The Finnish customs authority reported that a new paragraph of the sanctions adopted on 2 March under the first restriction for members of the aggressor country had entered into force. According to the ban, Russian citizens can not take across the border of the EU country's currency in banknotes. Therefore, the Finnish customs service decided to seize euro notes from Russians at the border.
"It is prohibited to sell, supply, transfer, or export banknotes denominated in any official currency of the EU member state to Russia or any natural or legal person, organization, or body in Russia, including the government and the central bank of Russia, or for use in Russia," told the customs department.
However, certain groups of persons can still transport and use foreign currency in the aggressor's territory — people with immunity under international law. The Finnish authorities say that the exception does not apply to individuals returning from Finland to Russia.
It is noteworthy that the sanctions related to foreign currencies in Russia do not limit the amount that can be withdrawn. According to the EU document, "sanctions may be applied to any amount even if it is not required to file a customs declaration".
