Key facts
- EU leaders agreed to extend sanctions against Russia for 12 months.
- This is the first time the bloc has renewed sanctions for a full year.
- The sanctions target key sectors of the Russian economy.
- Previously, sanctions were renewed every six months, requiring unanimous approval.
- The change reduces the frequency of politically sensitive negotiations over sanctions.
European Union leaders agreed on June 18 to extend sanctions against Russia for another 12 months over its war against Ukraine. This decision, made at a summit in Brussels, marks the first time the bloc has renewed these measures for a full year, shifting from the customary six-month period. The sanctions, which target key sectors of the Russian economy, have been in place since Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and were significantly expanded following the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Previously, the six-month renewal process required unanimous approval and had become a point of leverage for former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who had repeatedly threatened to delay or block extensions. The move to a 12-month cycle is expected to streamline the process and reduce political friction.