EU’s 17th Sanctions Package Against Russia: Implications for European Businesses

On May 20, 2025, the European Union adopted its 17th package of sanctions against Russia in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. These measures introduce significant restrictions that impact European, Turkish, and Russian companies engaged in cross-border operations. Turkish International Law & Consulting Firm, with extensive expertise in international law, offers tailored legal solutions to help European businesses navigate these complex regulations effectively.

The 17th package aims to restrict Russia’s access to critical technologies and reduce its energy revenues. It includes measures such as sanctions on 189 vessels in Russia’s shadow fleet, restrictions on Russian energy firms like Surgutneftegaz, and tighter controls on dual-use goods exports. These actions create compliance challenges for European companies with operations or trade links to Russia.

European firms must adapt to enhanced reporting and export control requirements to avoid violations, which could result in fines or reputational damage. Companies with Russian subsidiaries may face difficulties transferring funds or risk asset freezes. Legal disputes stemming from contract breaches due to sanctions are also likely to increase.

With over 20 years of experience, Turkish International Law & Consulting Firm offers comprehensive legal services to help European businesses address these challenges. Services include sanctions compliance audits, representation in disputes, and support for relocating operations to Turkey. The firm’s multilingual team ensures effective communication and tailored solutions.

European businesses should proactively assess their exposure to sanctions risks and seek expert legal guidance. Contact Turkish International Law & Consulting Firm to schedule a consultation and develop a strategy to ensure compliance and protect your interests.

On May 20, 2025, the European Union formally adopted its 17th package of sanctions against Russia, intensifying economic and legal measures in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine (European Commission). This package introduces significant restrictions that affect not only Russian entities but also European and Turkish companies involved in cross-border trade. Turkish International Law & Consulting Firm, a leading provider of legal services in Turkey, Russia, and Europe, is uniquely positioned to assist European businesses in navigating these complex regulatory changes. This article outlines the key measures of the 17th sanctions package, their implications for European companies, and the comprehensive legal solutions offered by the firm.

The 17th sanctions package is designed to further limit Russia’s ability to finance its military activities by targeting its energy sector, illicit trade networks, and access to critical technologies. The following table summarizes the primary measures:

These measures, detailed by the European Commission, reflect the EU’s commitment to increasing economic pressure on Russia while maintaining support for Ukraine.

The 17th sanctions package introduces significant challenges for European companies, particularly those with direct or indirect ties to Russia. Key implications include:

• Increased Compliance Requirements: European firms must implement robust internal controls to comply with new reporting and export control obligations. Failure to do so risks substantial fines and reputational damage.
• Operational Challenges: Companies with subsidiaries in Russia may face difficulties transferring funds out of the EU or encounter asset freezes, complicating financial operations.
• Legal Disputes: Sanctions-related contract breaches are likely to lead to an increase in legal disputes, requiring expert representation to resolve conflicts efficiently.
• Supply Chain Disruptions: Restrictions on dual-use goods and energy trade may disrupt supply chains, particularly for industries reliant on Russian resources or markets.

These challenges underscore the need for European businesses to proactively assess their exposure to sanctions risks and seek specialized legal guidance.

While the focus is on European businesses, the sanctions also affect Turkish and Russian companies, which may indirectly impact European firms through shared trade networks:

• Turkish Companies: Firms suspected of supplying sanctioned goods face the risk of secondary sanctions, potentially leading to restricted access to European markets, frozen accounts, and reputational harm. Enhanced export controls necessitate greater transparency in supply chains.
• Russian Companies: Energy sector firms like Surgutneftegaz face export challenges, while restrictions on dual-use goods limit access to critical technologies. Legal disputes related to asset freezes are expected to rise.

European companies collaborating with Turkish or Russian partners must ensure their operations align with EU regulations to avoid inadvertent violations.

With over two decades of experience, Turkish International Law & Consulting Firm provides comprehensive legal services to corporate and private clients across Turkey, Russia, and Europe. The firm’s multilingual team, fluent in Russian, Turkish, and English, offers tailored solutions to address the challenges posed by the 17th sanctions package. Key services include:

1.Sanctions Compliance and Risk Audits
The firm conducts detailed analyses of business processes and supply chains to identify potential sanctions risks. This service is critical for European companies engaged in trade with Russia or Turkish partners, ensuring compliance with EU regulations and mitigating penalties.

2.Dispute Resolution
The firm represents clients in disputes arising from asset freezes, contract breaches, or sanctions violations. With expertise in courts across Turkey, Russia, and Europe, the firm ensures effective resolution of complex cross-border legal conflicts.

3.Business Relocation Support
For European companies seeking to relocate operations to Turkey to mitigate sanctions risks, the firm provides end-to-end support, from legalization to operational adaptation. This service facilitates a seamless transition for businesses and their assets.

4.Asset Recovery
The firm offers services for the purchase of claims under assignment agreements, enabling clients to recover compensation quickly without protracted litigation. This is particularly valuable for European firms facing financial disruptions due to sanctions.

5.Turkish Citizenship Assistance
For private clients seeking stability amid geopolitical uncertainties, the firm assists in obtaining Turkish citizenship through investment, property purchase, or naturalization, ensuring a secure future for families.

6.Enforcement of Foreign Judgments
The firm specializes in the enforcement and legalization of foreign court decisions in Turkey, a critical service for European companies operating internationally and navigating sanctions-related legal challenges.

Turkish International Law & Consulting Firm stands out as a trusted partner for European businesses due to its:

• International Expertise: With offices in Turkey and Russia, the firm serves as a single point of contact, eliminating the need for intermediaries and streamlining legal processes.
• Comprehensive Legal Support: The firm manages the entire legal cycle, from initial consultation to achieving desired outcomes, including complex cross-border disputes.
• Results-Oriented Approach: Committed to protecting clients’ interests, the firm delivers practical solutions tailored to the challenges of sanctions and regulatory uncertainty.

To effectively navigate the 17th sanctions package, European companies should consider the following actions:

1. Conduct a Sanctions Risk Assessment: Engage legal experts to evaluate exposure to sanctions risks across operations, supply chains, and partnerships.
2. Enhance Compliance Programs: Implement robust internal controls to ensure adherence to EU reporting and export control requirements.
3. Seek Expert Legal Guidance: Partner with a firm like Turkish International Law & Consulting Firm to address compliance, disputes, and relocation needs.
4. Monitor Regulatory Updates: Stay informed about potential additional sanctions, as indicated by discussions of an 18th package (McCann FitzGerald).

The EU’s 17th sanctions package, adopted on May 20, 2025, introduces significant challenges for European businesses, particularly those with ties to Russia or Turkish partners. By targeting Russia’s energy sector, shadow fleet, and dual-use goods, the sanctions increase compliance burdens and operational risks. Turkish International Law & Consulting Firm offers specialized legal services to help European companies address these challenges, from compliance audits to dispute resolution and business relocation. Contact the firm to schedule a consultation and develop a tailored strategy to ensure compliance and safeguard your business interests.

Book a Consultation: Submit your request on the firm’s website, and a specialist will contact you to discuss tailored solutions.