The European Union has recently decided to remove Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, two of the wealthiest Russian billionaires, from its sanctions list. This action has been taken as part of a high-risk diplomatic game and may allow these two individuals to operate more freely within the EU.
Details of the New Agreement
On Tuesday, capitals of European countries reached an agreement under which Usmanov and Fridman will be removed from the sanctions list. This news was announced by five diplomats who wished to remain anonymous. For over a week, France had suspended the entire framework of the EU's individual sanctions and was facing the expiration of around 3,000 names on the sanctions list. Previous negotiations on Monday night ended without agreement, as the Baltic countries were initially unwilling to sign the deal.
Political Implications
Earlier this month, France launched an unexpected campaign to lift sanctions against Usmanov, a billionaire involved in mining and telecommunications, citing a related “national security” issue. On the other hand, Luxembourg has long called for Fridman's removal from the sanctions list, as he is suing the country for access to his frozen assets.
One diplomat commented on this matter: "This was done, but the question is what the Baltic countries received in return." This agreement, which was approved in a secret meeting among ambassadors, will take effect if the capitals provide their written consent by 6 PM.
Many other countries, including Nordic and Baltic nations, have warned that this action could jeopardize the entire sanctions list, and for this reason, other countries are also pursuing their own interests. However, as part of this agreement, the current selection of names will be maintained for three years, and any further discussions will be suspended until 2029.
France, by quickly announcing its support for Usmanov, has provoked other EU members, merely indicating that this action is part of reviews concerning “a specific national security issue” and that Paris “wants to respond positively to international partners who have contacted us regarding Mr. Usmanov.”
Reports suggest that the removal of these billionaires' names is part of a deal that may lead to the release of French citizens detained in Azerbaijan. Paris has significantly increased its role in the South Caucasus and supports Armenia, an EU-friendly democracy that has been involved in conflict with Azerbaijan for years.
Concerns and Criticism
However, some are concerned about this legal background. Richard Kless, a member of the Latvian parliament, stated: "If these reports are confirmed, Europe should not turn sanctions into a bargaining tool." He added: "France has the right and duty to demand the freedom of its citizens, but the price of this freedom should not be the reduction of sanctions for a Russian billionaire linked to the Putin regime."
Meanwhile, several countries have privately expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of further information regarding this agreement in the Coreper meeting, where decisions regarding the extension of sanctions are made. A senior French diplomat, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "Member states were told that if they need more precision, they can obtain further information through appropriate channels."
Usmanov has consistently denied claims of supporting Russia's war efforts and has rejected the idea of being a billionaire, calling for his name to be removed from the sanctions list, while Fridman has argued that the seizure of his assets is illegal.
