In June 2023, the EU adopted its 11th sanctions package against Russia after the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine more than a year ago. While the previous packages focused on measures to curb Russia’s revenues which it uses to fund its war in Ukraine, the main objective of this package is to ensure that the previous sanctions are not circumvented. The package is targeting third countries that help Russia bypass its trade embargo, including Russia’s neighbouring states.

Research has shown that many sanctioned goods still find way to Russia through third countries. These countries have increased imports and reexports of these goods exponentially, including luxury items, technology, vehicles, chemicals, etc. The trend of growing imports/reexports has been observed in Georgia too. However, EU Sanctions Envoy David O’Sullivan during his visit to Tbilisi said that “the Georgian authorities are taking very seriously the issue of not allowing this country [Georgia] to be used as a platform for circumvention”.

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