In this Q2 Sanctions Update, our global team provides an in-depth look at key developments introduced between March and May 2025 – highlighting what these changes mean for businesses across affected sectors. Sanctions Extended: The Council of the European Union extended its existing sanctions against Russia until mid-September.

The sanctions on Azerbaijani companies and individuals come as the country is deepening energy ties with the European Union.

President Trump and European leaders are demanding Russian President Vladimir Putin agree to a 30-day cease-fire starting Monday.

China removed sanctions against European lawmakers amid speculation that President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs could lead to a reset of relations with the European Union.

French President Emmanuel Macron said he would pursue the progressive lifting of European Union sanctions against Syria if Syria stuck to its current path, and added he would lobby the United States to also follow suit in this regard.