The European Court began consideration of the lawsuit of Abramovich against the Council of the EU

In Luxembourg, in the main building of the European Court, hearings began on the suit of Russian businessman Roman Abramovich, who fell under the sanctions, against the EU Council. About it informs “RIA News”.

Abramovich did not appear in court, a court source told the agency. The meeting began with a speech by his lawyer. The defense insists that the inclusion of the businessman on the sanctions list is erroneous, since Abramovich does not fall under the relevant criteria.

The lawyer emphasized that the businessman has not been active in Russia for about 20 years, and noted that the status of a minority shareholder in a Russian company is not a basis for imposing sanctions. Abramovich controls only 28% of shares, defense says Evraz Group, which is not subject to EU sanctions and whose activities are largely conducted outside the Russian Federation.

In conclusion, the lawyer said that the businessman is demanding that the decision to put him on the sanctions list be cancelled.

The EU representative, in turn, noted that, despite the fact that Abramovich does not live in the Russian Federation, he still remains an influential Russian businessman. In addition, the EU Council added, close relations with the Russian leadership are indicated by Abramovich’s attempt to act as a mediator in the conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine.

At the end of May 2022 Abramovich filed a lawsuit to the European Court of Justice to challenge the sanctions imposed against him. The businessman demanded that the EU authorities lift the restrictions imposed on him and transfer 1 million euros as compensation to the charitable foundation, which was created after the sale of the Chelsea football club, to help the victims of the conflict, should from materials in the file of the court.

On March 10 last year, against the backdrop of the start of Russia’s special operation in Ukraine, the UK imposed sanctions on Abramovich, froze his assets and banned the businessman from entering the country. In mid-March, a similar decision was made by the European Union. Britain explained the restrictions imposed on the businessman by his connection with the Kremlin and Russian President Vladimir Putin.