The European Court considered the sanctions against Abramovich justified

The European Court of General Jurisdiction in Luxembourg found the inclusion of Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich in the sanctions lists of the European Union, reported on the court’s website. The court upheld the ban on entry for a billionaire to the EU countries, despite the presence of Portugal citizenship.

Abramovich was included in the station lists of the MV of last year of the year in connection with the presence of "long and cramped" ties with President Vladimir Putin. The fact that he “had [to him] privileged access” and “maintained very good relations with him”, which allowed him to maintain a fortune and benefit from the Russian authorities, the European authorities noted.

In May 2023, Abramovich decided to challenge the restrictions. In July, the court began consideration of the claim.

As reported by Reuters in July, the defense of Abramovich will insist that the restrictions on him were introduced "because he is considered from a political point of view as the most famous Russian businessman, even if it is a clear mistake." The lawyer noted that Abramovich “has not been conducting active activities in Russia as a businessman” for more than 20 years and has only 28% of the shares of the EVRAZ metallurgical holding, which works both in Russia and abroad and did not fall under the sanctions of the European Union. He is the largest, but not controlling shareholder of Evraz.

The court, in turn, noted the significant role of Evraz in the Russian economy, the decision is noted. The court found that the decision on sanctions was not erroneous in connection with the role of Abramovich in the company as a key shareholder. The court did not consider the ban on entry into the EU by violation of Abramovich's rights. As noted in the decision, the court considered this restriction proportional.

Abramovich is one of the richest Russian businessmen. Forbes assesses his family at $ 9.2 billion. Sanctions against him, in addition to the European Union, were imposed by Great Britain, Canada, Switzerland, Australia and Ukraine.