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Document 32020R1998
Restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses
The EU global human rights sanctions regime (EUGHRSR) provides a legal base for the EU to target individuals, companies and bodies – including those who are associated with national governments and those who are not – that are responsible for, involved in or associated with serious human rights violations and abuses worldwide, no matter where they occur.
Scope
The EUGHRSR covers a number of human rights abuses including:
The sanctions regime also covers acts which are widespread, systematic or of serious concern in relation to the goals of the common foreign and security policy (CFSP), as set out in Article 21 of the Treaty on European Union. These include:
Sanctions and exceptions
Restrictive measures will include a travel ban for individuals and the freezing of funds for both individuals and entities. In addition, individuals and entities in the EU will be forbidden from making funds available to those who are listed, either directly or indirectly.
Member States may grant exceptions from the measures for travel due to:
Amending the list
The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Member States can propose amendments to the list.
Amendments are decided upon by the Council of the European Union and are announced publicly.
Alignment of certain non-EU countries with EU restrictive measures
The candidate countries Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania and Ukraine, and the European Free Trade Association countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway (which are also members of the European Economic Area), have aligned with this decision. They will ensure that their national policies conform to this decision.
They have applied since 8 December 2020.
The EUGHRSR was part of the commitments to tackle serious human rights violations and abuses set out in the 2020–2024 EU action plan on human rights and democracy.
For further information, see:
Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999 of 7 December 2020 concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses (OJ L 410 I, 7.12.2020, pp. 13–19).
Successive amendments to Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999 have been incorporated into the original text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.
Council Regulation (EU) 2020/1998 of 7 December 2020 concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses (OJ L 410I, 7.12.2020, pp. 1–12).
See consolidated version.
Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/2376 of 5 December 2022 amending Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999 concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses (OJ L 314, 6.12.2022, pp. 90–96).
Joint communication to the European Parliament and the Council – EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020–2024 (JOIN(2020) 5 final, 25.3.2020).
Consolidated version of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union – Part Five – The Union’s external action – Title IV – Restrictive measures – Article 215 (ex Article 301 TEC) (OJ C 202, 7.6.2016, p. 144).
last update 08.09.2023