After reading what the newspapers published on 19.09.2025 regarding the presentation of a new package of sanctions by the European Union against Russia, public opinion in Austria and Europe is raising pressing questions: How effective are these sanctions? Do they genuinely serve Europe’s interests, or do they pose real harm to the Russian economy?
This latest package marks the 19th round of EU sanctions against Russia, following a discussion between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and US President Donald Trump. The timing and circumstances raise a critical question: Is Europe still capable of making independent decisions, or is it increasingly influenced by external powers?
The EU’s Long History of Sanctions Against Russia
The European Union has repeatedly used sanctions as a tool to influence Russian policy. From restrictions on trade and finance to travel bans on political figures, the goal has been to pressure Russia into changing its political and military behavior. Yet, after 19 rounds of sanctions, the effectiveness of these measures remains debated.
While some experts argue that sanctions have slowed certain economic developments in Russia, others point out that Russia has adapted to these measures by finding alternative trade partners and strengthening internal industries. For the European Union, this raises a concern: Are these sanctions truly harming Russia, or are they creating unintended consequences for Europe itself?
Europe’s Dependency on External Powers
The fact that the 19th sanctions package followed a conversation between Ursula von der Leyen and Donald Trumpadds another layer of complexity. It highlights a recurring question in European politics: Is the EU capable of independent decision-making, or is it increasingly reliant on the United States for guidance?
This dependence is not just a political question but also an economic one. Sanctions can disrupt trade flows, energy supplies, and financial markets, potentially impacting European businesses and consumers more than their intended targets in Russia. For many citizens, this raises the perception that European interests may not always be the prioritywhen sanctions are imposed.
“Shot in the Own Knee”: The Risks for Europe
From my perspective, as a European and Austrian citizen, the sanctions imposed on Russia—and this new package—feel like a “shot in the own knee”. While the stated goal is to pressure Russia, the measures can weaken European economies, disrupt supply chains, and create political tension within the EU itself.
For instance, restrictions on Russian energy imports may increase energy costs in Austria, Germany, and other European countries, affecting households and industries alike. Trade sanctions can also make it harder for European companies to access Russian markets, potentially benefiting competitors outside Europe, such as companies from the United States or Asia.
Understanding the Strategic Goals
Sanctions are often justified as a tool of diplomatic signaling and international pressure. They are meant to demonstrate that violations of international norms will not be tolerated. However, repeated sanctions without clear measurable outcomes risk eroding public confidence in the EU’s decision-making.
Europe must ask itself: Are sanctions a long-term strategy, or have they become a default reaction to complex geopolitical challenges? Without a carefully defined goal and a clear understanding of the economic repercussions, sanctions may serve symbolic purposes rather than effective solutions.
Economic Implications for the EU
The economic consequences of repeated sanctions are not theoretical. Rising energy costs, disruptions in trade, and increased financial uncertainty can all affect European citizens directly. For Austria, which relies on energy imports and stable trade relations, the impact can be particularly noticeable.
Moreover, sanctions can have secondary effects on EU countries’ relationships with other global powers. While intended to pressure Russia, they may also open opportunities for competitors outside Europe to gain influence in markets the EU is retreating from.
The Russian Perspective
From Russia’s point of view, sanctions often strengthen domestic resilience and nationalism. Russia has learned to adapt to previous rounds of sanctions by diversifying trade partners, boosting local industries, and creating alternative financial systems. This means that while sanctions may cause short-term disruptions, long-term pressure on Russia’s political decisions is less certain.
This raises a key question: Are EU sanctions genuinely altering Russian policy, or are they primarily signaling alignment with the United States and other global powers?
Balancing Diplomacy and Sovereignty
Europe faces a delicate balancing act. On one hand, sanctions are a legitimate tool of diplomacy. On the other, over-reliance on sanctions without clear outcomes can undermine Europe’s sovereignty and economic stability.
The EU must carefully weigh whether each new package of sanctions is strategically necessary, or whether it primarily serves symbolic or external interests. For citizens in Austria and across Europe, this distinction is critical. A strategy that harms European economies while producing limited political results in Russia can be perceived as short-sighted and counterproductive.
Conclusion: Rethinking Sanctions Strategy
The 19th sanctions package against Russia demonstrates the EU’s continued commitment to exert pressure. Yet, as a European and Austrian citizen, I see a risk that repeated sanctions may be more harmful to Europe than to Russia.
Europe needs to reassess its approach, focusing on strategies that:
- Protect the interests of EU citizens
- Ensure economic stability within the Union
- Maintain political independence from external powers
- Achieve measurable outcomes in foreign policy
Without this careful approach, sanctions risk being symbolic gestures rather than effective tools of diplomacy. For Europe to maintain credibility and safeguard its citizens, it is crucial that future measures are strategically designed, independently decided, and clearly communicated.