Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 March 2026
156. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether the Government is considering the introduction of additional sanctions against countries that are actively seeking to undermine EU democracy, security or safety; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21737/26]
View answerIreland implements EU and UN sanctions. In 2024, the European Council introduced a new sanctions regime to respond to actions and policies of the Russian Government seeking to undermine or threaten democracy, the rule of law, or stability or security in the European Union.
This sanctions regime addresses a range of destabilising actions and hybrid threats, including undermining electoral processes and the functioning of democratic institutions; the use of coordinated foreign information manipulation and interference campaigns, including disinformation or malicious cyber activities.
I welcomed the adoption on 16 March of four additional listings under this regime. In total there are now 69 individuals and 17 entities subject to an asset freeze and EU travel ban in relation to these actions.
In December 2025, the EU introduced a new criterion for listings under the Belarus sanctions regime targeting those involved in or facilitating actions or policies attributable to the Republic of Belarus, which undermine or threaten democracy, the rule of law, stability or security in the EU and its member states.
We will continue to work with our EU partners to impose targeted sanctions in response to actions seeking to undermine EU democracy, security or safety.
