The European Union extended personal sanctions for six months

The Council of Europe once again extended personal sanctions imposed on six months after the annexation of Crimea against individuals and companies. This is stated in the statement published on the website of the CE.

The decision to extend sanctions is associated with "an ongoing undermining or threat of territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine," the statement says. It will enter into force after publication in the official journal of the EU on March 12.

In total, there are 146 individuals and 37 legal entities in the black list. The action of sanctions in their regard is extended until September 15, 2016. Three people are excluded from the black list, since they are no longer alive.

On Wednesday, a source in the Russian Foreign Ministry said that sanctions against individuals from the EU countries, which are included in the Russian “stoplist”, “remain in force and continue to act”. However, he did not comment on the upcoming extension of European sanctions.

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. Inclusion in the sanctions list entails freezing accounts in banks in the EU countries and a ban on entry into the European Union.

After the start of hostilities in the east of Ukraine , the sanctions list has repeatedly expanded . In February 2015, 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.

The Council of Europe decides to extend sanctions every six months .