EU expands Ukraine sanctions push with new office and crypto task force

The EU is establishing a dedicated office to enhance its sanctions efforts, announced by Commissioner Maria Luis Albuquerque. This office aims to improve coordination, guidance, and data sharing among Member States. It will also work to maximize the impact of sanctions on Russia. Additionally, a task force focused on cryptocurrency sanctions will be launched to address circumvention issues. This task force will collaborate with national and EU experts and is expected to operate for 12 months, drawing on insights from countries like Ukraine and the U.K. Albuquerque's announcements followed two meetings addressing sanctions loopholes.