The European Union <a href="https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2026/04/23/russia-s-war-of-aggression-against-ukraine-20th-round-of-stern-eu-sanctions-hits-energy-military-industrial-complex-trade-and-financial-services-including-crypto/">imposed</a> sanctions on the Russian cryptocurrency sector on April 23 - as part of a new, 20th package of measures, which Brussels called the largest in two years. As restrictions against the financial sector tighten, Russia is increasingly using cryptocurrencies for international settlements, the release explained.

EU bans transactions with Russian crypto platforms

Visa Inc.

Mastercard Incorporated

Publicis Groupe S.A.

Capgemini SE

Since the beginning of this year, European officials and businessmen have been actively calling for the creation of their own alternatives to the American payment systems Visa and Mastercard. This topic is "fueled" by the cooling of relations between the US and the EU. To reduce dependence, the EU plans to launch its analog of international payment systems based on the digital euro. A representative of the ECB and an assistant to a MEP told Oninvest the details of this work.

The EU plans to launch a digital euro and its own payment system. What is in the way?  

Shell plc

Naturgy Energy Group, S.A.

E.ON SE

Enel SpA

TotalEnergies SE

Exxon Mobil Corporation

EDP, S.A.

Engie SA

RWE Aktiengesellschaft

Iberdrola, S.A.

Ministers of key EU countries - Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Austria - <a href="https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/five-eu-finance-ministers-call-windfall-profit-tax-energy-companies-2026-04-04/">have called for</a> the introduction of a pan-European tax on excess profits of energy companies. By design, a windfall tax could ease the burden on consumers. For investors, this means the risk of pressure on dividends, share buyback programs and free cash flow in the sector.

Tax on excess profits for oil producers: what is the risk of the EU initiative for investors? 

Microsoft Corporation

SAKURA Internet Inc.

The EU is preparing for a prolonged energy crisis and is considering emergency measures, including fuel rationing and a new release of strategic reserves. Spot prices for physical supplies of Brent crude soared to $141 per barrel - the highest since 2008 - due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. These and other topics - in our review of key events by the morning of April 3.

Top story for the morning: oil at peak since 2008, EU prepares measures against energy crisis

Tesla, Inc.

Tesla and BYD took the same market share of new car registrations in February

Tesla resumes sales growth in Europe after a year-long slump. What about the stock?

Oil shocks have preceded nearly every economic downturn in the world's largest economy over the past 80 years

'Counting on weeks': Moody's warned of imminent US recession with expensive oil

European stocks rose sharply at the opening of trading on Tuesday, March 10, as investor sentiment - after a panic sell-off the previous day - was supported by a drop in oil futures following President Trump's announcement of a <a href="https://oninvest.com/article/dumau-vojna-prakticeski-zaversena-rynki-vyrosli-posle-kommentariev-trampa-cbs">possible imminent end to</a> the war in the Middle East and a willingness to take measures to curb rising energy prices.

European stocks on track for best day since April: Stoxx 600 jumped 2%

At the beginning of trading, the main EU stock indices opened in the negative, but then recovered this fall

European stocks rise amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East

JPMorgan analysts expect European stocks to underperform U.S. stocks amid the war in the Middle East, MarketWatch <a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/why-one-of-the-years-surprising-hot-trades-has-quickly-gone-off-the-rails-6aa35859?mod=newsviewer_click">writes</a>. A sharp rise in gas prices increases risks for the European market, given the region's dependence on energy imports, the publication notes.

JPMorgan expects EU stocks to lag US stocks amid Iran war. What's wrong?

Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft

UniCredit S.p.A.

Raiffeisen Bank International AG

So far, the indicator is holding within the ECB's target, but analysts fear a prolonged price shock due to oil supply difficulties

Inflation in the eurozone unexpectedly accelerated. How does the conflict in the Middle East threaten the EU?

European stocks have risen for eight consecutive months

EU stocks are experiencing their longest streak of gains since 2013. Is it too late to buy them?

The European Union has warned of its readiness to freeze the ratification process of the trade agreement with the United States and asked the administration of US President Donald Trump for further clarification on America's new duty policy, Bloomberg <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-23/eu-set-to-freeze-us-trade-deal-approval-over-trump-tariff-risk">writes</a>.