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

The EU is creating a dedicated sanctions office and a cryptocurrency task force to improve how it designs, coordinates and enforces sanctions against Russia. The moves aim to help member states act more consistently and limit efforts to evade restrictions.

The office is expected to speed guidance and improve data sharing and analysis. The crypto task force will bring together EU and national experts to address loopholes; it is initially planned to operate for 12 months and may draw on expertise from countries including Ukraine and the UK. The announcements followed two meetings on sanctions enforcement and coordination with allied countries.