transfer, licensing, granting rights to access or re-use is strictly necessary for the divestment from Russia or the wind-down of business activities in Russia, provided that the following conditions are fulfilled::

(a) the goods and technologies are owned by a national of a Member State or by a legal person, entity or body which is incorporated or constituted under the law of a Member State or by legal persons, entities or bodies established in Russia that are owned by, or solely or jointly controlled by, a legal person, entity or body which is incorporated or constituted under the law of a Member State; and

(b) the competent authorities deciding on requests for authorisations have no reasonable grounds to believe that the goods might be for a military end-user or have a military end-use in Russia; and

(c) the concerned goods and technologies were physically located in Russia before the relevant prohibitions in Articles 3, 3a, 4, 4c, 4d, 4g, 4j or 4m entered into force in respect of those goods and technologies.

1a.    By way of derogation from Article 3, the competent authorities may authorise the sale, supply or transfer of goods and technologies listed in Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 until 31 December 2024, where such sale, supply or transfer is strictly necessary for the divestment from a joint venture incorporated or constituted under the law of a Member State before 24 February 2022, involving a Russian legal person, entity or body, and operating a gas pipeline infrastructure between Russia and third countries.

2.   By way of derogation from Articles 4i and 4k, the competent authorities may authorise the import or transfer of goods listed in Annexes XVII and XXI to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 until 31 December 2024, where such import or transfer is strictly necessary for the divestment from Russia or the wind-down of business activities in Russia, provided that the following conditions are fulfilled

(a) the goods are owned by a national of a Member State or by a legal person, entity or body which is incorporated or constituted under the law of a Member State or by legal persons, entities or bodies established in Russia that are owned by, or solely or jointly controlled by, a legal person, entity or body which is incorporated or constituted under the law of a Member State; and

(b) the concerned goods were physically located in Russia before the relevant prohibitions in Articles 4i and 4k entered into force in respect of those goods.

2a.    By way of derogation from Article 1k, the competent authorities may authorise the continuation of the provision of services listed therein until 31 December 2024 where such provision of services is strictly necessary for the divestment from Russia or the wind-down of business activities in Russia, provided that the following conditions are fulfilled:

(a) such services are provided to and for the exclusive benefit of the legal persons, entities or bodies resulting from the divestment; and

(b) the competent authorities deciding on requests for authorisations have no reasonable grounds to believe that the services might be provided, directly or indirectly, to the Government of Russia or a military end-user or have a military end-use in Russia.

2b.   By way of derogation from Article 1k(2), the competent authorities may authorise the provision, until 31 March 2024, of legal advisory services which are legally required for the completion of a sale or transfer of proprietary rights directly or indirectly owned by legal persons, entities or bodies established in Russia in a legal person, entity or body established in the Union.

3.   The Member State concerned shall inform the other Member States and the Commission of any authorisation granted under paragraphs 1, 1a, 2, 2a or 2b within two weeks of the authorisation.

Article 4s

The prohibitions laid down in this Decision shall not apply to the provision of pilot services which are necessary for reasons of maritime safety

Article 4t

1.   For the purposes of the prohibitions on importing goods provided for in this Decision, goods physically in the Union may be released as provided for in Article 5, point (26), of the Union Customs Code ( ²² ) by the customs authorities provided that they have been presented to customs in accordance with Article 134 of the Union Customs Code before the entry into force or applicability date of the respective import prohibition, whichever is the latest.

2.   All procedural steps necessary for the release referred to in paragraphs 1 and 5 of the relevant goods pursuant to the Union Customs Code shall be allowed.

3.   The customs authorities shall not allow the release of the goods if they have reasonable grounds to suspect circumvention and shall not authorise the re-export of the goods to Russia.

4.   Payments in relation to such goods shall be consistent with the provisions and objectives of this Decision, in particular the prohibition on purchasing, and Decision 2014/145/CFSP.

5.   Goods physically in the Union and presented to customs prior to 26 February 2023 which were stopped in application of this Decision may be released by the customs authorities under the conditions provided for in paragraphs 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Article 4u

1.   It shall be prohibited, as of 1 January 2024, to purchase, import, or transfer, directly or indirectly, diamonds and products incorporating diamonds, if they originate in Russia or have been exported from Russia into the Union or to any third country.

2.   It shall be prohibited, as of 1 January 2024, to purchase, import, or transfer, directly or indirectly, diamonds and products incorporating diamonds, of any origin, if they transited via the territory of Russia.

3.   It shall be prohibited, as of 1 March 2024, to purchase, import, or transfer, directly or indirectly, products processed in a third country consisting of diamonds originating in Russia or exported from Russia with a weight equal to or above 1.0 carats per diamond.

4.   It shall be prohibited, as of 1 September 2024, to purchase, import, or transfer, directly or indirectly, products processed in a third country consisting of diamonds originating in Russia or exported from Russia with a weight equal to or above 0.5 carats or 0.1 grams per diamond..

4a.   With regard to products listed in Part C of Annex XXXVIIIA to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, when processed in a third country, incorporating diamonds originating in Russia or exported from Russia with a weight equal to or above 0.5 carats or 0.1 grams per diamond, the prohibition in paragraph 4 shall apply as from the date decided by the Council, acting by unanimity on the basis of Articles 29 and 30 of the Treaty on European Union.

5.   It shall be prohibited to:

(a) provide technical assistance, brokering services or other services related to the goods referred to in paragraphs 1 to 4, and to the provision, manufacture, maintenance and use of those goods, directly or indirectly in relation to the prohibitions in paragraphs 1 to 4;

(b) provide financing or financial assistance related to the goods referred to in paragraphs 1 to 4 for any purchase, import or transfer of those goods, or for the provision of related technical assistance, brokering services or other services, directly or indirectly in relation to the prohibitions in paragraphs 1 to 4.

6.   The prohibitions in paragraphs 1 to 4 of this Article shall not apply to diamonds or products incorporating diamonds for the personal use of natural persons travelling to the Union or of their immediate family members travelling with them, owned by those individuals and not intended for sale.

7.   By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 to 4, the competent authorities may authorise the transfer or import of cultural goods which are on loan in the context of formal cultural cooperation with Russia.

8.   For the purposes of paragraphs 3 and 4 of this Article, goods falling under CN codes 7102 31 00 and 7102 10 00 that are imported into the Union shall be submitted for verification without delay, together with documentation certifying their origin, to the authority specified in Annex XXXVIIIB to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014. The Member State where those goods are brought into the customs territory of the Union shall ensure their submission to the authority specified in Annex XXXVIIIB to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014. Customs transit may be granted to that effect. If such customs transit is granted, the verification provided for in this paragraph shall be suspended until the arrival of those goods at the authority specified in Annex XXXVIIIB to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014. The importer shall be responsible for the proper movement of those goods and the costs of such movement. A submission to that authority shall not be necessary provided that the goods had previously undergone the verification procedure provided for in this paragraph and provided that that is proven by traceability-based evidence, including a corresponding certificate certifying that the diamonds are not mined, processed or produced in Russia, as provided for in paragraph 10 of this Article.

9.   All verifications required under paragraph 8 shall be carried out in accordance with the rules and procedures laid down in Council Regulation (EC) No 2368/2002 (^*8), which shall apply mutatis mutandis.

10.   For the purposes of paragraphs 3 and 4, at the moment of importation, importers shall provide evidence of the country of origin of the diamonds or products incorporating diamonds used as inputs for the processing of the product in a third country.

As of 1 March 2025, the traceability-based evidence for products listed in Part A of Annex XXXVIIIA to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 shall include a corresponding certificate certifying that the diamonds are not mined, processed or produced in Russia

As of 1 September 2024, the traceability-based evidence shall include a corresponding certificate certifying that the diamonds are not mined, processed or produced in Russia.

11.   The Union shall take the necessary measures in order to determine the relevant items to be covered by this Article and the authority for the verification of diamonds referred to in paragraph 8.

11.   The prohibitions in paragraphs 1, 3 and 4 shall not apply to products listed in Parts A, B and C of Annex XXXVIIIA to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 if those products were physically located in the Union before the date of applicability of the respective prohibition and thereafter exported to a third country other than Russia.

At the moment of importation into the Union, importers shall provide evidence that the products were physically located in the Union or a certificate, based on a submitted stock declaration, from the authority specified in Annex XXXVIIIB to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 prior to the export from the Union.

12.   The prohibitions in paragraphs 1, 3 and 4 shall not apply to products listed in Parts A, B and C of Annex XXXVIIIA to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 if those products were physically located, polished or manufactured in a third country other than Russia before the date of applicability of the respective prohibition.

Importers shall, at the moment of importation into the Union, provide evidence that the products had initially been imported into the third country before the date of applicability of the respective prohibition for products falling under CN codes 7102 10 00, 7102 31 00 and 7104 21 00. For products falling under CN codes 7102 39 00 and 7104 91 00, as well as for products listed in Part C of Annex XXXVIIIA to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, importers shall, at the moment of importation, provide evidence that the products had been finally processed or manufactured in the third country, or had been physically located in a processed or manufactured state in the third country before the date of applicability of the respective prohibition.

13.   The prohibitions in paragraphs 4 and 5 shall not apply to products listed in Part C of Annex XXXVIIIA to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 manufactured before 1 September 2024, and related services if those products were temporarily imported into the Union from any third country or territory other than Russia, or imported after a temporary exportation to any third country or territory other than Russia, provided that those products were placed under the temporary admission, inward processing, outward processing or temporary export customs procedures when entering or exiting the Union.’

Article 4v

1.   It shall be prohibited for any national of a Member State, natural person residing in a Member State, and legal person, entity or body which is established in the Union to sell, or otherwise transfer ownership, directly or indirectly, of tankers for the transport of crude oil or petroleum products listed in Annex XIII, falling under HS code ex 8901 20, whether or not originating in the Union, to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia or for use in Russia.

2.   By way of derogation from paragraph 1, the competent authorities may authorise, under the conditions they deem appropriate, the sale or other transfer of ownership of tankers for the transport of crude oil or petroleum products listed in Annex XIII, falling under HS code ex 8901 20.

3.   When deciding on requests for the authorisation referred to in paragraph 2 of this Article, the competent authorities shall not grant an authorisation for a sale or other transfer of ownership to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia or for use in Russia, if they have reasonable grounds to believe that the tanker would be used to transport, or be re-exported to transport, crude oil or petroleum products as listed in Annex XIII, originating in Russia or exported from Russia for import into the Union in breach of Article 4o or for transport to third countries at a purchase price per barrel exceeding the price laid down in Annex XI.

4.   Any sale or other arrangement entailing a transfer of ownership by a national of a Member State, a natural person residing in a Member State, and a legal person, entity or body which is established in the Union to any third country of tankers for the transport of crude oil or petroleum products listed in Annex XIII, falling under HS code ex 8901 20, with the exception of a sale or other transfer of ownership prohibited under paragraph 1, shall be notified immediately to the competent authorities of the Member State where the owner of the tanker is a citizen, a resident or is established.

The notification to the competent authority shall contain at least, the following information: the identities of the seller and the purchaser, and where applicable the incorporation documents of the seller and the purchaser including the shareholding and management; the IMO ship identification number of the tanker; and the Call Sign of the tanker.

5.   Any sale or other transfer of ownership of tankers as referred to in paragraphs 1 and 4 after 5 December 2022 and prior to 19 December 2023 shall be notified to the competent authorities of the Member States before 20 February 2024.

6.   The Member State concerned shall inform the other Member States and the Commission of any authorisation granted under paragraph 2, and of any notification under paragraphs 4 and 5, within two weeks of the authorisation or notification.

Article 4w

1.   It shall be prohibited to provide reloading services in the territory of the Union for the purposes of transshipment operations of liquified natural gas falling under CN code 2711 11 00, originating in Russia or exported from Russia.

2.   It shall be prohibited to provide, directly or indirectly, technical assistance, brokering services, financing or financial assistance related to the prohibition in paragraph 1.

3.   By way of derogation from the prohibitions in paragraphs 1 and 2, the competent authorities may authorise reloading services for the purposes of transshipment operations of liquified natural gas falling under CN code 2711 11 00, originating in Russia or exported from Russia, if such reloading is necessary for its transport to a Member State and such Member State has confirmed that the transshipment is used to ensure the energy supply in that Member State.

4.   In order to ensure compliance with the prohibitions in paragraphs 1 and 2, the competent authorities may establish rules and guidance at national level. Such rules and guidance shall include enhanced due diligence requirements in particular for the identification of reloading services provided for the purpose of transhipment operations, taking into account specificities of the national regulatory framework applicable to liquified natural gas facilities, previous business practices of shippers, the time between the unloading and reloading, indications of direct commercial connections between the unloading and reloading, including the purchase of new unloading and reloading services in bundle, and the country of registration of the economic operators involved.

5.   The competent authorities shall inform the Commission, at the latest by 26 December 2024, of the rules and guidance established under this paragraph or that they do not intend to establish such rules.

6.   The prohibitions in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not apply until 26 March 2025 for the execution of contracts concluded before 25 June 2024.

7.   Legal persons performing unloading operations of liquified natural gas falling under CN code 2711 11 00, originating in Russia or exported from Russia, shall inform by 26 July 2024 and every month thereafter the competent authority of the Member State where they are located of all unloading operations and imports into the Union of liquified natural gas, falling under CN code 2711 11 00, originating in Russia or exported from Russia. The reporting shall include information on volumes.

The Member State concerned shall provide the Commission with the information received.

8.   Paragraph 2 shall not apply in the case of a vessel in need of assistance seeking a place of refuge, of an emergency port call for reasons of maritime safety, or for saving life at sea or for the urgent prevention or mitigation of an event likely to have a serious and significant impact on human health and safety or the environment, or as a response to natural disasters.

9.   The prohibitions in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not apply to reloading services necessary for the bunkering of liquified natural gas fuelled vessels.

10.   The Commission shall monitor liquefied natural gas flows, markets and prices, Union competitiveness, and the share of Russian liquefied natural gas imports in the total energy imports of the Union. It shall report to the Council in the event of any important developments linked to the prohibitions in paragraphs 1 and 2, and at the latest by 26 June 2025. The Council shall take those reports into account for the review of the restrictive measures.

11.   In the event of important developments linked to the prohibitions in paragraphs 1 and 2, affecting liquefied natural gas flows, markets, prices, Union competitiveness or the share of Russian liquefied natural gas imports in the total energy imports of the Union, the Commission shall propose mitigating measures to the Council, accompanied by an assessment of their impact.

Article 4x

1.   In relation to any vessel listed in Annex XVI, it shall be prohibited to, directly or indirectly:

(a)provide access to ports, anchorage zones and locks in the territory of the Union, and for such a vessel to access them;

(b)import into the Union, purchase or transfer such a vessel;

(c)sell, supply, including charter, or export such a vessel;

(d)operate or crew such a vessel;

(e)provide flag registration for the benefit of such a vessel;

(f)provide financing and financial assistance, including insurance, as well as brokering services, including ship brokering;

(g)provide technical assistance and other services including bunkering, ship supply services, crew changes services, cargo loading and discharge services, fendering and tug services to the benefit of such a vessel; and

(h)engage in ship-to-ship transfers or any other transfer of cargo with, or procure any services from, such a vessel.

2.   Annex XVI shall include vessels that:

(a)transport goods and technology used in the defence and security sector, from or to Russia, for use in Russia or for Russia’s warfare in Ukraine;

(b)transport crude oil or petroleum products, as listed in Annex XXV to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, that originate in Russia or are exported from Russia while practicing irregular and high-risk shipping practices as set out in the International Maritime Organisation General Assembly resolution A.1192(33);

(c)are operated in such a way as to contribute or support actions or policies for the exploitation, development or expansion of the energy sector in Russia, including energy infrastructure;

(d)are operated in such a way as to contribute or support actions or policies which undermine or threaten the economic subsistence or food security of Ukraine, such as the transport of stolen Ukrainian grain, or the preservation of cultural heritage of Ukraine, such as the transport of stolen Ukrainian cultural goods;

(e)transport goods originating in or exported from the Union listed in Annexes XI, XX and XXIII to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, or goods originating in Russia or exported from Russia and imported into the Union listed in Annex XXI to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 and thereby enabling Russia’s actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine;

(f)are operated in such a way as to facilitate or engage in the violation or circumvention or otherwise significantly frustrate the provisions of this Decision or of Decisions 2014/145/CFSP, 2014/386/CFSP or (CFSP) 2022/266, or of Regulations (EU) No 833/2014, (EU) No 269/2014, (EU) No 692/2014 or (EU) 2022/263; or

(g)are owned, chartered or operated by natural or legal persons, entities or bodies listed in the Annex to Decision 2014/145/CFSP and in Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 269/2014, are otherwise used in the name of, on behalf of, in relation with or for the benefit of such persons.

3.   Paragraph 1 shall not apply in the case of a vessel, as listed in Annex XVI, in need of assistance seeking a place of refuge, of an emergency port call for reasons of maritime safety, or for saving life at sea, or for humanitarian purposes, or for the urgent prevention or mitigation of an event likely to have a serious and significant impact on human health and safety or the environment, or as a response to natural disasters, or for the recognition or enforcement of a judgment or an arbitration award rendered in a Member State.

4.   By way of derogation from points (a) and (g) of paragraph 1, the competent authorities of an island Member State may authorise a vessel listed in Annex XVI under paragraph 2(e), to access ports and anchorage zones, and receive services under paragraph 1(g) under such conditions as they deem appropriate, after having determined that:

(a)the goods are strictly necessary to satisfy basic needs of that Member State; and

(b)the import of such goods is not otherwise prohibited under this Decision or Regulation (EU) No 833/2014.

5.   The Member State concerned shall inform the other Member States and the Commission of any authorisation granted under paragraph 4 within two weeks of the authorisation.

Article 4y

1.   It shall be prohibited to sell, supply, transfer, or export, directly or indirectly, goods and technology and to provide, directly or indirectly, services to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia when such goods, technology and services are for the completion of liquefied natural gas projects, such as terminals and plants.

2.   It shall be prohibited to:

(a)provide, directly or indirectly, technical assistance or brokering services related to goods, technology and services in Russia when such goods, technology and services are intended for the completion of such liquefied natural gas projects;

(b)provide, directly or indirectly, financing or financial assistance related to goods, technology and services in Russia when such goods, technology and services are intended for the completion of such liquefied natural gas projects.

3.   The prohibitions in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall be without prejudice to the execution until 26 September 2024 of contracts concluded before 25 June 2024, or ancillary contracts necessary for the execution of such contracts.

Article 4z

1.   It shall be prohibited to purchase, import or transfer, directly or indirectly, liquified natural gas falling under CN code 2711 11 00, originating in Russia or exported from Russia, through liquefied natural gas terminals in the Union that are not connected to the interconnected natural gas system.

2.   It shall be prohibited to provide, directly or indirectly, technical assistance, brokering services, financing or financial assistance or any other services related to the prohibition in paragraph 1.

3.   The prohibitions in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not apply until 26 July 2024 to contracts concluded before 25 June 2024, or ancillary contracts necessary for the execution of such contracts.

4.   The prohibitions in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not affect the supply of liquefied natural gas of Russian origin from the mainland of a Member State to its outermost regions.

Article 4za

1.   It shall be prohibited to purchase, import, transfer, sell, supply or export, directly or indirectly, Ukrainian cultural property goods and other goods of archaeological, historical, cultural, rare scientific or religious importance, where there are reasonable grounds to suspect that the goods have been removed from Ukraine without the consent of their legitimate owner or have been removed in breach of Ukrainian law or international law, in particular if the goods form an integral part of the public collections listed in the inventories of the conservation collections of Ukrainian museums, archives or libraries, or of the inventories of Ukrainian religious institutions.

2.   It shall be prohibited to provide, directly or indirectly, technical assistance, brokering services, financing or financial assistance or any other services related to the prohibition in paragraph 1.

3.   The prohibition in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not apply if it is demonstrated that:

(a)the goods were exported from Ukraine prior to 1 March 2014; or

(b)the goods are being safely returned to their legitimate owners in Ukraine.’

Article 5

In order to maximise the impact of the measures referred to in this Decision, the Union shall encourage third States to adopt restrictive measures similar to those provided for herein.

Article 5a

1. It shall be prohibited to sell, supply, transfer or export, directly or indirectly, goods and technology as listed in Annex XIV, whether or not originating in the Union, to any natural or legal person, entity or body in the third country specified in that Annex.

2.   It shall be prohibited to:

(a) provide technical assistance, brokering services or other services related to the goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1 and to the provision, manufacture, maintenance and use of those goods and technology, directly or indirectly to any natural or legal person, entity or body in the third country specified;

(b) provide financing or financial assistance related to the goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1 for any sale, supply, transfer or export of those goods and technology, or for the provision of related technical assistance, brokering services or other services, directly or indirectly to any natural or legal person, entity or body in the third country specified;

(c) sell, license or transfer in any other way intellectual property rights or trade secrets as well as grant rights to access or re-use any material or information protected by means of intellectual property rights or constituting trade secrets related to the goods and technology referred to in paragraph 1 and to the provision, manufacture, maintenance and use of those goods and technology, directly or indirectly to any natural or legal person, entity or body in the third country specified.

3.   Annex XIV shall only include sensitive dual-use goods and technology, or goods and technology that might contribute to the enhancement of Russia’s military, technological or industrial capacities or to the development of Russia’s defence and security sector, in a way that strengthens its ability to wage war, and whose export to Russia is prohibited under this Decision and that present a high and continuous risk of being sold, supplied, transferred or exported from third countries to Russia after being sold, supplied, transferred or exported from the Union. Annex XIV shall specify, for each item of listed goods or technology, the third countries to which the sale, supply, transfer or export is prohibited.

Annex XIV shall only include third countries that have been identified by the Council as having systematically and persistently failed to prevent the sale, supply, transfer or export to Russia of goods and technology, as listed in that Annex, exported from the Union despite the Union’s prior outreach and assistance to the country in question.

4.   If the sale, supply, transfer or export of goods or technology listed in Annex XIV to a natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia or for use in Russia is not prohibited under certain exemptions provided for in this Decision, their sale, supply, transfer or export to a natural or legal person, entity or body in the third country specified shall not be prohibited, provided that the same conditions applicable under this Decision for export to Russia or for use in Russia are fulfilled.

5.   If the sale, supply, transfer or export of goods or technology listed in Annex XIV to a natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia or for use in Russia can be authorised by the competent authorities in accordance with this Decision, their sale, supply, transfer or export to a natural or legal person, entity or body in the third country specified may be authorised by the competent authorities under the same conditions applicable to derogations for exports to Russia or for use in Russia.

Article 5b

1.   When selling, supplying, transferring or exporting to a third country, with the exception of partner countries listed in Annex VII to this Decision, goods or technology as listed in Annexes XI, XX and XXXV to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, common high priority items as listed in Annex XL to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, or firearms and ammunition as listed in Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 258/2012, exporters shall, as of 20 March 2024, contractually prohibit re-exportation to Russia and re-exportation for use in Russia.

2.   Paragraph 1 shall not apply to:

(a)the execution of contracts relating to goods falling under CN codes 8457 10, 8458 11, 8458 91, 8459 61, 8466 93, as listed in Annex XL to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014;

(b)the execution of contracts concluded before 19 December 2023 and relating to goods other than those referred to in point (a), until 1 January 2025 or until their expiry date, whichever is earlier.

2a.   Paragraph 1 shall not apply to public contracts concluded with a public authority in a third country or with an international organisation.

2b.   Exporters shall inform the competent authority of the Member State where they are resident or established of any public contract they concluded that benefited from the exemption under paragraph 2a, within 2 weeks of its conclusion. The Member State concerned shall inform the other Member States and the Commission of any information received under this paragraph within 2 weeks of its receipt.

3.   In application of paragraph 1, exporters shall ensure that the agreement with the third-country counterpart contains adequate remedies in the event of a breach of a contractual obligation concluded in accordance with paragraph 1.

4.   If the third-country counterpart breaches any of the contractual obligations concluded in accordance with paragraph 1, exporters shall inform the competent authority of the Member State where they are resident or established as soon as they become aware of the breach.

5.   Member States shall inform each other and the Commission of detected instances of a breach or circumvention of a contractual obligation concluded in accordance with paragraph 1

Article 5ba

1.   When selling, licensing or transferring in any other way intellectual property rights or trade secrets as well as granting rights to access or re-use any material or information protected by intellectual property rights or protected as trade secret related to the common high priority items as listed in Annex XL to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, natural and legal persons, entities and bodies shall, as of 26 December 2024, contractually prohibit their third-country counterparts, and require them to prohibit possible sublicensees of such intellectual property rights or trade secret, from using such intellectual property rights, trade secrets or other information in connection with common high priority items as listed in Annex XL to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 that are intended for sale, supply, transfer or export, directly or indirectly, to Russia or for use in Russia.

2.   Paragraph 1 shall not apply to the execution of contracts concluded before 25 June 2024 until 26 June 2025 or until their expiry date, whichever is earlier.

3.   In application of paragraph 1, natural and legal persons, entities and bodies shall ensure that the agreement with the third-country counterpart contains adequate remedies in the event of a breach of a contractual obligation concluded in accordance with paragraph 1.

4.   If the third-country counterpart breaches any of the contractual obligations concluded in accordance with paragraph 1, natural and legal persons, entities and bodies shall inform the competent authority of the Member State where they are resident or established as soon as they become aware of the breach.

5.   Member States shall inform each other and the Commission of detected instances of a breach or circumvention of a contractual obligation concluded in accordance with paragraph 1.

Article 5bb

1.   Natural and legal persons, entities and bodies that sell, supply, transfer or export common high priority items as listed in Annex XL to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 shall, as of 26 December 2024:

(a)take appropriate steps, proportionately to their nature and size, to identify and assess the risks of exportation to Russia and exportation for use in Russia for such goods or technology, and ensure that those risk assessments are documented and kept up-to-date;

(b)implement appropriate policies, controls and procedures, proportionately to their nature and size, to mitigate and manage effectively the risks of exportation to Russia and exportation for use in Russia for such goods or technology, whether those risks were identified at their level or at the level of the Member State or of the Union.

2.   Paragraph 1 shall not apply to natural and legal persons, entities and bodies that sell, supply or transfer common high priority items as listed in Annex XL to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 only within the Union or to partner countries listed in Annex VII to this Decision.

3.   Natural and legal persons, entities and bodies shall, as of 26 September 2024, ensure that any legal person, entity or body established outside the Union that they own or control and that sells, supplies, transfers or exports common high priority items as listed in Annex XL to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 implements the requirements in points (a) and (b) of paragraph 1.

4.   Paragraph 3 shall not apply where, due to reasons that it did not cause itself, a natural or legal person, entity or body is not able to exercise control over the legal person, entity or body that it owns.’

Article 5c

1.   With regard to the Paks II project, the prohibitions in this Decision shall not apply to activities necessary for the establishment, operation, maintenance, fuel supply and retreatment and safety of civil nuclear capabilities, and the continuation of design, construction and commissioning required for the completion of civil nuclear facilities, provided that any such activity has been notified by natural and legal persons, entities and bodies within two weeks of its start to the competent authority of the Member State where they are resident, located, established or incorporated.

The Member State concerned shall inform the other Member States and the Commission of any information received under this Article within 2 weeks of its receipt.

Article 6

Actions by natural or legal persons, entities or bodies shall not give rise to liability of any kind on their part, if they did not know, and had no reasonable cause to suspect, that their actions would infringe the measures set out in this Decision.

Article 7

1.   No claims in connection with any contract or transaction the performance of which has been affected, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, by the measures imposed under this Decision, including claims for indemnity or any other claim of this type, such as a claim for compensation or a claim under a guarantee, in particular a claim for extension or payment of a bond, guarantee or indemnity, particularly a financial guarantee or financial indemnity, of whatever form, shall be satisfied, if they are made by:

(a) legal persons, entities or bodies listed in the Annexes to this Decision or legal persons, entities or bodies established outside the Union whose proprietary rights are directly or indirectly owned for more than 50 % by them;

(b) any other Russian person, entity or body; or

(c) any person, entity or body acting through or on behalf of one of the persons, entities or bodies referred to in points (a) or (b) of this paragraph.

2.   In any proceedings for the enforcement of a claim, the onus of proving that satisfying the claim is not prohibited by paragraph 1 shall be on the person seeking the enforcement of that claim.

3.   This Article is without prejudice to the right of the persons, entities and bodies referred to in paragraph 1 to judicial review of the legality of the non-performance of contractual obligations in accordance with this Decision.

4.   By way of derogation from paragraph 1, the competent authorities, based on a specific and case-by-case assessment, may authorise, until 31 December 2024, the satisfaction of a claim made by one of the persons, entities and bodies indicated in point (b) of paragraph 1, under such conditions as the competent authorities deem appropriate and after having determined that the satisfaction of the claim is strictly necessary for the divestment from Russia or the wind-down of business activities in Russia

Article 8

It shall be prohibited to participate, knowingly and intentionally, in activities the object or effect of which is to circumvent prohibitions in this Decision, including by participating in such activities without deliberately seeking that object or effect but being aware that the participation may have that object or effect and accepting that possibility.

Article 8a

1.   The Council and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (the ‘High Representative’) may process personal data in order to carry out their tasks under this Decision, in particular for preparing and making amendments to this Decision and its Annexes.

2.   For the purposes of this Decision, the Council and the High Representative are designated as ‘controllers’ within the meaning of point (8) of Article 3 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council, in relation to the processing activities necessary to accomplish the tasks referred to in paragraph 1.

Article 8b

Any document held by the Council, the Commission or the High Representative for the purpose of ensuring the enforcement of the measures set out in this Decision, or of preventing the violation or circumvention thereof, shall be subject to professional secrecy and shall enjoy the protection afforded by the rules applicable to the Union institutions. That protection shall apply to the proposals from the High Representative for the amendment of this Decision and to any preparatory documents related to them.

It shall be presumed that the disclosure of any documents or proposals referred to in the first subparagraph would harm the security of the Union or that of one or more of its Member States or the conduct of their international relations.

Article 8c

The Council, acting by unanimity on the basis of Articles 29 and 30 of the Treaty on European Union, shall amend Annexes I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VIII, IX, X, XIV, XVI, XVII, XVIII and XIX.

Article 9

1.  This Decision shall apply until 31 January 2025.

2.   This Decision shall be kept under constant review. It shall be renewed, or amended as appropriate, if the Council deems that its objectives have not been met.

Article 10

This Decision shall enter into force on the date following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Annex I - List of legal persons, entities and bodies referred to in Article 1(1)(a)

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Annex II - List of legal persons, entities and bodies referred to in Article 1(3)(a)

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Annex III - List of legal persons, entities and bodies referred to in Article 1(3)(b)

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Annex IV - List of legal persons, entities and bodies referred to in Articles 3(7), 3a(7), and 3b(1)

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Annex V - List of legal persons, entities and bodies referred to in Article 1(2)(a)

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Annex VI - List of legal persons, entities and bodies referred to in Article 1(4)(a)

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Annex VII - List of partner countries referred to in Articles 1k(7), 3(9), 4j(3) and 4m(4)

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Annex VIII - List of legal persons, entities or bodies referred to in article 1e

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Annex IX - List of legal persons, entities or bodies referred to in article 4g

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Annex X - List of legal persons, entities and bodies referred to in Article 1AA

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Annex XI - Prices referred to in Article 4p(9)(a)

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Annex XII - List of projects referred to in point (b) of Article 4p(9)

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Annex XIII - List of crude oil and petroleum products referred to in Articles 4o an 4p

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Annex XIV - List of goods and countries as referred to in Article 5a

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Annex XV - List of partner countries referred to in Article 4i(1)(d)

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 Initial version

Amended by

Corrected