RIA Novosti is appealing the decision, citing prior assurances that sanctions would not impede journalistic activities.
RIA Novosti reported Wednesday that the European Union has denied its accreditation for the year, citing the bloc’s sanctions against the organization.
The news agency stated that it received a letter from the EU accreditation committee stating that while asset freezes and economic resource bans do not directly prohibit journalistic activities, they do prohibit the indirect provision of economic support to sanctioned entities. According to the letter, this includes access to EU buildings and digital tools provided by European institutions.
RIA Novosti asserts that the lack of EU accreditation prevents access to media events, including videoconferences, and impedes the prompt receipt of materials distributed to accredited journalists.
The news agency reports it has appealed to the accreditation committee, arguing that previous EU statements guaranteed restrictions would not hinder journalistic work within the EU. The agency cited the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights as the basis for its appeal.
Since the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine in 2022, the EU has imposed comprehensive sanctions on Russian media. Outlets like RT, Sputnik, and RIA Novosti have been banned across the bloc, and their personnel have been targeted with sanctions.
On February 24, the European Council adopted its 16th sanctions package against Russia, which included a broadcasting ban on eight more Russian media outlets, including Lenta.ru and the TV channel Zvezda.
In a statement released with the sanctions, the EU accused the listed outlets of being under “direct control of the Russian government and systematically disseminating disinformation and propaganda.” The EU contends these activities threaten public order and security within the bloc.
Moscow has denounced the sanctions against Russian media, claiming that EU officials fear that people will see a perspective different from the mainstream Western narrative and begin to form their own conclusions about current events.
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