Lithuania has prepared a mechanism for its own sanctions against Russia in case the EU sanctions do not work.
On June 25, the Lithuanian Seimas passed amendments to the law “On the establishment of restrictive measures in connection with military aggression against Ukraine,” which create a legal basis for imposing national sanctions on Russia and Belarus if restrictive measures against these countries are lifted at the EU level.
“With the Parliament’s decision, Lithuania gains an essential tool to stop Russia’s war machine, should the destructive policies of one or more EU Member States cause the EU sanctions regime against Russia start to fall in,” said Kastutis Budrys, Lithuania’s foreign minister.
According to him, Lithuania is actively working to extend EU sanctions against Russia, which will expire next month. At the same time, Lithuania must be prepared for other scenarios, including the need for urgent national measures.
Based on the adopted law, the Lithuanian government will be able to impose two types of sanctions: asset freezes and sectoral restrictions (export and/or import of goods, services, and technologies).
According to the explanation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, measures to freeze the funds of individuals and restrictions on the export and/ or import of goods and services will not be implemented if they are already subject to EU restrictive measures.
