Lebanon: EU extends framework for targeted sanctions by one year

The Council today decided to extend the framework for imposing targeted restrictive measures to address the situation in Lebanon for an additional year, until 31 July 2024.

This framework, originally adopted on 30 July 2021, provides the possibility of imposing sanctions against persons and entities who are responsible for undermining democracy or the rule of law in Lebanon, through any of the following actions:

• obstructing or undermining the democratic political process by persistently hampering the formation of a government, or by obstructing, or seriously undermining, the holding of elections
• obstructing or undermining the implementation of plans approved by Lebanese authorities and supported by relevant international actors, including the European Union, to improve accountability and good governance in the public sector or the implementation of critical economic reforms, including in the banking and financial sectors and the adoption of transparent and non-discriminatory legislation on the export of capital
• serious financial misconduct, concerning public funds, insofar as the acts concerned are covered by the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, and the unauthorised export of capital

Sanctions consist of a travel ban to the EU and an asset freeze for persons and an asset freeze for entities. In addition, EU persons and entities are forbidden from making funds available to listed persons and entities.

The European Union remains ready to use all its policy instruments to contribute to a sustainable way out of the current crisis and to react to a further deterioration of democracy, rule of law, and of the economic, social, and humanitarian situation in Lebanon.

It is of the utmost importance for the Lebanese leadership to put aside their differences, work together to form a government, and enact the measures required to steer the country towards a sustainable recovery-including an agreement with the International Monetary Fund. Swift presidential elections, government formation, and municipal elections are more essential than ever.

The stability and prosperity of Lebanon are of crucial importance for the whole region and for Europe. The EU stands by the people of Lebanon in this hour of need.