The West responded to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine by gradually introducing sanctions packages aimed at isolating Russia and impacting its society, elites, economy, and military capabilities. Initial sanctions were imposed following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014. Sanctions—or restrictive measures—have been a key economic impact tool under the CFSP (Common Foreign and Security Policy) since the early 1990s.
However, only recently there has been heightened interest in this aspect of foreign policy among the European Commission and member states. Sanctions adoption remains largely the domain of individual foreign ministries and the FAC (Foreign Affairs Council). Meanwhile, the responsibility for implementing sanctions is delegated to specific institutions within member states.
This decentralized approach to sanctions can create challenges in forming a cohesive front and may undermine policy legitimacy. Particularly in cases where sanctions affect exports from European countries, there can be a temptation to breach the unified sanctions stance.
The authors’ team
