Sanctions Watch | Weekly Vol. 153

Sanctions Watch Vol 153

In the latest edition of our Sanctions Watch weekly digest, we present significant updates on sanction watchlists and regulatory developments.

EU Extends Cyber Sanctions Until 2027 to Counter Growing Digital Threats

The Council of the European Union has extended its cyber sanctions regime against individuals and entities responsible for malicious cyber-attacks targeting the EU and its member states. The restrictive measures will now remain in force until 18 May 2027, while the overall legal framework supporting the sanctions has been prolonged until May 2028.

The EU’s cyber sanctions regime enables targeted action against those involved in significant cyber-attacks that threaten European security, democratic institutions, and critical infrastructure. The measures can also apply to attacks against third country or international organisations when necessary to support the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy objectives.

Currently, the sanctions apply to 19 individuals and 7 entities. Those listed face asset freezes, travel bans within EU territories, and restrictions preventing EU citizens and companies from providing them with funds or economic resources.

The decision highlights the EU’s continued commitment to strengthening cybersecurity and deterring hostile cyber activities in an increasingly digital world. By holding perpetrators accountable, the bloc aims to uphold international law and maintain a secure, open, and stable cyberspace. The EU also reaffirmed its intention to work closely with international partners to address evolving cyber threats and promote global cyber resilience.

EU Renews Targeted Sanctions on Former Assad Regime While Easing Syria Engagement

The European Union has renewed its targeted sanctions against individuals and entities linked to Syria’s former al-Assad regime for another year, extending the restrictive measures until 1 June 2027. The decision follows the EU Council’s annual review of the sanctions framework and reflects continued concerns over the influence of networks associated with the former regime.

At the same time, the Council announced the removal of seven entities from the sanctions list, including Syria’s Ministries of Defence and Interior. The move is aimed at supporting the EU’s broader engagement with Syria during its ongoing political transition and reconstruction efforts.

Earlier in May 2025, the EU lifted all economic sanctions on Syria to encourage peaceful political change, economic recovery, and national rebuilding. However, the bloc has retained targeted measures against individuals and organizations believed to be connected to the former Assad leadership or involved in activities threatening Syria’s stability and reconciliation process.

The EU stated that former regime-linked networks continue to pose risks to accountability, national reconciliation, and the country’s transition. Those remaining under sanctions face asset freezes, while EU citizens and businesses are prohibited from providing them with funds. Individuals listed are also subject to travel bans across EU member states.

EU Extends Myanmar Sanctions as 11 European Countries Align with Restrictive Measures

The European Union has reaffirmed its strong stance on the ongoing crisis in Myanmar/Burma by extending its restrictive measures until 30 April 2027. Acting on 27 April 2026, the Council of the European Union adopted Decision (CFSP) 2026/927 concerning sanctions related to the political and humanitarian situation in Myanmar. The renewed measures include updated listings for 33 individuals and nine entities connected to the military regime and associated activities, while one deceased individual was removed from the sanctions list.

In a significant show of international unity, eleven European countries — Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, and Ukraine — officially aligned themselves with the EU’s decision. These countries committed to ensuring that their national policies remain consistent with the EU’s restrictive framework.

The move reflects continued European concern over human rights violations, democratic backsliding, and instability in Myanmar following the military takeover. By broadening international alignment on sanctions, the EU aims to increase diplomatic pressure on Myanmar’s military authorities while reinforcing support for democracy, accountability, and regional stability. The EU welcomed the participating countries’ commitment to uphold these measures.

OFAC Extends Temporary Authorization for Russian Oil Deliveries Loaded Before April 17, 2026

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued General License 134C, extending authorization for transactions related to the delivery, sale, and offloading of Russian-origin crude oil and petroleum products that were loaded onto vessels on or before 17-Apr-2026. The authorization remains valid until 17-Jun-2026 and replaces the previous General License 134B.

The license permits activities ordinarily incident and necessary to these transactions, including safe docking, anchoring, crew health and safety measures, emergency vessel repairs, environmental protection activities, and maritime support services such as insurance, bunkering, classification, salvage, registration, and vessel management. Importantly, the authorization also applies to cargoes produced by entities sanctioned under Russia-related sanctions programs.

However, the license excludes any dealings involving persons or entities connected to Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Crimea, or other covered regions of Ukraine, as well as transactions otherwise prohibited under separate U.S. sanctions authorities. OFAC emphasized that activities involving Iranian-origin goods or services remain prohibited unless specifically authorized.

The extension provides temporary operational clarity and reduces immediate disruption risks for global energy shipments already in transit before the April 2026 cutoff date.

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Sanctions Watch is a weekly recap of events and news related to sanctions around the world.