The European Council adopted emergency measures temporarily prohibiting any transfer of Central Bank of Russia assets immobilised in the EU back to Russia, citing urgency in limiting damage to the Union’s economy and preventing additional resources being used to finance Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Council Regulation (EU) 2025/2600 prohibits, on a temporary basis, any direct or indirect transfer of assets or reserves of the Central Bank of Russia, as well as transfers involving any legal person, entity or body acting on behalf of, or at the direction of, the Central Bank of Russia, including the Russian National Wealth Fund. The prohibition is to be maintained as long as making available significant financial and other resources to Russia is assessed as posing, or threatening to pose, serious economic difficulties in the Union and its member states and the risk of further serious deterioration of the economic situation persists.
European Council 2025-12-12
European Council imposes temporary ban on transfers of immobilised Central Bank of Russia assets from the EU back to Russia
The European Council has enacted emergency measures under Council Regulation (EU) 2025/2600, temporarily banning the transfer of immobilised Central Bank of Russia assets within the EU back to Russia. This action aims to mitigate economic harm to the EU and prevent resources from financing Russia's war against Ukraine. The prohibition remains in effect as long as significant financial risks to the EU persist.