19/12/2019 (Agence Europe) – On Thursday 19 December, the EU Council extended the EU’s economic sanctions against Russia for 6 months, until 31 July 2020. These measures, first adopted on 31 July 2014 (see EUROPE 11133/2), reinforced in September of the same year (see EUROPE 11153/13) and extended since then, target the financial, energy and defence sectors and dual-use goods. The Heads of State and Government agreed to this extension at the European Council on 12 December (see EUROPE 12389/3). (CG)