Finland to instruct citizens on adhering to sanctions against Russia

"The EU sanctions against Russia are unprecedentedly extensive, creating challenges for many operators in the practical implementation of sanctions. From the perspective of the effectiveness of sanctions, it is crucial that both companies and the government know how to apply them," said Finnish Minister of Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen.

The minister hopes that the introductory course on sanctions will assist people in correctly implementing them.

Key points about the course

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that the course covers the basics of sanctions and ways to comply with them.

"Many fundamental provisions, such as the concepts of freezing funds and economic resources, asset freezes, and principles of export and import bans, are repeated in various sanction regimes," the statement said.

The course highlights provisions on sanctions using examples, especially those related to major sanctions against Russia. It includes a special section dedicated to identifying cases of sanctions evasion and practical instructions for conducting comprehensive checks by companies and government authorities.

Pia Sariola, the head of the sanctions group at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted that the primary responsibility for compliance with sanctions and decision-making in sanction matters always lies with the individual or legal entity.

EU's 12th package of sanctions against Russia

Recall that on November 15, the European Commission proposed the 12th package of sanctions against Russia to the EU Council. It suggests imposing restrictive measures on more than 120 individuals and legal entities for their role in undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

The EU also proposes new import and export bans, including on Russian diamonds, as well as measures to counteract the increase in oil prices and to counteract the circumvention of EU sanctions.