This Week in Foreign Affairs — Brussels (#28, 2026)
21st Russia sanctions package adopted; Belarus regime measures expanded; Iran listings for human rights abuses; methane import compliance clarified; EU-Lebanon agreements concluded; Liberia timber partnership ended.
July 19, 2026 to July 25, 2026
21st Russia sanctions package adopted; Belarus regime measures expanded; Iran listings for human rights abuses; methane import compliance clarified; EU-Lebanon agreements concluded; Liberia timber partnership ended.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
European Commission
Commission welcomes 21st package of sanctions against Russia
On 22 July 2026, the European Commission stated its support for the 21st package of EU sanctions targeting Russia’s ability to finance its war in Ukraine. The measures focus on limiting Russian energy revenues, tightening financial sanctions―including new restrictions on over 100 Russian banks and on crypto asset services―and strengthening trade bans, including on key dual-use items and critical infrastructure. The sanctions package introduces expanded export and import bans, and broadens the listing of individuals and entities, with 48 individuals and 170 entities newly sanctioned, primarily in banking, energy, and defence sectors. A new visa restriction instrument prepares for bans on Russian combatants. The package mirrors critical elements in the Belarus regime, further addressing Belarusian alignment with Russian policy. The Commission highlighted the pressure placed on Russia’s war economy and the ongoing impact on Russia’s GDP, financial sector, and trade.
Commission clarifies recommendations to support methane import rules
On 19 July 2026, the Commission issued two recommendations to support the phased implementation of Regulation (EU) 2024/1787 on methane emissions reduction, set for entry into force on 1 January 2027. The guidance covers compliance solutions for importers, including 'trace and claim' and certification methods, and provides direction for proportionality in penalty regimes. The Commission indicates penalties for non-compliance may be suspended for three years if necessary to secure energy supplies. This action comes as the energy market remains volatile following events impacting the Strait of Hormuz and incorporates feedback from Member States and industry.
Commission concludes eligibility checks for two European Citizens' Initiatives
On 21 July 2026, the Commission completed eligibility reviews for two ECIs: 'Stop Killing The Internet: No Digital ID & No Age Verification', and 'Save Europe Act'. The first—seeking to ensure voluntary, privacy-protecting digital identity requirements—was registered. The second, seeking a temporary moratorium on new non-Western immigration channels, was rejected for contravening Treaty and Charter anti-discrimination principles. The registration of an initiative does not presuppose Commission adoption or endorsement and remains an agenda-setting mechanism pending collection of one million signatures.
Commission publishes Q&A on new Russia sanctions measures
On 23 July 2026, the European Commission released detailed answers on the 21st Russia sanctions package. The Q&A outlines specific energy restrictions, including a one-year halt to any price cap adaptation and an expanded vessel blacklist targeting the shadow fleet. Coverage includes bans on new Russian and third-country banks and crypto platforms, new transaction bans, and targeted restrictions affecting oil traders, infrastructure, and exports of sensitive items. The legal basis for a comprehensive visa ban on Russian combatants is introduced, pending Council decision. Legal protection for EU operators against non-EU enforcement of Russian judgments is enhanced.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Further Russia, Belarus, and Iran sanctions enacted
Between 23 and 24 July 2026, the Council adopted multiple regulations and decisions amending prior measures targeting Russia (Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, No 269/2014), Belarus (Regulation (EC) No 765/2006), and Iran (Regulation (EU) No 359/2011). Notable, Regulation (EU) 2026/1848 and Decision (CFSP) 2026/1849 imposed new restrictions on trade, oil price cap enforcement, specific financial institutions and vessels, with expanded criteria for listing third-country entities facilitating circumvention. Regulation (EU) 2026/1843 and Decision 2026/1845 updated Ukraine-related asset freezes with additional sanctioned entities. Belarus alignment and military enhancement items were added with Regulation (EU) 2026/1846 and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1817. Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1851 and Decision (CFSP) 2026/1850 introduced further listings concerning human rights abuses in Iran.
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Russia–Ukraine: New anti-circumvention probe for hardwood plywood imports from China
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1840 of 23 July 2026 initiated an investigation into possible circumvention of anti-dumping duties under Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2333 on hardwood plywood from China. The probe targets imports of slightly modified hardwood plywood and imposes registration duties pending outcome, with potential for retroactive anti-dumping measures. The action responds to evidence of modified trade patterns and underpricing undermining existing trade defence instruments.
Trade defence: Copolyester imports from China subject to registration
On 23 July 2026, Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1747 placed imports of aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters (PBAT, PBSeT) from China under customs registration, pursuant to Article 14(5) of Regulation (EU) 2016/1036. The measure supports possible retroactive anti-dumping duties following an investigation initiated in early June 2026 after a complaint by BASF and other EU producers.
Trade defence: Review on fasteners and registration amendments
Commission Implementing Regulations (EU) 2026/1785 and (EU) 2026/1788 of 23 July 2026 amended prior anti-dumping measures on iron or steel fasteners from China. The first accepts new exporting producer treatment for Zhejiang Yitai Mechanical Technology Co., Ltd, assigning it the non-sampled company's anti-dumping rate (39.6%). The second corrects the product scope, deleting two obsolete TARIC codes and requiring repayment of duties collected since 2022 without legal basis.
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Organic imports: Update of recognised third country control bodies
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1789 amends Regulation (EU) 2021/2325 to update recognition details for third countries and control bodies for organic products, affecting entities in Argentina, Australia, India, Japan, South Korea, Tunisia, and the United States, among others.
EU extends Lebanon, Liberia international agreements and revises child abduction acceptances
On 22 July 2026, the EU and Lebanon amended and extended the scientific and technological cooperation agreement governing PRIMA participation (OJ L 2026/1415, 2026/1414). A new cooperation agreement with Lebanon on Eurojust comes into force on 1 August 2026 (OJ L 2026/1773). The Council terminated the Voluntary Partnership Agreement with Liberia on timber trade (OJ L 2026/1771). On 21 July 2026, Council Decision (EU) 2026/1790 authorised Member States to accept Cabo Verde’s accession to the 1980 Hague Convention on Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.
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Animal health: Updates to import and emergency zones for avian influenza outbreak responses
On 20 July 2026, Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1820 amended lists for authorised US zones for poultry and meat of game birds due to new highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks. Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1796 updated restricted zones in Poland after additional outbreaks, in line with Regulation (EU) 2016/429 and Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687.
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EU supports WTO AGOA waiver and investment facilitation agreement
On 20 July 2026, the Council adopted Decision (EU) 2026/1774 setting the EU position to support a WTO waiver for the United States allowing extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the incorporation of the Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement into Annex 4 of the WTO framework.
Restrictive measures update on terrorist asset listings
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1812 amended for the 358th time Regulation (EC) No 881/2002, updating one entry on the EU's terrorist asset freeze list in coordination with recent UN Security Council actions.
EU Council
Council renews restrictive measures in view of the situation in Lebanon
On 17 July 2026, the Council extended the restrictive measures related to Lebanon, established in Decision (CFSP) 2021/1277, for another year until 31 July 2027.
