Court of Justice of the European Union 30 April 2025
Case C-246/24 | Generalstaatsanwaltschaft Frankfurt am Main (Export of cash to Russia)
The Court of Justice of the European Union has ruled that the EU’s restrictive measures—which prohibit the export of euro banknotes or those denominated in the currency of a Member State to Russia—also apply when the cash is intended to finance medical treatment in Russia.
The case concerned a woman stopped at Frankfurt Airport carrying nearly €15,000, partly intended to pay for medical procedures in Russia (dental work, hormone therapy, and post-operative treatment). Customs authorities confiscated most of the money, allowing her to keep only €1,000 for travel expenses.
The Court clarified that the exception to the export ban—which permits the transport of cash for personal use—does not cover medical expenses. The EU’s objective is to prevent the Russian economy from accessing European currency, thereby increasing the cost of its actions against Ukraine. Since travel to Russia is not prohibited, only expenses strictly necessary for the journey and stay are permitted under the exception.
This ruling came in response to a preliminary reference from a German court. While the CJEU interprets EU law, it is up to the national court to resolve the dispute in accordance with the Court’s guidance.