Maria Luís Albuquerque, Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union, chaired the ninth high-level meeting on EU restrictive measures on 29 April 2026, focusing on enhancing cooperation among Member States, EU institutions, and international partners to close loopholes in sanctions implementation. The meeting gathered high-level representatives from Member States, the European Commission, and the European External Action Service (EEAS) to share best practices and discuss challenges.
The meeting centered on the recently adopted 20th sanctions package against Russia, which Albuquerque described as a clear signal of unity and determination to increase pressure on Russia and bring it to the negotiating table. She stressed that sanctions are only as strong as their implementation, vowing to monitor consistent enforcement by Member States and prevent deliberate circumvention via third-country jurisdictions.
Albuquerque highlighted that the 20th package includes stronger anti-circumvention measures, notably the first use of the EU's anti-circumvention tool, alongside further actions in financial services (including crypto), energy, trade, and disinformation. She emphasized that enforcement is a shared responsibility and that properly implemented EU sanctions deliver real results.
The Commissioner also underscored the need to deepen engagement with international partners, particularly within the G7 and with like-minded countries, to close gaps and respond to emerging risks. Participants learned about the work of the EU's Intelligence and Situation Centre (INTCEN) in relation to sanctions, which Albuquerque called an important step towards deepening cooperation.
Addressing geopolitical instability, Albuquerque noted that the recent escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including disruptions to global energy supplies, could create opportunities for circumvention. She warned that Russia should not benefit from the war on Iran and that the EU must remain vigilant. The EU will keep sanctions at the centre of its foreign and security policy, including the strategic objective of achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
No concrete numerical targets or new institutional structures were announced; the speech reaffirmed existing commitments and called for enhanced cooperation. The policy orientation is assertive, demanding stricter implementation and anti-circumvention measures without shifting towards conciliation with Russia.