15 Feb 2023 17:47

European Commission proposes banning exports of components for electronics, jet engines to Russia

BRUSSELS. Feb 15 (Interfax) - The European Commission has proposed imposing a ban on exports of certain products to Russia, among them electronic components, various spare parts, transportation vehicles, and elements of jet engines, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday.

"We propose imposing export controls on 47 electronic components that can be used in Russian arms systems, including drones, missiles, and helicopters," von der Leyen said in Strasbourg.

The European Commission has proposed restricting exports of rare-earth elements, infrared imaging systems, and construction materials to Russia.

"We propose imposing further bans on exports worth over 11 billion euros to deprive the Russian economy of important technology and industrial goods. We will focus on such important products as electronics, special transport vehicles, and components for machinery, trucks, and jet engines," she said.

In addition, the European Commission proposes adding more individuals to EU sanction lists, including some Russian journalists and military officials.

High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and European Commission Vice President Josep Borrell said new restrictions might apply to nearly 100 individuals and entities.

"I propose imposing sanctions on nearly 100 individuals and entities," Borrell said.

Von der Leyen also said that, for the first time, the EU would impose sanctions on non-Russian entities, namely seven Iranian organizations, responsible for shipping dual-purpose products to Russia.

The EU will monitor attempts by Russian businesses "to conceal or sell assets with the aim of evading sanctions," von der Leyen said.

She vowed to comprehensively evaluate the Russian Central Bank's assets frozen within the EU jurisdiction so that the EU could further use them for Ukraine's recovery.

Brussels is working with the EU member states, partners, and other entities to prevent Russia from circumventing sanctions, she said.

The Swedish presidency of the Council of the EU had said earlier on Wednesday that the EU permanent representatives approved the establishment of a working group to develop ways to use frozen Russian assets in the interests of Ukraine's recovery.

The EU said earlier it planned to implement the tenth package of sanctions against Russia by the end of February.