Invitation to EPP Group Hearing: Reinforcing EU Sanctions

Invitation to join EPP Group hearing: "Reinforcing EU Sanctions - Eastern EU Border States Experience"

WHEN: Wednesday, 5 March 2025, 14.30-16.30

WHERE: EP Room ANTALL 6Q1

WEBSTREAMING: Link here

As Russia’s war against Ukraine continues and poses threats to the EU security, effective sanctions enforcement is critical. While sanctions have shown impact, we must assess their progress, address the growing sophistication of evasion networks, and improve controls on dual-use goods. Special attention will be given to Eastern EU border countries, which are key in implementing and enforcing sanctions, especially in conducting customs checks for goods leaving the EU.

This event, organised by MEPs Sandra Kalniete and Andrzej Halicki, will also highlight the collaborative efforts of customs services from Finland, the Baltic States, and Poland, sharing valuable insights that could be applied to other European nations. We will discuss the necessary steps to strengthen due diligence, prevent strategic goods from reaching the battlefield in Ukraine, and ensure a unified, coordinated approach in view to the 16th sanctions package.

AGENDA:

In the Chair: Sandra KALNIETE, MEP, EP Standing Rapporteur on Russia

14.30 INTRODUCTORY REMARKS

Andrzej HALICKI, MEP, Vice-Chair of the EPP Group, External Policies

14.40 KEY NOTE SPEACH and Q&A

David O'Sullivan, International Special Envoy for EU Sanctions

SPECIAL INTERVENTION

H. E. Vsevolod CHENTSOV, Head of Mission of Ukraine to the European Union

15.00 PANEL on Eastern EU Border states experience

- Elina Ribakova, Director of the International Affairs Program and Vice President for Foreign Policy at the Kyiv School of Economics (remotely)
- Raimonds ZUKULS, Director of the National Customs Board of Latvia
- Jyri Häkämies, Managing Director of the Confederation of Finnish Industries
- Weronika Frydryszek, Representative of Poland to the Political and Security Committee (Polish Presidency)