EU lifts sanctions on import of Russian sable fur - Euractiv
EU lifts sanctions on import of Russian sable fur - Euractiv: European Union countries have allowed the resumption of importing sable fur from Russia, cancelling a ban that was introduced only in April.
Consensus
- The European Union lifted the ban on importing Russian sable fur as part of the 21st package of sanctions against Russia.
- The decision was made in July 2026, three months after the initial ban was introduced in April 2026.
- Italy and Greece were the main countries that lobbied for the exemption.
- Russia holds a dominant position in the global sable fur market, leaving European producers with few alternative suppliers.
- The exemption applies only to raw or unprocessed sable pelts; finished products made from Russian sable are still banned from import into the EU.
- The change was included in an updated version of Annex XXI to the EU sanctions regulation.
Points of divergence
- Russian sable fur producers expressed joy and hope that sales volumes would increase after the ban was lifted, noting a drop in sales by half in May compared to earlier periods. — fontanka
- The 21st sanctions package may be the last of its kind due to difficulties in reaching consensus among EU member states, and future sanctions might be adopted individually or in small thematic groups. — meduza
- European fashion houses historically highly value Russian sable fur, and the fur industry has long opposed stricter sanctions that already restricted exports of fur products to Russia. — vm
- In 2022, Greek manufacturers warned that sanctions on sable fur would be a 'death sentence' for their industry. — vedomosti
Coverage (11 sources)
- Sobol is more important than sanctions. Why did Europe allow the import of this fur from Russia? — Фонтанка
- EU allows import of Russian sable fur after three months of ban — achieved by Italy and Greece — Meduza
- EU Allows Import of Russian Sable Fur After Three Months Following Ban; Italy and Greece Secure Exceptions — The Insider
- EU did not impose sanctions on Russian sable fur due to Greece — Вечерняя Москва
- Europe has eased sanctions against Russia. Why? — Фонтанка
- EU Lifts Sanctions on Import of Russian Sable Fur — Дождь
- EU lifts sanctions on import of Russian sable fur — Euractiv — Дождь (Telegram)
- EU removes Russian sable fur from sanctions — Коммерсантъ
- Euractiv: Greece and Italy wanted to exclude Russian mechanized units from sanctions — Ведомости
- EU, at Italy and Greece's request, did not impose sanctions on Russian sable fur — ТАСС (Telegram)
- EU, at Italy and Greece's request, removes Russian sable fur from sanctions lists — Вести