Representatives of the EU countries agreed on the extension of personal sanctions

The permanent representatives of the European Union at a meeting of the Coreper committee reached political agreement on the extension of targeted personal sanctions expired on September 15. This was reported by Interfax with reference to a diplomatic source in Brussels.

“The discussion ended. The ambassadors came to an agreement. They recommend extending sanctions against these persons for six months, that is, until March 15, 2016,” the agency’s interlocutor said. “The decision that has legal force should be made by the EU Council. Given that the effect of restrictive measures expires on September 15, this decision should be made before this period. Now the technical work should be followed on the preparation of the legal act.”

Sanctions, the common 151 people and 37 organizations representing Russia and Ukrainian separatists are extended to maintain pressure on Moscow and achieve complete implementation by the end of the year of the Minsk agreements.

For the first time, personal sanctions were imposed by the European Union in relation to individuals and legal entities involved in the violation of the sovereignty of Ukraine, on March 17, 2014, the day after the “referendum” in Crimea.

After the start of hostilities in the east of Ukraine , the sanctions list has repeatedly expanded . In February, five Russians were added to the list, including singer Joseph Kobzon and two deputy defense departments, 14 figures of self -proclaimed "republics", as well as nine organizations.

In January, the EU Council decided to extend personal sanctions until September.