Commission puts forward plans for Russian gold import ban

EuroActiv Politico News

The European Commission Friday adopted plans for banning Russian gold imports to the 27 EU countries, readying the sanctions to be approved by members countries’ ambassadors next week.

The proposal is part of a new “maintenance and alignment” package that also aims to introduce stricter reporting requirements for asset freezes of sanctioned individuals and tighten dual-use and advanced-technology export controls, according to a Commission press release.

The text itself has not yet been published.

According to several diplomats, EU foreign affairs ministers will discuss the plans Monday. EU ambassadors can then adopt it during their meetings Wednesday or Friday.

The package will likely be adopted without major issues although last-minute hiccups can’t be ruled out, several EU diplomats told POLITICO.

The new plans also foresee slapping sanctions on more individuals and entities, according to the press release.