EU adopts 14th sanctions package against Russia 8 July 2024 No.24-008 Tweet Download PDF (389KB) On 24 June 2024 the EU Council adopted the 14th package of sanctions against Russia, which includes its first measures targeting Russia’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector, further export-related restrictions, sanctioning of vessels and new anti-circumvention measures, such as a requirement for EU companies to undertake best efforts to ensure that non-EU subsidiaries in third countries comply with EU sanctions. These measures are contained in (i) Council Regulation 2024/1745 which amends Regulation (EU) No. 833/2014 and (ii) Council Regulation 2024/1746 which amends Regulation (EU) No. 269/2014 . Restrictions on the LNG sector The EU has introduced its first restrictions on Russian LNG (i.e., which originates in Russia or has been exported from Russia) with the aim to prevent Russian LNG that is not consumed in the EU from entering the EU or being transported to third countries via EU ports. It also introduces reporting obligations for entities “performing unloading operations” and imports into the EU of Russian LNG to the respective competent authority of the EU member state by 26 July 2024 and every month thereafter. The following restrictions now apply: Reloading services of Russian LNG within EU waters for the purpose of transhipment operations to third countries, including ship-to-ship transfers (STS), ship-to-shore transfers and re-loading operations are prohibited. There is a wind down period whereby this prohibition will not apply through 26 March 2025 for contracts entered into before 25 June 2024. The above prohibition does not affect the import of Russian LNG into the EU, but only the re-export to third countries via the EU. Reloading services necessary for the bunkering of LNG fuelled vessels are exempted. The competent authority of an EU member state may authorise reloading services that are necessary for the transport of Russian LNG to a member state where