"The EU Magnitsky Act" revised: MEPs call for the inclusion of corruption on the sanctions list and the closing of legislative loopholes.

Brussels, December 2, 2025 The Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) has adopted a set of critical recommendations regarding the effectiveness of the EU's Global Sanctions Regime on human rights (known as the EU Magnitsky Act). The vote, concluded with 44 in favor, 15 against, and 4 abstentions, aims to transform sanctions from a symbolic gesture into a coherent strategic weapon against global impunity.

In short

Request for the inclusion of anti-corruption sanctions in the current framework and closing loopholes that allow evasion of measures.

Civil society could receive a formal role in proposing the criteria for listing abusers.

Only 156 listings (120 individuals, 36 entities) active until May 2025; the review in 2026 is seen as the crucial moment for reset.

The report from the MEPs signals that, although the tool is essential, it does not reach its maximum potential due to operational, geographical, and legal challenges. The text reaffirms the commitment to combat impunity but calls for a shift from declarations to actions: a strict assessment of the impact and a much more rigorous enforcement by member states. A critical point identified is the lack of sanctions for corruption in the current framework, with MEPs insisting that this mechanism be integrated quickly to hit at the financial sources of abusive regimes.

The current system is vulnerable to "legislative 'fences'". The report proposes the urgent identification of ways to prevent the circumvention of sanctions, a practice increasingly common where assets are moved to friendly jurisdictions. A major proposed innovation is the opening of the listing process: the European Parliament and civil society organizations could directly contribute to the process of suggesting listing criteria, giving a voice to those documenting abuses on the ground. This approach would democratize the mechanism and ensure that sanctions target the real perpetrators, not just intermediaries.

Rapporteur Antonio López Istúriz White (EPP, Spain) emphasizes that the EU must do more than just react; it must use sanctions "strategically and coherently," aligned with broader foreign policy objectives. Extending the current regime until December provides a window of opportunity for a complete review in 2026. This reform is seen as the last chance to correct current deficiencies before the tool loses its credibility. The report will be put to a final vote in the plenary session at the beginning of 2026.

https://2eu.brussels/articol/stiri/legea-magnitsky-a-ue-revizuita-eurodeputatii-cer-includerea-coruptiei-pe-lista-sanctiunilor-si-inchiderea-portitelor-legislative