The measure would see prosecutors target those inside the bloc’s own borders who fall foul of strict rules about working with sanctioned Russian and Belarusian entities, or engage in banned transactions. Enforcement of EU sanctions has been held back by a patchwork of national laws and different approaches from prosecutors in the 27 capitals.
EPPO is currently tasked with investigating and prosecuting serious organized crime, including money laundering, corruption and cross-border fraud. International sanctions enforcement would be a major addition to its remit.
In July, the EU approved its 21st package of sanctions against Moscow since the start of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, targeting oil and gas exports, financial services and crypto exchanges used to move money into its institutions.
Kallas did not immediately respond to a request for comment.