The European Union may soon impose fines and other penalties on individuals and companies that violate human rights or fail to comply with international laws and treaties. The EU could impose fines, economic sanctions, travel restrictions within the EU, or seize bank assets.
The European foreign ministers have agreed to a proposal that the Netherlands submitted several months ago. The Dutch parliament wanted the EU to establish its own Magnitsky Act targeting Russian politicians and officials suspected of corruption.
The United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the three Baltic states already have a Magnitsky Act. It is named after the Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, who fought against corruption and human rights abuses and died under suspicious circumstances in a Moscow jail in 2009.
“A huge step forward,” said Minister Stef Blok (Foreign Affairs). For some EU countries, the reference to ‘Magnitsky’ was too sensitive. That points too much toward Russia, while the regulation is intended to apply worldwide. Therefore, Minister Blok broadened and expanded the law so that it does not only apply to Russian suspects but to all human rights violators globally.
EU countries that were reluctant about sanctions had to be persuaded, according to Blok. “Fortunately, we were able to convince them that an assertive foreign policy is necessary and that defending human rights is at the core of that policy.”
A year ago, the Netherlands already received support for such a plan, but Borrell’s predecessor, Federica Mogherini, had taken no steps until now. Minister Blok believes it will take about six months to prepare a proposal. After that, all EU member states must approve it.