The Quest for Proportionality in the Changing Landscape of the Unilateral Sanctions of the European Union.

In response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the European Union (EU) has adopted a vast range of unilateral sanctions (or 'restrictive measures') targeting almost every facet of the Russian economy. These events mark a turning point in the EU's approach to sanctions. In a brief timespan, the EU's sanctions practice has expanded significantly in its scope, reach, and hard-line political discourse, aligning more closely with the assertive stance of the United States. The collateral effects of these sanctions have reverberated globally, raising questions about their proportionality. This article explores the legal boundaries framing EU sanctions, examining the principle of proportionality across EU law, World Trade Organization (WTO) law, and customary rules on State responsibility. Through a detailed analysis of the various proportionality standards present in these legal regimes, it seeks to determine the adequacy of existing legal safeguards against a potential misuse of sanctions and addresses key challenges in regulating EU sanctions within the framework of proportionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]