European Commission comments on Peskov's wife challenging EU sanctions

European Commission spokesperson Anouar El Anouni made the statement during a briefing in Brussels, according to Ukrinform's correspondent.

Responding to a question about whether the European Commission was confident that the sanctions against Navka had been lawfully imposed, the spokesperson answered affirmatively.

"Yes, short answer is very, in terms of how confident we are," he said.

He also confirmed that the European Union must have sufficient evidence before imposing sanctions, as EU sanctions constitute legal decisions that may be challenged before the Court of Justice of the European Union by any individual or organization.

The spokesperson further noted that adding a person to the EU sanctions list requires the unanimous approval of all 27 EU member states.

Commenting specifically on the sanctions against Tatiana Navka, El Anouni stated that she is "a co-owner of companies and property located in inter alia the Crimean Peninsula, which was illegally annexed by the Russian Federation. She is therefore supporting actions which undermine or threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine."

"Additionally, she happens to be associated with a listed person [Dmitry Peskov], who has actively supported actions or policies which undermine or threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine, as well as stability and security in Ukraine," the spokesperson said, adding that these facts explain the European Commission's confidence in its legal position.

As previously reported by media outlets, Tatiana Navka has decided to challenge the individual sanctions imposed on her by the European Union before the Court of Justice of the European Union.

Photo: Fyodor Markushevich / Wikimedia Commons