Five European countries extended the effect of sanctions against Russia

Five European countries that were not included in the EU extended for another six months the action of personal sanctions against Russia imposed after the annexation of Crimea. This is stated in a statement published on the Internet portal of the Council of the European Union.

Thus, these countries have joined the decision of the EU Council on the extension of sanctions. "Candidates of Montenegro and Albania, the countries of the European Free Trade Association of Liechtenstein and Norway, which are part of the European Economic Space, as well as Ukraine join the real decision of the Council. They will ensure its national policy compliance with this decision of the Council. The European Union accepts this obligation and welcomes it," the document says.

On September 7, the extension of personal sanctions for six months, until March 15, 2017, approved the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the EU countries (Coreper). There are no changes in the sanctions list. In total, it has 146 individuals and 37 legal entities. Earlier, three people were excluded from the black list, since they are no longer alive.

On September 15, the Council of the European Union approved this decision . "The assessment of the situation does not give a basis for changing the regime of sanctions or the list of persons and organizations that have fallen under limiting measures," the report says. The Council of Europe decides to extend sanctions every six months.