High Representative Kaja Kallas, answering on behalf of the Commission, defended the EU's existing sanctions against Russian propaganda but stopped short of committing to follow the UK's lead in designating Georgian media outlets. In a written answer to a parliamentary question by Krzysztof Brejza (PPE), Kallas outlined the EU's broad toolkit but stressed that new listings require unanimous Council decisions and that negotiations are confidential.
The answer, dated 29 April 2026, responds to Brejza's query about the UK's 24 February 2026 sanctions on Georgian outlets Imedi TV and Post TV under its Russia regime. Brejza had asked whether the Commission and EEAS are assessing the UK's evidence, what instruments exist for candidate countries, and how CFSP alignment is ensured.
a broadcasting ban on over 30 Russian state-sponsored outlets since March 2022, and listings of more than 120 individuals and 30 entities involved in Kremlin-aligned disinformation. She also referenced the 2024 sanctions regime targeting foreign information manipulation and interference, with the latest listings of four individuals adopted in March 2026.
The answer signals continuity rather than escalation. Kallas reaffirmed the EU's priority to counter Russian propaganda but offered no concrete timeline or commitment to replicate UK action on Georgian media. The reference to confidential Council negotiations suggests the EU is not currently considering such listings publicly.
No immediate action is signaled. The Commission and EEAS will likely continue monitoring the situation, but any new sanctions would depend on Member State consensus in the Council. The answer implicitly pushes back on the idea of unilateral EU action based on UK designations, emphasising the EU's own legal framework and decision-making process.
EU candidate countries like Georgia face continued scrutiny but no immediate sanctions. Russian propaganda outlets remain under EU broadcasting bans. EU Member States retain control over new listings via unanimity. Media actors in candidate countries may face reputational risk but no direct EU penalties for now.