Europe reinforces sanctions against Russia amid Trump concerns

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Anand Sharma
  • Update Time : Monday, October 28, 2024
Europe

European diplomats are accelerating efforts to cement their sanctions against Russia as concerns mount over the potential return of Donald Trump to the US presidency in 2025. With Trump, the 45th US President from the Republican Party, leading in many Republican primary polls, European leaders worry that his administration could reverse the current US stance on Russia. This shift could significantly undermine Western efforts to isolate Moscow in response to its invasion of Ukraine, leaving the European Union scrambling to preserve its own restrictive measures.

To address these risks, European officials and EU envoys have launched discussions to entrench sanctions that would withstand changes in US policy. According to Reuters, these discussions are centered on multiple strategies to ensure the longevity and enforceability of EU sanctions, even in the event of a potential US policy shift. These initiatives reportedly include enhanced monitoring systems to prevent sanctioned goods from reaching Russia and further curbs on energy transactions, specifically on oil supplies.

One major focus of these discussions is the need for a more autonomous European sanctions system, independent of US backing. Tom Keatinge, director of the Center for Financial Crime and Security Studies at the Royal United Services Institute, a prominent British think tank, observed that Europe is preparing “autonomous European sanctions” in anticipation of Trump’s return to office. However, to make this vision effective, Europe would need to strengthen its enforcement capabilities, potentially placing EU institutions in a more prominent role in sanctions administration.

“Should a Trump presidency reverse US sanctions on Russia,” Keatinge said, “Europeans will need to be much more muscular in their enforcement actions.”

EU officials are also weighing legal adjustments to the current sanctions framework, particularly around the freeze on Russian Central Bank assets-a significant economic blow to Moscow. Presently, this measure requires reauthorization by EU member states every six months, a stipulation that could be altered to provide more permanent, long-lasting sanctions.

The current mechanism requires unanimous or majority approval across EU capitals to renew sanctions, which complicates maintaining a united front if the US pulls back its commitment. European diplomats are considering ways to change this procedure, potentially reducing the need for repeated political processes to sustain the restrictions.

Additionally, proposals have surfaced to tighten border and customs controls, facilitating the detection and interdiction of potentially illicit goods destined for Russia. This control mechanism would support Europe’s effort to curb Russia’s access to restricted technologies and resources that could aid its military operations. More robust oversight and monitoring could prevent sanctioned items, especially in critical sectors like high-tech and military-related equipment, from reaching Russia through indirect routes.

During his 2017–2021 presidency, Trump frequently charted foreign policy paths that placed European allies in uncomfortable positions. He unilaterally withdrew the US from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, forcing European leaders to salvage what remained of the agreement while trying to prevent Tehran from advancing its nuclear program. His “America First” stance often conflicted with the collaborative approach Europe favored, especially in areas involving sanctions and multilateral security efforts.

More recently, Trump has signaled a strong desire to reduce US military and financial support for Ukraine, openly expressing skepticism over the benefits of continued American assistance. On multiple occasions, he has refused to confirm that he wants Ukraine to win the war, framing the conflict as something the US should not be deeply involved in. Trump even suggested that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was responsible for igniting hostilities with Moscow. These statements, coupled with Trump’s criticisms of military assistance costs, raise concerns among European leaders that a Trump presidency could sharply diverge from the current US approach to Russia and Ukraine.

The situation with sanctions on Russia recalls Trump’s handling of the Nord Stream 2 project. While he did enact sanctions to halt construction of the pipeline linking Russia and Germany, Trump has not clarified his stance on broader sanctions against Russia, instead emphasizing his desire for a swift peace deal. Such comments signal a possible shift that would challenge Europe’s long-term strategic priorities.

The EU depends heavily on the US to enforce sanctions, as American agencies have broad jurisdictional reach and the financial clout to penalize violators worldwide. Washington’s enforcement of global sanctions has been crucial in cutting off Russia’s access to crucial goods and services. If the US scales back its enforcement activities, Europe may struggle to maintain the same level of effectiveness, particularly in global markets where American influence has been key in enforcing compliance.

Another concern for Europe is its ability to maintain a stable sanctions regime in the absence of US alignment. European sanctions mechanisms are inherently more complex to administer, given the EU’s need for consensus among its 27 member states, all with diverse political interests. A change in US policy could expose cracks in Europe’s united front, as member states that are more Russia-friendly could exert pressure to weaken or remove sanctions.

EU leaders are therefore working to establish mechanisms that are resilient to internal divisions, potentially by streamlining approval processes for sanctions renewals and creating more centralized enforcement structures within EU institutions. By consolidating these structures, Europe hopes to counteract any challenges posed by shifts in the US position on sanctions.

European policymakers recognize that their sanctions efforts are more effective when aligned with the US, as both share similar economic and regulatory clout. If a Trump administration eases sanctions, Europe’s ability to influence global markets could weaken without complementary American support. These challenges have brought about discussions within the EU on building greater “sanction resilience,” ensuring that the bloc can sustain its measures even if the US reverses course.

However, maintaining sanctions independently poses a set of difficulties that the EU has yet to fully navigate. European nations would need to expand legal provisions within EU treaties and reinforce the regulatory and judicial infrastructure required for effective sanctions enforcement. These changes would likely involve allocating more resources to compliance and monitoring programs within the European Commission, as well as training personnel to track and intercept sanctioned goods on a wider scale.

The EU’s actions reflect a cautious yet proactive approach, striving to prepare for any geopolitical uncertainty that a Trump presidency could bring. With potential changes on the horizon, European leaders are making bold moves to solidify their sanctions framework against Russia. By enhancing enforcement mechanisms, altering legal requirements for sanctions renewals, and exploring more independent avenues of economic restriction, Europe is taking steps to ensure the long-term effectiveness of its sanctions on Russia, regardless of American political shifts. The coming months and years will test the EU’s resolve, and its ability to balance unity and autonomy in a shifting global landscape will be critical in shaping its future role in international security and economic stability. .

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Avatar photo Anand Sharma, a Special Contributor to Blitz is research-scholar based in Nigeria.

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