Tuesday, June 16, 2015

To EU business operating and/or investing in Crimea/Sevastopol (Information Note)

The objective of this document is to raise European citizens’ and businesses’ awareness on the risks related to the economic and financial situation in Crimea/Sevastopol in light of the situation on the ground at the time of its release, following the illegal annexation by Russia and the policy of "non-recognition" upheld by the EU. It has been prepared by the European Commission services and by the European External Action Service. This note is not intended to constitute legal advice and should not be seen as providing guidance/recommendations. Moreover, it may be subject to revision in light of the evolving situation on the ground.

EU position on the illegal annexation of Crimea/Sevastopol

The EU has adopted a consistent policy of non-recognition towards the illegal annexation of Crimea/Sevastopol to the Russian Federation. Even before the illegal annexation was implemented, the EU Heads of State or Government had declared illegal, on 6 March 2014, the referendum on the future status of the territory announced by the Supreme Council of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.

On 20 March 2014, the European Council declared not to recognise the illegal referendum in Crimea, considered in clear violation of the Ukrainian Constitution, and condemned the illegal annexation of Crimea/Sevastopol to the Russian Federation, committing not to recognise it. In this context, the European Council asked the Commission to evaluate the legal consequences of the annexation and to propose economic, trade and financial restrictions regarding Crimea for rapid implementation.


The same position was reiterated by the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 12 May 2014 and by the EU Heads of State or Government on 27 May 2014. The EU has also welcomed the adoption of the United Nations' General Assembly Resolution number 68/262 on the territorial integrity of Ukraine.

A regularly updated fact sheet on EU-Ukraine relations can be found here: http://eeas.europa.eu/statements/docs/2014/140514_02_en.pdf

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