The EU has adopted 11th package of sanctions against Russia for its continued illegal war against Ukraine. This included the extension of the media ban to 5 additional channels - RT Balkan, Oriental Review, Tsargrad, New Eastern Outlook and Katehon; additional provisions on information exchange and reporting; insertion of a temporary derogation to allow for the provision of prohibited services which are legally required for the divestment of Russian operators from the EU.

The EU announced: “In order to address the Russian Federation's systematic, international campaign of media manipulation and distortion of facts aimed at enhancing its strategy of destabilization of its neighboring countries - the EU and its member states -, the Council extended the suspension of broadcasting licenses to five additional media outlets: RT Balkan, Oriental Review, Tsargrad, New Eastern Outlook and Katehon. These outlets are under the permanent direct or indirect control of the leadership of the Russian Federation and have been used by latter for its continuous and concerted propaganda actions targeted at the civil society in the EU and neighboring countries, gravely distorting and manipulating facts.

In particular, the propaganda has repeatedly and consistently targeted European political parties, especially during election periods, as well as civil society, asylum seekers, Russian ethnic minorities, gender minorities, and the functioning of democratic institutions in the EU and its member states.

In line with the Charter of Fundamental Rights, these measures will not prevent those media outlets and their staff from carrying out activities in the EU other than broadcasting, e.g. research and interviews.”