Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The targeted sanctions adopted in response to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine are the most expansive and hard-hitting sanctions in EU history and target not only Russia.

The sectoral measures introduced to date have resulted in a significant decrease in access by Russia to dual use and advanced technology goods from Europe. However, while direct exports from Europe have declined, data shows there are still challenges with sensitive goods reaching Russia via third countries.

On 23 February 2024, Ireland welcomed the adoption of the thirteenth package of EU sanctions against Russia to coincide with the two-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This package includes the listing of almost 200 new individuals and entities, including several Belarusian companies and individuals providing support to the Russian armed forces, as well as individuals and entities involved in DPRK’s armament supplies to Russia. This package includes the listings of 27 additional third country entities which will now be subject to tighter export controls for dual use goods and technology.

In addition, Ireland has welcomed agreement on specific EU sanctions in response to the involvement of third-party actors in Russia’s actions in Ukraine. In July 2023, the Council established a new drones related sanctions regime in view of Iran's military support of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, while in August the EU adopted measures against Belarus, in response to its continuous involvement in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which targeted a number of goods and technologies that could contribute to Belarus’ military and technological enhancement and imposed further export bans on firearms, ammunition and aerospace goods and technology.

These measures are carefully targeted and aim to impede Russia's ability to wage this war of aggression. Ireland supports the work of the EU Special Sanctions Envoy, David O’Sullivan, to tackle circumvention via third countries.