Dimitrov & Partners Achieves Success Before the EU General Court in Case T-410/26 — Sanctions Against Azerbaijani Bank Lifted
Summary:
Dimitrov & Partners Law Firm successfully represented a client before the General Court of the European Unionin Case T-410/26, brought under Article 263 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), concerning restrictive measures imposed on an Azerbaijani bank. The bank had been designated under the EU sanctions regime pursuant to Council Decision 2026/508 of 23 April 2026 and Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014. Dimitrov & Partners Law Firm successfully represented a client before the General Court of the European Union in Case T-410/26, brought under Article 263 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), concerning restrictive measures imposed on an Azerbaijani bank. The bank had been designated under the EU sanctions regime pursuant to Council Decision 2026/508 of 23 April 2026 and Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014. Following the application for annulment filed with the General Court and the subsequent written phase of the proceedings, the Council of the European Union adopted a further Council Decision 2026/1849, removing the bank from the EU sanctions lists and informing the General Court accordingly. The case is the first known instance of a legal entity established outside the EU, designated under the EU sanctions regime, entrusting its representation before the General Court to a Bulgarian law firm in proceedings under Article 263 TFEU.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Representing firm: Dimitrov & Partners Law Firm
- Case: T-410/26 before the General Court of the European Union
- Legal basis: Article 263 TFEU
- Client: An Azerbaijani bank designated under the EU sanctions regime
- Acts challenged: Council Decision 2026/508 and Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014
- Outcome: The Council of the EU adopted Council Decision 2026/1849, removing the bank from the sanctions lists
Background: Proceedings Under Article 263 TFEU
Article 263 TFEU allows natural and legal persons directly and individually affected by an act of an EU institution to ask the General Court of the EU to review the legality of that act and to annul it if it was adopted in breach of EU law. In the present case, an Azerbaijani bank was designated under the EU sanctions regime by Council Decision 2026/508 of 23 April 2026 and Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, which imposed restrictive measures on it (asset freezing and a prohibition on making funds available).
On the bank's behalf, Dimitrov & Partners Law Firm filed an application for annulment before the General Court of the EU, challenging the legality of the restrictive measures imposed.
Development of the Proceedings
Following the filing of the application for annulment and in the course of the exchange of written pleadings between the parties, the Council of the European Union adopted a further Council Decision 2026/1849, removing the bank from the lists of sanctioned persons and entities. The Council informed the General Court of the EU of this decision within the pending proceedings.
Significance of the Case
This case marks the first known instance of a legal entity established outside the European Union, designated under the EU sanctions regime, entrusting its representation before the General Court of the EU — in annulment proceedings under Article 263 TFEU against a Council Decision and Regulation imposing restrictive measures — to a Bulgarian law firm. It demonstrates the capacity of Bulgarian law firms to conduct complex proceedings before the EU courts in the field of sanctions law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Case T-410/26 about?
Proceedings before the General Court of the EU under Article 263 TFEU, brought on behalf of an Azerbaijani bank against its designation under the EU sanctions regime by Council Decision 2026/508 and Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014.
Who represented the bank before the General Court?
Dimitrov & Partners Law Firm, which conducted the bank's legal representation throughout the proceedings.
What was the outcome of the case?
The Council of the EU adopted Council Decision 2026/1849, removing the bank from the sanctions lists and informing the General Court, before the case reached a judgment on the merits.
Why is this case significant?
Because it is the first known instance of a non-EU legal entity, designated under the EU sanctions regime, entrusting its Article 263 TFEU defence before the General Court to a Bulgarian law firm.
What does Article 263 TFEU provide for?
It allows affected persons to ask the General Court of the EU to review the legality of an act of an EU institution and to annul it if it was adopted in breach of EU law.
