Eight countries align with EU Ukraine sanctions derogations

EUROPEAN UNION, September 25, 2026 — Albania, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway and Ukraine have aligned with changes to EU sanctions targeting actions that undermine or threaten Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence.

The countries committed to making their national policies conform to Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1333. The EU welcomed the commitment but did not specify when each country’s national measures would take effect.

Adopted by the Council of the EU on June 15, the decision introduced temporary derogations from an asset freeze and the ban on making funds or economic resources available to a designated entity. The entity is not identified in the statement.

The exceptions allow operations, contracts and other agreements involving that entity to be wound down. They also permit industry purchases of critical components manufactured by the entity.

The alignment extends the policy change beyond the EU framework by committing the eight countries to reflect it in their national sanctions policies. For compliance teams, the change may affect the treatment of otherwise restricted dealings that fall within the temporary exceptions. The statement does not provide an expiration date or further conditions for their use.