Euronews reveals EU mood after Russian oligarch Usmanov sanctions lifted

The lifting of EU sanctions on Uzbek-Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov following efforts by France has left a bitter aftertaste among officials and diplomats in Brussels, who now fear that it could set a dangerous precedent.

Source: Euronews, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Euronews says that after the EU decided to remove Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its sanctions list, officials and diplomats in Brussels are recovering from the painful episode and rushing to minimise the awkward impression it has left behind.

To compensate for the setback, member states agreed to extend sanctions against nearly 3,000 people for an unprecedented 36 months and prevent unwanted vetoes in the future.

However, the bitter aftertaste remains.

"It was a low moment," one diplomat said.

Another source told the publication: "No one is happy about this."

Ireland, which acted as a mediator in reaching the fragile compromise, described the situation as "difficult".

Earlier this month, France shocked its colleagues when it unexpectedly joined Slovakia in calling for Usmanov to be removed from the list. The French ambassador simply cited "national security" concerns.

It later emerged that the "national security" issue was an attempt to secure the release of two French citizens detained in Azerbaijan.

The day after Usmanov was removed from the list, Azerbaijan pardoned and released French national Martin Ryan, who had been sentenced to 10 years in prison for allegedly spying on behalf of the French government.

Although France's efforts to secure the release of its imprisoned citizens have prompted sympathy, there are concerns that Paris has opened Pandora's box and created a dangerous precedent that could encourage oligarchs to buy their way out of sanctions.

"The whole affair shows that unanimity hurts everyone, even France. We urgently need to push for a qualified majority in sanctions," another source said.

The next test will come in October, when member states seek to expand the blacklist by adding more than 1,600 names of individuals and companies – the largest addition in its history.

It is unclear whether the Usmanov affair will strengthen governments' resolve, make them more cautious at the negotiating table, or open the door to requests similar to Usmanov's.

Background:

• On 22 September, the Council of the EU decided to extend restrictive measures against people responsible for undermining or threatening Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence for another 36 months, but removed Usmanov and Fridman from the list.
• In Ukraine, the decision was described as unjustified, and Kyiv said it will propose new sanctions measures to the EU.

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