Russian state-controlled oil group’s arguments against sanctions to be heard by Europe’s highest court

By Catherine Kent

On Monday, Britain’s High Court referred the case of a Russian state-controlled oil group, Rosneft, to the European Court of Justice. Rosneft brought the case against the EU and argued that the sanctions against them by the EU were invalid under a 1994 partnership and co-operation agreement between the EU and Russia. Additionally, Rosneft argues that the sanctions legislation is so unclear and uncertain that they violate general principles of law and the principle of legal certainty. The High Court decided that because the points raised by Rosneft were “at least arguable”, they should be referred to European Court of Justice.