The Council of the European Union, via a statement from the High Representative, has announced that eight third countries have aligned with EU restrictive measures against Russia. This alignment, detailed in Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/432 adopted on February 23, 2026, involves the addition of eight natural persons to the existing sanctions list. The aligning countries are Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, and Ukraine, who will ensure their national policies conform to this decision.

This action signifies an expansion of the EU's sanctions regime and requires the aligning third countries to implement corresponding national measures. Regulated entities operating in or transacting with these third countries should be aware of the expanded scope of sanctions and ensure compliance with any new national restrictions that may be enacted. While no specific compliance deadline is mentioned, the alignment implies immediate or near-term implementation of national policies to match the EU's decision.