Following is part 4 of our series on current European Union sanctions against the Russian Federation. Before continuing, be sure to catch up on our previous posts regarding sanctions against the Russian Federation:

Post 1:  EU SANCTIONS AGAINST THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION – AN OVERVIEW
Post 2:  EU SANCTIONS AGAINST THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION – MARCH 2022
Post 3: EU SANCTIONS AGAINST THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION – APRIL & JUNE 2022

POST 4: CRIMINALIZATION OF SANCTION VIOLATIONS

The restrictive measures adopted by the European Union against the Russian Federation directly affect all member states, each of which are responsible for enforcement and penalties.

In accordance with provisions newly adopted in the beginning of June 2022, EU member states are obliged to impose criminal penalties for sanction violations as set forth by the Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014. There is also an obligation for member states to confiscate proceeds derived from sanction violations.

Additionally, the European Commission has proposed an initiative to amend Article 83(1) TFEU to include sanction violations in the list of EU crimes. Once passed by the European Parliament and the Council, these norms will enable the enactment of subsequent legislation ensuring harmonization of EU legal norms regarding criminalization of sanction breaches.

As for other EU countries, EU imposed sanctions are legally binding for Austrian companies and individuals. The following Austrian agencies have been authorized to oversee implementation and enforcement of sanction measures in Austria:

Federal Ministry of the Interior, Directorate State Protection and Intelligence Service
Herrengasse 7, A-1014 Vienna, Tel.: +43 (0) 1 53126-4100, Fax: +43 (0) 1 53126-4110
Email: , Website: https://bmi.gv.at/

Federal Ministry for Digital and Economic Affairs, Department III/2
Stubenring 1, A-1011 Vienna, Tel.: +43 (0) 1 71100-802067, Fax: +43 (0) 1 71100-808386
Email: , Website: https://www.bmdw.gv.at/

Austrian National Bank, Legal Department
Otto Wagner Platz 3, A-1090 Vienna, Tel.: +43 (0) 1 404 20-0, Fax: +43 (0) 1 404 20-7399
Email: , Website: https://www.oenb.at/

Further information about EU restrictive measures regarding Russia can be found in previous and subsequent posts.

Post 5: EU SANCTIONS AGAINST THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION – LUXURY GOODS

Post 6: EU SANCTIONS AGAINST THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION – TRANSFERABLE SECURITIES

Post 7: EU SANCTIONS AGAINST THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION – JULY 2022 PACKAGE

Post 8: EU SANCTIONS AGAINST THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION – OCTOBER 2022 PACKAGE

**Our series of articles on EU restrictive measures are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. For professional advice tailored to your particular case, please contact us at: .**