What Changed
- Prohibitions on providing certain legal advice to Russian state entities and companies took effect in October 2022.
- An appeal was lodged in Case C-865/24 P (Ordre néerlandais des avocats du barreau de Bruxelles and Others v Council).
- The appeal concerns the limits of fundamental rights under Article 47 CFREU in relation to legal advice restrictions.
### Background
Since October 2022, EU-based lawyers have been prohibited from providing certain legal advice to the Russian government as well as to companies established in Russia. This restriction forms part of the European Union's sanctions framework following regulatory measures introduced against Russian entities.
### What the Rules Require
Under these EU sanction measures, lawyers established or operating within the EU are restricted from supplying specific legal advisory services to state authorities of the Russian Federation and corporate entities incorporated in Russia. The appeal in Case C-865/24 P (*Ordre néerlandais des avocats du barreau de Bruxelles and Others v Council*) focuses on the legal boundaries of these restrictions and their compatibility with fundamental rights guaranteed under EU law.
### Practical Implications
EU legal practitioners and law firms advising international clients must navigate restrictions on providing legal services to Russian state and corporate actors. The legal challenge addresses how these prohibitions interact with Article 47 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (CFREU), which protects the right to an effective remedy and to a fair trial.
### Frequently Asked Questions
**Q1: When did the prohibition on legal advice take effect?**
**A:** The restrictions prohibiting EU-based lawyers from providing certain legal advice to the Russian government and companies established in Russia have been in place since October 2022.
**Q2: Who is affected by these restrictions?**
**A:** EU-based lawyers, legal professionals, the Russian government, and companies established in Russia.
**Q3: Which court case addresses the grounds of appeal regarding these sanctions?**
**A:** Case C-865/24 P (*Ordre néerlandais des avocats du barreau de Bruxelles and Others v Council*).
Who May Be Affected
EU-based lawyers, European law firms, the Russian government, and companies established in Russia.
Cross-Border Context
Applies across the European Union concerning legal advice directed to entities in Russia.
What to check next
- Review the full court filings and proceedings for Case C-865/24 P on the Court of Justice of the European Union (CURIA) database.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.