Members of the European Parliament have adopted a directive agreed with the member states to introduce criminal liability for violation and circumvention of EU sanctions. This was reported on March 12 by the legislative body's website.

543 MPs voted in favor, 45 voted against, and 27 abstained. The decision introduces a general definition and minimum penalties for violations, the release says.

"EU sanctions may include freezing of funds and assets (including crypto assets), travel bans, arms embargoes and business restrictions. Although sanctions are adopted at the EU level, their application depends on the member states, among which the definitions of sanctions violations and corresponding penalties vary," the EP press service explains.

The law defines the circumvention of sanctions and provides for punishment for this crime. Examples include hiding or transferring of funds that should be frozen, concealing of ownership of property, and refusing to provide the necessary information. MEPs have made it a punishable offense to circumvent sanctions by providing financial or legal advisory services to sanctioned persons or firms. At the same time, the law clarifies that humanitarian aid or support for basic human needs should not be considered a violation of sanctions.

The press service noted that the new law will provide judges with a wider choice of means to punish violators. In addition to intentional crimes, the trade in weapons or dual-use goods will also be criminalized "in cases of serious negligence," the release said.

To enter into force, the decision adopted by the European Parliament must be formally approved by the EU Council. The law will come into force twenty days after publication in the EU's Official Journal, after which member states will have one year to transpose it into national law.