EU sanctions on Russia hit by Greece exemption and Russian official’s wife lawsuit

The European Commission is reviewing ways to limit the veto rights of EU member states after Greece secured an exemption from the 21st sanctions package that bans the transport of Russian LNG by sea. The exemption, granted to Athens for shipments and contracts signed before 24 February 2022, is limited in volume and has prompted Brussels to consider tighter measures on future sanctions.

At the same time, Tatiana Navka, the wife of Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov, has filed a case with the EU Court seeking to overturn the sanctions imposed on her in June 2022. Navka argues the sanctions were applied without clear justification and claims over €2 million in damages for material loss and reputational harm. Her legal challenge highlights growing pressure on the EU sanctions regime from both member states and individuals linked to Russian officials.