The European Union has expanded the sanctions list associated with the reunification of the Crimea with Russia, as well as the construction of a bridge across the Kerch Strait, the Official Journal of the European Union reported.

According to the document, new sanctions will target AO Institute Giprostroymost — St. Petersburg, PJSC Mostotrest, JSC Zaliv Shipyard, Stroygazmontazh Corporation (SGM Group), Stroygazmontazh Most OOO and CJSC VAD that participated in the construction of the Kerch Bridge and the Tavrida Highway over it.

These measures include the freezing of assets owned by the organizations in the EU, as well as a ban on individuals and legal entities registered in the European Union providing them with any funds.

The total number of organizations included in the EU sanctions list has now reached 44.

The introduction of EU sanctions against companies related to the construction of a bridge to the Crimea from the Krasnodar Territory will not affect the progress of the projects, the Crimean Bridge Information Center reported.

The European Union earlier imposed sanctions on entering EU territory and the freezing of assets of 155 persons under this sanctions regime.

The Crimea, a former Ukrainian territory, rejoined Russia in 2014 when about 97 percent of the peninsula's residents voted in favor of the move in a referendum.

The reunification was not recognized either by Kiev or the majority of Western countries.

Russia has repeatedly said that the vote was held in compliance with international law and following democratic procedure.

Sputnik