Sanctions are one of the defining features of the EU’s foreign policy. In this article, sanctions stand to mean unilateral restrictions imposed on states, organizations or individuals in pursuit of specific foreign policy objectives. These might include forcing the target state to change its behavior, containing it or sending it a message that a policy or certain actions are unacceptable [Giumelli 2016: 38–59]. Sanctions encompass financial, trade, visa and other restrictions. As a rule, these are unilateral restrictions initiated without UN Security Council approval. Sanctions are important for the EU for a number of reasons. While the EU has limited military and political capabilities, it does have tremendous economic power. EU restrictions can cause damage to target states or individuals, forcing them to behave in a particular way or punishing them for specific actions. Sanctions allow Brussels to partially make up for the scant military power and to use its economic potential for political purposes. Besides, sanctions can be seen as a symbol of unity among the EU member states on key international dossiers.