(1)

On 6 March 2014, the Heads of State or Government of the Union's Member States strongly condemned the unprovoked violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity by the Russian Federation.

(2)

On 17 March 2014, the Council adopted Decision 2014/145/CFSP (1) concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

(3)

At its meeting on 20-21 March 2014, the European Council strongly condemned the illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea (‘Crimea’) and the city of Sevastopol (‘Sevastopol’) to the Russian Federation and emphasised that it will not recognise it. The European Council considered that certain economic, trade and financial restrictions regarding Crimea should be proposed for rapid implementation.

(4)

On 27 March 2014, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 68/262 on the territorial integrity of Ukraine, affirming its commitment to the sovereignty, political independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders, underscoring the invalidity of the referendum held in Crimea on 16 March, and calling upon all States not to recognise any alterations to the status of Crimea and Sevastopol.

(5)

In these circumstances, the Council considers that the import into the European Union of goods originating in Crimea or Sevastopol should be prohibited, with the exception of goods originating in Crimea or Sevastopol having been granted a certificate of origin by the Government of Ukraine.

(6)

In order to ensure that the measures provided for in this Decision are effective, it should enter into force on the day following that of its publication.

(7)

Further action by the Union is needed in order to implement certain measures,