29/06/2020 (Agence Europe) – Following the green light from EU leaders (see EUROPE 12510/3), the Council of the European Union decided on Monday 29 June to extend EU economic sanctions against Russia for six months, until 31 January 2021. These measures, introduced in 2014 and renewed every six months, notably limit access to EU capital markets for certain Russian banks and companies and prohibit any form of financial assistance or brokerage for the benefit of Russian financial institutions. The import, export and transfer, directly or indirectly, of any defence-related equipment and dual-use items which may be intended for military use or used by military end-users in Russia shall be prohibited. The sanctions also limit Russia's access to certain sensitive technologies that can be used in the energy sector. (CG)