March 06, 2022
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Sanctions of the EU

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What are sanctions?

Restrictive measures or 'sanctions' are an essential tool of the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). Sanctions seek to bring a change in the policy or conduct of those targeted, with a view to promoting the objectives of the CFSP.

What are the objectives when adopting sanctions?

Key objectives when adopting sanctions:

  • safeguarding EU's values, fundamental interests, and security
  • preserving peace
  • consolidating and supporting democracy, the rule of law, human rights and the principles of international law
  • preventing conflicts and strengthening international security

Whom do the sanctions target?

Sanctions can target:

  • governments of non-EU countries because of their policies
  • entities (companies) providing the means to conduct the targeted policies
  • groups or organisations such as terrorist groups
  • individuals supporting the targeted policies, involved in terrorist activities, etc.

What are examples of restrictions in trade in goods?

Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 of 31 July 2014 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia's actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine was amended on 25 February, 2022 (Council Regulation (EU) 2022/328) by an export ban covering:

  • goods and technology suited for use in aviation and the space industry and 
  • prohibition to provide provision of insurance and reinsurance and
  • maintenance services in relation to those goods and technology. 
  • It also prohibits the provision of technical assistance and other related services as well as 
  • financing and financial assistance in relation to the goods and technology subject to this prohibition.

Council Regulation (EU) No 765/2006 of 18 May 2006 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Belarus was amended on 2 March, 2022 (Council Regulation (EU) 2022/355) by further restrictions related to the trade of goods used for the production or manufacturing of:

  • tobacco products, 
  • mineral products, 
  • potassium chloride (“potash”) products, 
  • wood products,
  • cement products, 
  • iron and steel products and 
  • rubber products. 

Where to find more information?

Please refer for more information on EU sanctions here: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/sanctions/