Externe

The European Union (EU) is poised to discuss a new set of sanctions against Russia, following the tragic death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, as announced by Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. In a bold move to honor Navalny's fight for human rights, Borrell has proposed renaming the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime to the "Navalny Sanctions Regime."

The proposed sanctions come amid continued calls for support of the Russian opposition and the Ukrainian people amidst ongoing military tensions in the region. At a recent meeting in Brussels, EU foreign ministers echoed the sentiment of solidarity with those striving for freedom in Russia.

Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has also expressed hope for a swift EU decision on the 13th package of sanctions against Moscow, which would take into account the circumstances surrounding Navalny's death. Navalny's widow, Yulia Navalnaya, is set to address the EU Foreign Affairs Council, further emphasizing the EU's commitment to supporting Russian freedom fighters and honoring Navalny's legacy.

Navalny passed away at 47 years of age in a penal colony near the Arctic Circle, where he was serving a combined 30-year sentence for charges of extremism and fraud, which he denounced as politically motivated retribution for leading the anti-Kremlin opposition.

Meanwhile, Hungary has stated that it will not block the new sanction package, having negotiated the removal of measures that would harm Hungarian interests. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has criticized the EU's strategy towards Russia and Ukraine, labeling it a complete failure and counterproductive to achieving peace.

As the EU prepares to mark two years since Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine, the bloc continues to grapple with its response to the ongoing conflict and its implications for human rights and international law.