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Romania criminalizes sanction violations and plans state oversight of Lukoil operations
Romania’s parliament has criminalized violations of international sanctions, imposing prison sentences for individuals and companies that breach or circumvent restrictions. The changes mark a significant escalation in the government’s response to enforcement, upgrading prior fines to criminal penalties of one to 12 years based on case severity. This move aligns Romanian law with the European Union's Directive 2024/1226, ensuring stronger compliance with sanctions targeting entities connected to Russia.
Alongside the new criminalization measures, Romania announced plans to introduce a regulatory framework for stricter government oversight of companies subject to sanctions. Although the exact mechanism is still being finalized, it will apply to firms at risk, including the local operations of Russia’s Lukoil. Lukoil’s Petrotel refinery processes about a quarter of Romania’s fuel, and the government is moving to secure control to maintain national energy stability and ensure sanctions enforcement.
The sanctions originate from the United States and the UK in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. U.S. Treasury sanctions on Lukoil and other Russian energy firms set a deadline for companies to wind down relations by mid-December, prompting Romanian officials to act swiftly. Authorities also emphasized Romania’s ability to maintain fuel supplies despite the refinery’s temporary shutdown, citing sufficient reserves.
Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan highlighted ongoing efforts to safeguard the national energy system, indicating negotiations with potential buyers for Lukoil’s Romanian assets, including the refinery and over 300 fuel stations. The government intends to prevent disruptions while also making sure that any outstanding debts owed by Lukoil to the state are addressed. Additionally, the measure signals Romania’s commitment to fully enforcing international sanctions without following Bulgaria’s request for exemptions.
This regulatory and legal overhaul targets both individuals and entities, reinforcing Romania’s determination to counteract attempts to undermine international sanctions and protect critical infrastructure from geopolitical risks.