Invited to the BRICS+ New Economy Legal Forum in Dubai, William Julié highlighted the structural weaknesses of the EU sanctions system and explained how defense lawyers can effectively challenge restrictive measures.
He pointed 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 emphasized 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.
William Julié recommended that to address this imbalance, lawyers should combine strong legal arguments with communication efforts and engagement with EU member states.
He expressed 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.