Norway Adopts 21st EU Sanctions Package Against Russia

Norway announced the adoption of the 21st sanctions package approved by the European Union against Russia, with amendments to Norwegian regulations taking effect from October 21, 2026, according to a government statement reported by "European Pravda".

The package targets the energy, finance, cryptocurrency services, banking, and oil sectors, in addition to the "shadow fleet" used by Russia to transport oil outside the price cap, as well as the Russian military-industrial complex.

The measures also include broader restrictions on imports and exports. The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the goal of the package is to increase pressure on the Russian economy and reduce its ability to fund the war against Ukraine.

The European Union had approved the package on July 23 after a delay due to objections from member states, and later added new sanctions lists in August in response to attacks on Ukraine. Norway, which is not a member of the European Union, has been coordinating its sanctions with Brussels since the start of the war.

What do these terms mean?

Sanctions package: A set of economic and political measures imposed by countries or blocs on a state or entities to compel them to change their behavior.

Shadow fleet: Old or obscurely owned ships used by Russia to export oil and bypass Western restrictions.

Import and export restrictions: Prohibiting or restricting the sale or purchase of goods to or from a country, with the aim of applying economic pressure.