Sanctions (restrictive measures)

In the context of the European Union’s common foreign and security policy (CFSP), Article 29 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) allows the Council of the European Union to adopt a decision to impose sanctions — also often referred to as restrictive measures — against non-EU countries, non-state entities or individuals.

These measures are not punitive and are imposed to bring about a change in policy or activity by the target party (or parties) responsible for the behaviour that is at issue (e.g. not respecting international law or human rights, or pursuing policies or actions that do not conform with the rule of law or democratic principles). The measures must be consistent with the objectives of the EU’s external action, as laid down in Article 21 TEU.

Under Article 29 TEU, the Council takes decisions to adopt, renew or lift sanctions regimes by unanimity, on the basis of proposals from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The economic and financial aspects of such decisions (e.g. import/export restrictions and freezing of assets) are implemented by regulations adopted by the Council on the basis of Article 215 TFEU (qualified majority), upon a joint proposal by the High Representative and the European Commission.

EU sanctions may be imposed either in implementation of measures to implement United Nations Security Council resolutions or on an autonomous basis, i.e. on the EU’s own initiative.

Sanctions may include:

prohibitions on the export of arms and related equipment
restrictions on admission (visa/travel bans)
economic measures such as restrictions on imports and exports
freezing of funds and economic resources owned by targeted individuals or entities.

The Commission is responsible for ensuring, through monitoring, that the regulations imposing restrictive measures adopted under Article 215 TFEU are implemented and enforced by the Member States. It also supports individuals, businesses, humanitarian operators and Member States in their efforts to apply sanctions, by publishing guidance notes and answering questions of interpretation raised by national competent authorities.