On Thursday, the European Parliament agreed to add the violation of EU sanctions to a list of serious, cross-border crimes, paving the way for stronger enforcement. Passed with 509 votes in favour, 58 against, and 19 abstaining, the change will allow the EU to adopt legislation on coordinating the definitions and punishments for such crimes across member states, ensuring that sanctions are effective and dissuasive everywhere in the Union. The aim is to make it harder to circumvent sanctions, and prevent "forum-shopping", where individuals or companies seek out countries with the least restrictive legislation. Currently, EU member states have different definitions for violations of EU restrictive measures (sanctions) against third countries, and varying punishments for these violations. According to Article 83(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the EU can adopt common minimum standards for definitions and sanctions of certain crimes.