Within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), the European Union applies restrictive measures in pursuit of the specific CFSP objectives set out in the Treaty on European Union (see particularly Article 11).

Sanctions or restrictive measures (the two terms are used interchangeably) have been frequently imposed by the EU in recent years, either on an autonomous EU basis or implementing binding Resolutions of the Security Council of the United Nations. Sanctions are an instrument of a diplomatic or economic nature which seek to bring about a change in activities or policies such as violations of international law or human rights, or policies that do not respect the rule of law or democratic principles.

Restrictive measures imposed by the EU may target governments of third countries, or non-state entities and individuals (such as terrorist groups and terrorists). They may comprise arms embargoes, other specific or general trade restrictions (import and export bans), financial restrictions, restrictions on admission (visa or travel bans), or other measures, as appropriate.

This website provides an overview of restrictive measures adopted in the framework of the CFSP that are currently in force.

It also offers a consolidated list containing the names and identification details of all persons, groups and entities targeted by financial restrictions.

The text below also sets out the objectives and principles guiding the EU policy on restrictive measures, and explains the procedures applied for the adoption of restrictive measures in the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy.   more... [580 KB]

 

 1. Which objectives does the EU pursue with its sanctions or restrictive measures [580 KB] ?

 2. What types of sanctions or restrictive measures does the EU apply? [580 KB]

2.1. Arms embargoes [580 KB]

2.2. Economic and financial sanctions [580 KB]

2.3. Restrictions on admission (visa or travel ban) [580 KB]

 3. EU targeted sanctions as tools against terrorism [580 KB]

 4. Which are the principles by which the EU policy towards sanctions or restrictive measures is guided? [580 KB]

 5. Key EU sanctions documents [580 KB]

 6. Which legal bases are used for EU sanctions? [580 KB]

 7. What is the procedure for the adoption of legal instruments implementing restrictive measures? [580 KB]

 8. How are restrictive measures implemented, enforced and monitored? [580 KB]

 9. What is the role of the Commission? [580 KB]

 10. Selected research papers [580 KB]

10.1 History of EU policy [580 KB]

10.2 Targeted/smart sanctions [580 KB]

11. Selected related instruments [580 KB]

12. Other useful links [580 KB]

13. Contact us [580 KB]