Sanctions and the Geopolitical Commission: The War over Ukraine and the Transformation of EU Governance

(Series Information) European Papers - A Journal on Law and Integration, 2023 8(3), 1125-1130 | European Forum Insight of 15 January 2024 | (Table of Contents) I. Introduction: the war in Ukraine and sanctions. - II. Sanctions formulation. - III. Sanctions implementation. - IV. Sanctions communication. - V. Conclusion. | (Abstract) As a result of the invasion of Ukraine, the Commission has been increasing its weight throughout the EU sanctions process. This transformation is visible in the formation, implementation and communication of sanctions. Formulation has become less member state-driven, implementation has undergone some steps towards centralisation, and communication has becoming more aggressive. An enhanced role for the Commission may be advantageous for sanctions governance; however, the exceptionally fast pace at which it is unfolding is susceptible of undermining regular scrutiny by economic operators, public opinion, and, most acutely, parliamentary bodies.