More than four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, sanctions remain a central element of Europe’s response. Successive packages have expanded restrictions on Russian energy, finance, trade, technology and military-industrial supply chains, while measures against Belarus reflect its support for Russia’s aggression and the continuing repression carried out by the Lukashenka regime.

In this keynote address and moderated discussion, David O’Sullivan will examine how the EU can sustain economic pressure over the long term. The discussion will explore the effectiveness of existing measures, the challenge of sanctions fatigue, the importance of international coordination, and the steps needed to close the enforcement and circumvention gaps that could otherwise weaken Europe’s response.

David O’Sullivan has a long and distinguished career in the European Public Services, spanning over four decades and he has served in several senior official posts. Prior to his appointment as Sanctions Envoy, he was the Director-General of the Institute of International and European Affairs. Mr O’Sullivan served as Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to the United States from 2014 to 2019. Prior to his appointment as Ambassador to the US, he was Chief Operating Officer of the EU’s new diplomatic service, the European External Action Service. He had previously held a number of senior positions within the European Commission including Director General for Trade (2005-1010), secretary General of the European Commission (2000-2005), and Chief of Staff to Commission President Romano Prodi (1999-2000). Before Joining the Commission, he started his career with the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs, serving from 1977 to 1979. Mr O’Sullivan is a Member of the Governing Board of the King Baudouin Foundation as well as the European Policy Centre.