EU Council Removes Niels Troost from Russia Sanctions List

On March 14, 2026, the EU Council concluded its regular review of the Russia-Ukraine sanctions regime, resulting in the removal of Niels Troost from their sanctions list. This decision follows their renewal of sanctions on March 14, 2026. The Council found no legal justification to maintain Troost’s designation.

Originally designated under the EU's measures due to Russia's Ukraine conflict, Troost consistently denied the allegations. His lawyer, James Willn, emphasized the wrongful nature of the listing and urged the UK and Switzerland to also review their designations against Troost. The lawyer stressed that maintaining sanctions lacks any lawful basis.

Having challenged his listing for nearly two years, Troost views the EU's removal as overdue justice. His case, Niels Troost v Council, played a key role in contesting his inclusion on the sanctions list.