Prague, July 19, 2025 – The Europe Today: Czech Minister for European Affairs Martin Dvořák (Mayors and Independents) has welcomed the European Union’s 18th sanctions package against Russia, calling its adoption a “major breakthrough” in the bloc’s efforts to respond to ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine.
While praising the new measures, Minister Dvořák cautioned that their ultimate effectiveness remains to be seen. He underlined the importance of continued scrutiny and enforcement, particularly in light of past instances of sanctions evasion.
A key feature of the latest package is the inclusion of a Czech-proposed “catch-all mechanism,” which enhances the ability of customs authorities to prevent sanctioned goods from reaching Russia through third countries.
Dvořák noted a significant post-invasion spike in Czech exports to a Central Asian country, implying that these goods were likely being redirected to the Russian market. “This mechanism is vital in closing the loopholes we’ve observed,” he said.
The new sanctions focus on Russia’s energy and banking sectors and impose further restrictions on the use of the Nord Stream pipeline. These measures are part of the EU’s continued efforts to weaken the Kremlin’s ability to sustain its military operations in Ukraine.
Minister Dvořák emphasized that while this package marks progress, it must be accompanied by rigorous monitoring and coordination across member states to ensure that its objectives are met.
