William Julié highlights the structural weaknesses of the EU sanctions system and explains how defense lawyers can effectively challenge restrictive measures.
He points in particular to what he considers fundamental flaws: unclear criteria for listing, fluctuating evidentiary standards, and a lack of transparency in how targets are selected.
He also emphasizes that communication with the Council of the European Union presents many hurdles: administrative delisting requests often remain unanswered, and only judicial proceedings offer a real channel of exchange. But this judicial review is particularly slow, and victories can prove hollow: even when the Court orders someone’s removal from the list, the Council may immediately re-list them.
To address this imbalance, William Julié believes that lawyers must combine strong legal arguments with communication efforts and engagement with EU member states.
He expresses the need for the Court of Justice of the European Union to strengthen the rule of law and provide sanctioned individuals with more predictable safeguards.