The EU’s 21st sanctions package against Russia and parallel tightening of sanctions on Belarus was adopted on 23 July 2026 and entered into force immediately. It is the largest EU sanctions round in four years, adding 218 new listings (170 entities and 48 individuals) and bringing the total number of EU Russia-related designations to nearly 3,000. The package is designed to hit Russia’s financial system, energy revenues, military-industrial base, and sanctions-evasion networks, while aligning Belarus more closely with the Russia sanctions regime.
EU 21st package (23 July 2026) — what’s new?
Area -> Main update
Financial sector -> Dozens more Russian banks restricted; broader transaction bans; tighter third-country financial controls
Crypto -> 11 crypto platforms targeted; stricter crypto-service restrictions
Shadow fleet -> More vessels, traders, and facilitators sanctioned
Oil price cap -> Cap mechanism maintained and adjustment paused/frozen
LNG -> New restrictions on LNG-related operations and carrier sales, with a limited third-country transit exemption
Trade controls -> Additional metals, industrial goods, and military-relevant technologies restricted
Listings -> 218 new designations (170 entities, 48 individuals)
Belarus -> Further alignment with Russia sanctions and tighter anti-circumvention measures