EU restrictive measures prolonged for an additional year

The Council today extended the sanctions regime against the proliferation and use of chemical weapons for three years until 16 October 2026 and prolonged existing restrictive measures against persons and entities for another year, until 16 October 2024.

Currently, restrictive measures in place apply to 25 persons and 3 entities. Those targeted are subject to an asset freeze and EU persons and entities are forbidden from making funds, financial assets or economic resources available to them. Additionally, individuals are subject to a travel ban, which prevents them from entering or transiting through EU territories.

The sanctions regime aims to contribute to the EU’s efforts to counter the proliferation and use of chemical weapons, as well as to support the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction (CWC).

The decision will enter into force on the day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Background

On 15 October 2018, the Council adopted restrictive measures against the proliferation and use of chemical weapons.

On 26 September 2023, the High Representative submitted to the Council a proposal to prolong the restrictive measures for a further 12 months.

The EU follows developments in this domain closely and can decide to renew sanctions and amend the list of targeted persons and entities in case its objectives have not been met.