The UN Experts' Urgent Appeal on EU Sanctions

In a strongly worded statement released on January 26, 2026, five United Nations independent experts voiced deep concerns over the European Union's restrictive measures targeting academics, scientists, and analysts. These measures, enacted under Council Regulation (EU) 2024/2642 and Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2568, impose asset freezes and travel bans on individuals primarily affiliated with Russian institutions. The experts argue that such actions not only pressure the designated individuals but also instill widespread fear among scholars globally, potentially leading to self-censorship and reduced international collaboration in higher education.

The core issue revolves around sanctions imposed on December 15, 2025, affecting 12 prominent figures known for their work in international relations and political analysis. This development has sparked debates across European universities about the boundaries of academic freedom amid geopolitical tensions stemming from Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Understanding the EU's Restrictive Measures Framework

The European Union's sanctions regime against Russia has evolved significantly since February 2022, with over 14 packages targeting individuals and entities involved in destabilizing activities related to the Ukraine conflict. Regulation (EU) 2024/2642 specifically addresses Russia's hybrid operations, including disinformation campaigns. Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2568 added the academics to Annex I, subjecting them to financial restrictions and visa bans.

These measures aim to counter what the EU describes as systematic efforts to undermine Ukraine's sovereignty through propaganda and influence operations. However, the UN experts contend that professional affiliations with public universities like Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) and activities such as blogging or forum participation should not automatically equate to state endorsement, especially when expressing critical views on Western policies.

For European higher education, this framework complicates ongoing research partnerships. Prior to 2022, EU-Russia collaborations under Horizon Europe involved thousands of joint projects, but sanctions have led to suspensions, affecting fields like physics, medicine, and environmental science.

Profiles of Key Sanctioned Academics and Their Contributions

Among the 12 individuals, several hold prominent roles in Russian higher education. Andrey Sushentsov, Dean of the Faculty of International Relations at MGIMO University, is noted for his analyses of global politics. Ivan Timofeyev directs the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC), a think tank fostering academic dialogue. Fyodor Lukyanov, Editor-in-Chief of Russia in Global Affairs, has long contributed to international relations scholarship.

• Andrey Sushentsov: Focuses on geopolitical shifts, including Global South perspectives.
• Ivan Timofeyev: Promotes track-II diplomacy between Russia and the West.
• Fyodor Lukyanov: Critiques unilateral sanctions and NATO expansion in peer-reviewed works.

Notably, some sanctioned figures are non-Russian, such as former French paratrooper Xavier Moreau and Swiss colonel Jacques Beau, highlighting the EU's broad application of measures to perceived propagandists regardless of nationality.

These scholars' exclusion disrupts potential exchanges with European institutions like Sciences Po in France or the London School of Economics, where pre-war collaborations thrived.

EU's Rationale: Countering Disinformation and Hybrid Threats

The EU justifies these designations by linking the individuals to Russia's destabilizing activities. For instance, Fyodor Lukyanov is accused of contributing to disinformation that shifts blame for the Ukraine war onto NATO and Kyiv. Similar rationales apply to others, portraying their publications and speeches as aligned with Kremlin narratives.

Council documents emphasize that sanctions target those actively supporting hybrid warfare, including cyber operations and propaganda, rather than academia per se. This distinction is crucial, as earlier 2022 measures excluded most Russian scientists from Horizon Europe while allowing short-term exchanges for non-sanctioned scholars.

European university leaders, via the European University Association (EUA), have largely supported broad restrictions, suspending 12 Russian members in 2022 for pro-war statements. A 2022 Science|Business survey found over two-thirds of European researchers backing science sanctions on Russia.

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UN Experts' Case: Breaches of International Human Rights Standards

Alena Douhan, Special Rapporteur on unilateral coercive measures, along with Attiya Waris, George Katrougalos, Alexandra Xanthaki, and Farida Shaheed, assert that the sanctions violate Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (freedom of expression) and UNESCO's 1997 Recommendation on Higher Education.

• Freedom of expression: Prohibits harassment or stigmatization for opinions.
• Academic freedom: Protects questioning orthodoxies, even controversial views.
• Right to education: Undermines access to diverse teachings and research.

"Such actions amount to a clear breach of academic freedom, which safeguards the ability of scholars to question orthodoxies," the statement quotes. The experts demand proportionality, noting overreach into professional lives.

Chilling Effects on Research Collaborations Across Europe

Since 2022, EU sanctions have severed ties: Over 200 Horizon Europe projects involving Russian partners were halted, costing European unis millions in redirected funding. German, French, and Dutch universities report 80-90% drops in joint publications with Russia.

Recent individual sanctions amplify this, as European scholars risk secondary sanctions for engaging sanctioned peers. A 2025 study notes self-censorship in fields like international law, where debating Ukraine conflict causes is now fraught.

This impacts European colleges, particularly in Eastern Europe, where pre-war student exchanges with MGIMO enriched programs. Institutions like the University of Warsaw have adapted by pivoting to Ukrainian partnerships.

Stakeholder Perspectives: Universities Weigh In

The European University Association (EUA) defends sanctions as upholding values but calls for nuance to protect genuine science. Meanwhile, Russian rectors decry politicization, urging resumption of ties.

In contrast, Scholars at Risk highlights global attacks on higher ed, including self-censorship in Europe due to sanction fears. French and German professors' unions advocate exemptions for apolitical research.

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Broader Implications for Academic Freedom in Europe

This controversy echoes Hungary's funding freeze under Article 7 TEU, where EU withheld Horizon funds over rule-of-law breaches affecting academic autonomy. Experts urge sparing unis while targeting governments.

Statistically, EU-Russia co-authored papers fell 75% post-2022, per Scopus data, stunting progress in climate and health research critical for Europe.

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Path Forward: Restoring Balance in Higher Education

Solutions include derogations for verified academic activities, as in earlier Horizon rules, and dialogue via UNESCO. European Commission could review designations case-by-case, prioritizing evidence over affiliation.

Looking ahead, with Ukraine war ongoing, EU policy may harden, but UN pressure could prompt refinements. European universities must advocate for freedom to maintain global standing.

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Conclusion: Safeguarding Europe's Academic Future

The UN's criticism underscores tensions between security and freedoms. As European colleges navigate this, prioritizing evidence-based sanctions will preserve higher education's role in fostering dialogue. Explore Rate My Professor, higher ed jobs, and career advice to thrive amid challenges. Stay informed on Europe opportunities via Europe hub.