BRUSSELS 

The European Commission updated its directive on the imposition of economic sanctions against Russia on Wednesday.

The European Union (EU) stated that sanctions on Russian coal would not prevent coal shipments from Russia to third countries.

The previous EC directive did not allow European companies to take part in the shipment of products such as coal from Russia to countries outside the EU.

The EU confirmed that the new directive would permit European companies to transport coal from Russia to other countries, while services such as financing and insurance can be offered.

The new directive also stipulated that EU sanctions would not affect the food and energy security of other countries.

Consequently, the transfer of goods on the previous sanctions list such as fertilizer, animal feed, wood, cement, and coal is now allowed to third countries.

The EU adopted the fifth package of sanctions in April, prohibiting the purchase, import, or delivery of coal from Russia. The sanctions package came into effect in August after the transition period ended.

*Writing by Zeynep Beyza Kilic in Ankara