EU Court rules Russia’s autocratic nature does not prove Moscow’s direct control over the firms

Brussels – “The autocratic nature of Russia’s political regime does not, in itself, constitute sufficiently solid evidence capable
of proving that the President of Russia exerts control over a company,” the Court of Justice of the EU said in a judgment. For this reason, when it comes to sanctions, the existence of state control over a company must be supported by “objective and sufficiently solid evidence.” 

The ruling by the judges in Luxembourg serves as a call to Member States and their leaders not to impose sanctions lightly, but only after carrying out all necessary checks.