EU consolidated list
Also called EU Financial Sanctions Files, EU sanctions list
The EU consolidated list is the European Commission's single list of all persons, groups and entities subject to EU financial sanctions. It brings together designations from every EU sanctions regime. Banks and other firms in the EU screen against it to meet asset freeze duties and the ban on making funds available to listed parties.
How it works
The Council of the EU adopts sanctions through decisions and regulations under Article 215 TFEU. Each listing appears in the Official Journal. The Commission then adds it to the consolidated list, published as the Financial Sanctions Files in formats that screening systems can load. Firms freeze the assets of listed parties and report to national authorities.
The legal act in the Official Journal is binding, not the list itself, so firms watch both. EU sanctions apply to EU nationals and firms anywhere, and to business in the EU. Since 2024 an EU directive has required member states to treat sanctions violations as criminal offences, with company fines tied to worldwide turnover.
The rules
Provides the legal basis for EU regulations imposing restrictive measures, including asset freezes, against persons and entities.
EU institutions adopting restrictive measuresSets the asset freeze for persons listed under the Ukraine territorial integrity regime, the largest source of EU listings.
EU persons and business in the EURequired member states to criminalise sanctions violations by 20 May 2025, with company fines linked to worldwide turnover.
Member states, for individuals and legal personsCommon questions
Who publishes the EU consolidated list?
The European Commission publishes it as the Financial Sanctions Files. The Council of the EU decides the listings, which become law when published in the Official Journal. The Commission's list compiles them for screening.
Is the EU consolidated list legally binding?
No. The binding text is the Council regulation published in the Official Journal. The consolidated list is an aid for firms. Where they differ, the Official Journal act prevails.
Do EU sanctions apply outside the EU?
They apply within EU territory, to EU nationals wherever they are, to companies incorporated in a member state and to any business done wholly or partly in the EU. Non-EU firms are covered for business conducted in the EU.
