Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/968 of 20 May 2025 implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2642 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s destabilizing activities

## Policy Analysis Report: Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/968 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/968 of 20 May 2025, which amends Regulation (EU) 2024/2642 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia's destabilizing activities. The amendment focuses on updating the identifying information and statement of reasons for one natural person, Anatolii Prizenko, listed in the Annex to Decision CFSP 2024/2643. The key finding is that the amendment provides updated justification for the restrictive measures imposed on Prizenko, citing his involvement in a destabilizing operation in France linked to Russian interests. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide an informative analysis of Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/968 based solely on the provided official text. The report will outline the policy's background, purpose, and key changes introduced by the amendment, as well as discuss the potential implications for affected stakeholders. **3. Policy Overview:** * This regulation is an amendment to Council Regulation (EU) 2024/2642 of 8 October 2024 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia's destabilizing activities. * **Core Objective:** The core objective, inferred from the text, is to maintain and update the list of individuals and entities subject to restrictive measures in response to Russia's destabilizing activities. This specific amendment aims to refine and strengthen the legal basis for sanctions against a particular individual. **4. Background and Rationale:** This is an amendment; therefore, the following is relevant: The Council has reviewed Decision CFSP 2024/2643 and considers it necessary to amend the identifying information and the statement of reasons for one individual listed in the Annex. This suggests that new information has come to light, or the initial justification needed clarification or strengthening, prompting the amendment to Regulation (EU) 2024/2642. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This regulation amends Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2024/2642. The specific change involves replacing the entry for Anatolii PRIZENKO under the heading "A. Natural persons". * **Original Entry:** The previous statement of reasons provided a listing date of 16.12.2024. * **New Rule/Provision:** The new entry provides the following updated information: * **Name:** Anatolii PRIZENKO * **Identifying Information:** Businessman; DOB: 26.11.1974; POB: Moldovan SSR now Republic of Moldova; Nationality: Moldovan; Gender: male. * **Statement of Reasons:** Details Prizenko's involvement in coordinating the dispatch of Moldovan citizens to France to paint Stars of David in exchange for financial compensation. This operation is linked to the Russian military intelligence service (GRU) and aimed at fueling tensions in French society. * **Difference/Effect:** The amendment strengthens the justification for listing Prizenko by providing specific details of his involvement in a destabilizing operation linked to Russian interests. This reinforces the legal basis for the sanctions imposed on him. The date of listing remains 16.12.2024. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholder group directly affected by this specific amendment is likely Anatolii Prizenko himself. However, other stakeholders include: * Financial institutions and businesses operating within the EU that are required to comply with sanctions regulations. * Member States' law enforcement and regulatory agencies responsible for implementing and enforcing the sanctions regime. * Individuals and entities potentially collaborating with or providing services to Anatolii Prizenko. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies:** The Council of the European Union is responsible for adopting and implementing the regulation. Member States are responsible for enforcing the regulation within their jurisdictions. * **Timelines/procedures:** The regulation enters into force on the day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union (21 May 2025). No further timelines or procedures are specified in the text. The updated information regarding Anatolii Prizenko is immediately applicable upon the regulation's entry into force. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of this amendment is to strengthen the legal basis for the restrictive measures imposed on Anatolii Prizenko. By providing a more detailed and substantiated statement of reasons, the EU aims to: * Prevent Prizenko from engaging in further destabilizing activities. * Discourage others from engaging in similar activities on behalf of Russia. * Maintain the credibility and effectiveness of the EU's sanctions regime. **9. Conclusion:** Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/968 serves as an update to existing sanctions against individuals involved in actions destabilizing the European Union, specifically those linked to Russian interests. The updated statement of reasons provides a more robust justification for maintaining Anatolii Prizenko on the sanctions list. This amendment highlights the EU's ongoing efforts to refine and strengthen its sanctions regime in response to evolving threats. The significance lies in ensuring the continued effectiveness and legal soundness of the restrictive measures imposed.

Key Entities Referenced