EU Sanction Policy in the Context of the Ukrainian Crisis

Due to the interdependence imposition of sanctions in response to the violation of the International Law by Russia became the most optimal reaction tool for the EU and allowed not only to "make life harder" for Russia in the trade and economic sphere, but also assert itself as an influential player in the international arena. Despite the fact that sanctions are low efficiency tool in terms of impact on policy course, they have two other important functions: "signaling" and " constraining", which can be considered the result of EU sanctions against Russia. Thanks to the successful combination of circumstances, the imposition of sanctions was accompanied by drop in oil prices, and therefore affected Russian economy ("constraining "); as well as the international community was informed that violation of the international law is followed by immediate punishment ("signaling"). Accordingly, in the medium term future relations between Russia and the EU will be based in mutual distrust, lack of constructive political dialogue and cooperation in the "vital" for both sides areas such as the energy sector.