Two Renew Europe MEPs have asked the European Commission to investigate whether companies in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Kyrgyzstan have been used to channel aviation goods, maintenance services and technical support to Russian operators in circumvention of EU sanctions. In a written parliamentary question submitted on 20 May 2026, Petras Auštrevičius and Bart Groothuis named several intermediaries, including S7 Engineering LLC, Golden Falcon Aviation FZE, Casper Aviation Spares Trading FZE, and others, that allegedly continued to appear in contracts and freight records after February 2022.
The question follows reporting and documentation suggesting that entities linked to Russia's aviation sector have used third-country supply chains to evade restrictions. The MEPs noted that in December 2023, the U.S. Department of the Treasury added ATS Heavy Equipment and Machinery Spare Parts Trading to its sanctions list for allegedly supplying millions of dollars worth of aircraft parts to Russia.
Concrete asks and policy direction The MEPs' question contains three concrete requests. First, they ask the Commission to investigate whether the identified companies and supply chains have enabled the diversion of aviation goods, maintenance services or technical support to Russian operators. Second, they urge the Commission to share relevant information with Member State enforcement authorities, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and international partners including the US, the UK and Ukraine. Third, they ask whether the Commission intends to propose further listings, export restrictions or anti-circumvention measures targeting aviation supply routes through non-EU countries used by Russian operators.
The question signals a push for tighter enforcement and expanded sanctions, particularly targeting intermediary countries that may serve as transit hubs for prohibited goods. The MEPs are pressing the Commission to move beyond existing restrictions and address loopholes in the aviation sector.
Expected follow-up The Commission is required to respond to written parliamentary questions within approximately six weeks. Its answer will indicate whether it plans to take investigative or legislative action, and will signal the EU's policy direction on sanctions circumvention in the aviation sector. The question also puts pressure on the Commission to coordinate more closely with international partners and EU anti-fraud bodies.
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