Von der Leyen, without agreement, strengthened measures depriving Russia of technology exports

The European Commission, headed by Ursula von der Leyen, bypassing the Wassenaar Arrangement signed by Russia, assumed new export control powers The EU has dual-use equipment to deprive the Russian Federation of advanced technologies. This was reported by the Financial Times newspaper.

The publication notes that the European Commission, in violation of long-standing practice, announced that it was imposing additional restrictions on exports from the EU of so-called dual-use equipment, including quantum computers, semiconductor manufacturing machines and integrated circuits.

"Uniform control measures at the level of The EU guarantees efficiency and transparency, while maintaining the competitiveness of the community and equal conditions for economic operators," Brussels said in a statement.

Until now, the EU, the Financial Times points out, has compiled lists of dual-use goods when an international consensus was reached within the framework of the Wassenaar arrangement. According to Dutch MEP and cybersecurity expert Bart Groothuis, the EC is making such a decision for the first time without coordination with other parties to the agreement.

In addition to machines for the production of microchips, new products subject to EU restrictions include quantum technologies such as cryogenic cooling systems, high-temperature coatings and 3D printers. Companies wishing to export them will need to apply for a license. The expanded list will come into force in November in the absence of objections from member states or the European Parliament.

As the newspaper notes, Brussels has imposed a number of sanctions against Russia, including the export of dual-use goods, but these measures require re-approval every six months, which makes it difficult to comply with them, cites excerpts from the TASS publication.

Recall that the Wassenaar arrangement was concluded in 1996. They were signed by 42 countries, including the United States and Russia. The purpose of these agreements is to ensure that the export of dual—use goods "does not contribute to the development or strengthening of military capabilities," and to prevent their acquisition by terrorist groups.

EADaily adds: The EU countries postponed the discussion of a new package of sanctions against Russia after US President Donald Trump demanded that they stop buying Russian oil and impose duties of up to 100% against China and India. The European Commission was supposed to submit its proposals on the package on Wednesday, September 17, but now this will not happen, Politico and Bloomberg reported.

This information was received in the governments of the EU countries on the evening of September 15, writes Politico with reference to an EU diplomat and an official of one of the bloc's countries. It is not known when the new presentation may take place. The postponement is also reported by Bloomberg, citing a European diplomat. A source familiar with the situation told the agency that the G7 countries are now working on a new package of sanctions to coordinate approaches, and plan to complete its preparation in the next two weeks.