On April 25 and 26, 2024, the Chair of Economic Criminal Law, Compliance, and Digitalization held the third edition of the intensive course “International Sanctions Law.”

After a welcome to the speakers and participants by Prof. Dr. Konstantina Papathanasiou, LL.M., six presentations covered various topics related to international sanctions law. The first lecture, delivered by Dr. Georges Baur (Research Associate in the Law Department at the Liechtenstein Institute, Gamprin-Bendern), explained the international framework of Liechtenstein’s sanctions law (UN, EEA, and treaties with Switzerland).

Prof. Konstantina Papathanasiou then introduced the Liechtenstein ISG (focusing on Articles 1–5b and 9 ISG) and explained the criminal provisions of Articles 10 and 11 ISG, focusing on the distinction between intent and negligence as well as the liability of legal entities. The ISG criminal provisions were illustrated with reference to the criminal provisions of the Ukraine Ordinance. Her talk concluded with a look at the current EU proposal for a directive defining criminal offenses and sanctions for violations of the Union’s restrictive measures, which had been signed the day before the course by the Presidents of the European Parliament and the Council. A key focus was also on the definition of “trusts or similar legal arrangements.”

The first day ended with an online presentation by Dr. Elena Scherschneva (expert and business consultant in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing, AML-Compliance e.U., Bad Fischau-Brunn) on circumvention transactions concerning Russia sanctions.

On the second day, Marc Lager (DLA Piper Vienna) gave an online talk entitled “Relevant Aspects of U.S. Sanctions Law, in particular Secondary Sanctions,” focusing on practical aspects and challenges of complying with U.S. sanctions and their distinction from EU sanctions.

Following this, Dr. Teresa-Christina Macan, Dr. Hannah Blecha, LL.B., and Lic. iur. Alexander Schwartz (Schwärzler Rechtsanwälte) presented “Practical Issues of Sanctions Law in Liechtenstein and Switzerland with a Focus on Sanctions Against Russia Based on the Ukraine Sanctions Ordinance.” They discussed cross-jurisdictional case examples. The event concluded with a lecture by Sandra Willers (Financial Crime Prevention LGT, Vaduz) on the importance and scope of international sanctions, focusing on the relationship between the EU and the U.S. and their impact on Liechtenstein banks.

The keen interest of the numerous participants once again confirmed the need for in-depth and regular exchange on this highly topical and complex subject. The next session will take place on October 3 and 4, 2024.

More information at www.uni.li/isg