On Wednesday, 13 July, the European Commission set guidance on goods coming from Russia and passing through the European Union to the Kaliningrad enclave and vice versa.
These guidelines confirm that road transit of sanctioned goods—iron, steel, cement, timber, coal, and petroleum products—by Russian operators is not allowed under the EU sanctions against Russia for its military invasion of Ukraine.
In a press release, the European Commission nevertheless clarifies, “No such similar prohibition exists for rail transport, without prejudice to Member States’ obligation to perform effective controls”. Member States must therefore verify that the transit volumes of these goods remain “within the historical averages of the last 3 years” and that “there are no unusual flows or trade patterns that could give rise to circumvention” of EU sanctions.
The European Commission also specified, “The transit of sanctioned military and dual use goods and technology is fully prohibited in any event—regardless of the mode of transport”.
Russia had complained that Lithuania was applying restrictions on the movement of goods to Kaliningrad.
European Commission spokesperson Eric Mamer stressed, “We did not negotiate anything with Russia”.
See the Guidance Note: https://aeur.eu/f/2mi (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion)