Answer given by Ms McGuinness on behalf of the European Commission

“Tackling possible sanctions circumvention attempts, including through third country jurisdictions, is among the EU’s key priorities. On 23 June 20 23, the Council adopted the 11th package of sanctions against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which focused on strengthening existing measures, and cracking down on their circumvention[1].

The Commission is dedicating significant efforts to this — from proposing legislative changes to criminalise the violation and circumvention of sanctions, to closely monitoring suspicious trade flows and organising dedicated outreach.

Ensuring that EU sanctions are not circumvented through third countries lies at the core of the mandate of the Special Envoy for the Implementation of EU Sanctions, David O’Sullivan.

EU sanctions prohibit the import of Russian timber, however the Commission is aware of possible circumvention attempts, including through Türkiye.

The implementation and enforcement of sanctions is the responsibility of Member States. As guardian of the treaties, the Commission oversees the application of Union law. It is working closely with national competent authorities, trade unions and industry players to address such circumvention risks.

Additionally, on 22 August 2023, the Commission initiated an investigation concerning alleged circumvention practices of the anti-dumping measures in force concerning birch plywood originating in Russia, by imports of birch plywood consigned from Türkiye and Kazakhstan.

The initiation of this investigation follows a duly substantiated request from European producers alleging possible transhipment and false declaration of origin for the Russian birch plywood imported to the EU via Kazakhstan and Türkiye.”

• [1] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_3429