DPRK/North Korea: EU imposes additional restrictive measures

In light of the continued development of ballistic missiles by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) in violation of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs), the Council decided today to add eight individuals and four entities to the list of those subject to EU restrictive m

In light of the continued development of ballistic missiles by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) in violation of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs), the Council decided today to add eight individuals and four entities to the list of those subject to EU restrictive measures.

The new listings target those engaged in or providing support and funds for DPRK’s nuclear-related and ballistic-missile-related programmes. Among the sanctioned entities, the EU included two oil tankers and delivery vessels because of their involvement in actions that violate UNSCRs. Furthermore, the DPRK Ministry of Rocket Industry was added to the list for it role in procuring finance and components for use in the development of missile and nuclear technology prohibited by UNSCRs.

EU restrictive measures now apply to a total of 73 individuals and 17 entities. They comprise an asset freeze, a travel ban to the EU and a prohibition to make funds or economic resources available to those listed.

In addition, the EU has transposed all relevant UNSCRs, which impose sanctions against 80 persons and 75 entities.

The EU condemns the significant increase of illegal missile launches by DPRK and its continuous undermining of the global non-proliferation regime. The EU calls on the DPRK to comply with its obligations under international law and resume dialogue with relevant parties.

The relevant legal acts have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union and are directly applicable in all member states.

Background

The EU restrictive measures against the DPRK were first adopted in November 2006. Since then, the EU has continuously extended its autonomous measures in response to DPRK’s ballistic-missile and nuclear weapons development activities.

On 5 November 2022, the High Representative issued a statement on behalf of the EU condemning the significant increase in illegal missile launches by the DPRK, including an intercontinental ballistic missile.

On 19 November 2022, the High Representative issued another statement on behalf of the Union, condemning the DPRK’s launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile that landed in Japan’s exclusive economic zone on 18 November and calling again upon the DPRK to comply with its obligations under the UNSCRs. The High Representative also reiterated the need for an appropriate UNSC response and recalled the duty for all UN members to take action to fully implement sanctions imposed by the UNSC.