EU opens infringement procedure due to sanctions
Brussels – The European Commission initiated two new infringement procedures against Austria and several other member states on Thursday. Vienna and 17 other EU capitals have not fully transposed regulations against circumventing EU sanctions into national law. The directive aims to prevent the circumvention of EU sanctions, including those imposed following Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
The regulation aims to standardize the definition of offenses and penalties for violations of the Union’s restrictive measures. Member states had until May 20, 2025, to implement the directive into national law. A harmonized national criminal law in this area is intended to facilitate the investigation and prosecution of violations of EU sanctions in all member states. The second procedure concerns the promotion of renewable energy.
The Commission has sent letters of formal notice to the affected member states as the first step in the infringement procedure. They must now respond within two months, complete the implementation, and inform Brussels of their measures. Otherwise, the Commission may decide to proceed with reasoned opinions as the next step.
BMJ: Majority of the directive already implemented
Austrian authorities stated in response to an inquiry from APA that Austria has already implemented the majority of the EU directive: “This has already been communicated to the European Commission – we are in ongoing discussions here.” The harmonization of criminal offenses and penalties within the EU is intended to close gaps in criminal liability and facilitate legal assistance between member states. This will strengthen the effectiveness of the EU sanctions regime. “The legislative work on the few remaining points is already well advanced,” a corresponding draft law will be “submitted in due course,” said the BMJ.
FPÖ criticizes the procedure
“The EU risks economic damage for Europe to maintain a sanctions policy against Russia, the benefits of which are highly questionable,” commented Harald Vilimsky, the Freedom Party’s delegation leader in the European Parliament. “The 18 sanctions packages against Russia so far have brought little, except for massive burdens on the economy and the population. And now, should those states be punished that refuse to participate in this misguided path? This shows how far European politics has distanced itself from reality!”
SPÖ EU delegation leader Andreas Schieder commented: “While Ukraine fights for its survival, the FPÖ once again sides with the aggressor and adopts Russian propaganda.” Sanctions are not a miracle weapon that ends a war overnight. However, to claim that they are ineffective is “simply wrong.” “Now it is important to close all loopholes consistently.” (24.07.2025)
