Russia’s unlawful war on Ukraine threatens both Ukrainian sovereignty and EU stability. A strong response is crucial to defending democracy and security. The EU must tighten sanctions enforcement to counter evasion, with its 16th package remaining key to weakening Russia’s war efforts. Sanctions can be as impactful as military action, and Russia’s economy is struggling, with Putin draining the civilian sector to sustain the war. What more can Europe do to stop Russia's war economy?

Andrzej Halicki, Vice-Chair of the EPP Group and Chair of the Working Group on External Policies, and Sandra Kalniete, Vice-Chair of the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield and Member of the Delegation to the EU-Russia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee, have the answer.