Faced with international crises, Brussels strengthens its role as a » sanctions power ».
A long-standing instrument of European diplomacy, sanctions have become one of the central tools of the European Union’s foreign and defence policy. In the face of military aggression, cyberattacks or human rights violations, the EU is now focusing on targeted economic measures to act quickly, without resorting to force.
A strategic tool to counter international threats
The European Union currently has nearly 50 active sanctions regimes in place, targeting states, organisations or individuals deemed responsible for violations of international law. The conflict in Ukraine illustrates this escalation. Since 2022, more than 2,400 individuals and entities have been blacklisted by the EU, a record in the history of the Union.
Furthermore, in 2025, Brussels strengthened its measures, notably through a complete embargo on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) and new financial restrictions aimed at limiting Moscow’s war revenues. Other regimes target Iranian officials involved in repression, terrorist groups and Chinese actors accused of serious human rights violations.
These sanctions have two objectives: to protect Europe by weakening hostile actors, but also to defend international standards. Indeed, the application of these sanctions allows the EU to assert its geopolitical weight despite a military defence that is still fragmented among Member States.
Between real effectiveness and persistent limitations
However, their impact remains mixed, as some measures effectively isolate the targeted regimes, while others are circumvented via third countries. Nevertheless, public support remains strong: according to the latest Eurobarometer survey, 72% of Europeans approve of economic sanctions against actors threatening peace.
Ultimately, by becoming a true « sanctions power », the European Union is establishing itself as an indispensable player in international security, especially when sanctions are coordinated with Western allies. And European doctrine seems to be evolving in this direction. As Josep Borrell pointed out at the Europa Forum in Madrid in 2022: « Europe must learn to speak the language of power. »
In other words, Josep Borrell emphasizes that the EU’s power will come through sanctions.
Luisa Bernon