Overview of sanctions and related resources (2023)

What are sanctions (restrictive measures)

Sanctions are an important tool within the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) through which the EU can intervene when necessary to prevent conflicts or to respond to current or emerging crises. Although called 'sanctions', EU restrictive measures are not punitive. They aim to change undesirable or harmful policies or activities by targeting non-EU countries, including responsible organizations and individuals.

The EU has more than 40 different sanction systems. some are commissioned by the governmentUnited Nations Security Councilwhile others are adopted autonomously by the EU.

Decisions on the adoption, renewal or lifting of sanctions are made by the Council of the European Union on a proposal from the European Commissionsenior representative of the coalition for foreign and security policyThe European Commission, together with the High Representative, submits a joint proposal for sanctions to the Council for unanimous adoption. Once published in the Official Journal, it becomes applicable EU law. In addition, as custodian of the Treaty, the Commission plays an important role in overseeing the implementation of sanctions by Member States.

Episode 1 - An episode about sanctions

Sanctions Resources

The EU Sanctions Map provides details of all EU sanctions regimes and their respective legal acts, including acts adopted by the UN Security Council and transmitted at EU level.

The consolidated list of persons, groups and organizations subject to EU financial sanctions, managed and updated as necessary by DG FISMA, reflects the officially adopted text published in the Official Journal of the European Union. You can also download a PDF version of the Consolidated List of Financial Sanctions.

Overview of sanctions and related resources (1)

Sharing information on violations of EU sanctions contributes to the success of investigations by EU Member States and increases the effectiveness of EU sanctions.

The Due Diligence Helpdesk is also dedicated to EU SMEs interested in trading with Iran, providing tailored support through EU sanctions compliance due diligence checks for specific business projects.

The EU sanctions tool is designed to help EU companies determine whether EU sanctions apply to their exports, imports and business with Iran. By providing an easy-to-use compliance assessment, the tool aims to be the first point of reference for EU companies in the early stages of doing business in Iran.

EUR-Lex is an online portal dedicated to European Union law. It provides official and most comprehensive access to EU legal documents, including legal acts adopted by the Council of the European Union in the field of sanctions and published in the Official Journal of the European Union. EUR-lex is available in all 24 official languages ​​of the European Union and is updated daily.

(Video) EU sanctions on Russia explained

Guidelines for implementing EU sanctions

  1. 16 maja 2023 r

    Frequently Asked Questions - Syria

    FAQ: Humanitarian exceptions to the EU Syria sanctions regime following the February 2023 earthquakes in Turkey and Syria

  2. 3 maja 2023 r

    Guidance Note - Firewall Implementation

    Guidelines for ensuring food security through the implementation of firewalls

  3. March 9, 2023 r

    Global consulting

    REPO Global Consultation on Russian Sanctions Evasion

  4. June 30, 2022

    Guiding Note - Humanitarian Aid

    Commission Guidance on Humanitarian Aid within EU Constraints(sanctions)

  5. February 26, 2022

    Frequently Asked Questions - Sanctions

    Frequently Asked Questions: Limitations(sanctions)

  6. February 23, 2022 - Current

    Frequently Asked Questions - Sanctions against Russia

    Frequently asked questions about Russian military aggression in Ukraine and sanctions over Belarus involvement

  7. August 13, 2021

    Guidance and statements - Humanitarian aid in the fight against COVID-19

    • Guidance on humanitarian aid to fight the COVID-19 pandemic in certain EU-sanctioned contexts (notes on Covid-19 vaccines and therapies, EU counter-terrorism sanctions, Iran, Nicaragua, Syria, Venezuela)
    • Statement - Sanctions: Commission issues additional guidance on providing COVID-19 humanitarian assistance in sanctioned locations
  8. June 8, 2021

    Opinion - Territorial Integrity, Sovereignty and Independence of Ukraine

    Opinion on the imposition of financial sanctions in Council Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 (territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine)

  9. June 2, 2021

    Reviews - Central African Republic

    (Video) Are Sanctions Working?

    Opinion on the lifting of frozen funds under Council Regulation (EU) No 224/2014 (Central African Republic)

  10. 27 maja 2021 r

    Reviews - Libya, Syria

    Opinions on changing the characteristics of frozen assets (Libya, Syria)

  11. 11 maja 2021 r

    Guidance - Burma/Myanmar

    • Guidelines for the implementation of Council Regulation (EU) No 401/2013 (Myanmar/Myanmar)
    • Press release on guidelines for the implementation of Council Regulation (EU) No 401/2013 (Myanmar/Myanmar)
  12. December 17, 2020

    Guidelines - The EU's global human rights sanctions regime

    • Guidelines for the implementation of Council Regulation (EU) 2020/1998 (EU global human rights sanctions regime)
    • Press release on guidelines for the implementation of Council Regulation (EU) 2020/1998 (EU global human rights sanctions regime)
  13. 16 listopada 2020 r

    Guidance - Humanitarian aid in the fight against COVID-19

    • Guidance on Humanitarian Aid to Fight the COVID-19 Pandemic in Certain EU Sanctioned Environments (Iran, Nicaragua, Syria, Venezuela)
      These guidelines have beenGuidance August 13, 2021
    • Press release on COVID-19 humanitarian guidelines in certain EU sanctioned locations
  14. October 9, 2020

    Guidance - Humanitarian aid in the fight against COVID-19

    • Guidance on Humanitarian Aid to Fight the COVID-19 Pandemic in Certain EU Sanctioned Environments (Iran, Syria, Venezuela)
      These guidelines have beenGuidance August 13, 2021
    • Statement - Sanctions: Commission extends COVID-19 humanitarian guidance to sanctioned locations
  15. June 19, 2020

    Opinion - Territorial Integrity, Sovereignty and Independence of Ukraine

    Opinion on the imposition of financial sanctions in Council Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 (territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine)

  16. June 3, 2020

    Unofficial Guide - Funding Humanitarian Aid in Syria

    "Guidelines on Risk Management Principles for Sending Humanitarian Funds to Syria and Similar High-Risk Jurisdictions" - Unofficial Guidance Supported by the Committee

  17. 11 maja 2020 r

    Guidance - Humanitarian aid in the fight against COVID-19 (Syria)

    • Guidance on Humanitarian Aid to Fight the COVID-19 Pandemic in Certain EU Sanctioned Situations (Syria)
      These guidelines have beenGuidance August 13, 2021
    • Questions and Answers on humanitarian aid in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Syria
    • Press release on COVID-19 humanitarian guidelines in certain EU sanctioned locations
  18. Frequently asked questions

    Due Diligence Questions and Answers on Restrictions for EU Companies Dealing with Iran

  19. October 8, 2019

    Opinion - Freezing of state assets

    Opinion on the compatibility of national asset freezes imposed by Member States with EU law

    (Video) A SWIFT Introduction: SWIFT, Sanctions, and Economic Warfare
  20. October 17, 2019

    Opinion - Russian sectoral sanctions

    Opinion on Art. 5 sec. 1 of Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 (Russian sectoral sanctions)

  21. August 29, 2019

    Opinion - Derogation from frozen funds

    Opinions on the application of derogations from the freezing of funds and the prohibition of transferring funds and economic resources to designated persons and entities

  22. August 5, 2019

    Opinion - Higher education

    Opinion on the pursuit of higher education and applied research under the ban on providing technical or technical assistance to third countries

  23. July 4, 2019

    Opinion - Freezing of funds

    • Opinion on the freezing of funds transferred from designated banks to Member States by non-designated persons and the exemption from "special levies" under Art. 28 of Council Regulation (EU) No 267/2012 (Iran - non-proliferation)
    • Opinion on the export ban of Council Regulation (EU) No 692/2014 (illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol)
  24. June 7, 2019

    Opinion - Libya

    Opinion on Art. 5 sec. 4 of Council Regulation (EU) 2016/44 (Libya)

  25. January 31, 2019

    Guiding Note - Prohibition of Import and Export of Luxury Goods

    Guidelines on the ban on the import and export of luxury goods under Council Regulation (EU) 2017/1509 (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

  26. January 25, 2018

    INFORMATION NOTES - Crimea/Sevastopol

    Information note for EU companies operating and/or investing in Crimea/Sevastopol

  27. August 25, 2017

    Factsheet - Sectoral sanctions in Russia

    Guidelines for Implementing Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 (Russian sectoral sanctions)

  28. September 1, 2017

    Frequently Asked Questions - Syria

    Frequently asked questions about EU sanctions against Syria

    (Video) Overview of Export Control and Trade Sanctions

  29. October 17, 2017

    Opinion - Territorial Integrity, Sovereignty and Independence of Ukraine

    Opinion on the indirect transfer of funds or economic resources to persons listed under Council Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 (territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine)

Sanctions on Russia

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Russia's military aggression against Ukraine

Find out what EU sanctions have imposed on Russia and Belarus.

Sanctions on Russia

More on sanctions

The Commission has adopted guidelines and a number of tools to help humanitarian aid providers deliver aid in line with EU sanctions.

EU blocking legislation (Council Regulation (EC) No 2271/96) protects EU operators from extra-territorial application of the laws of non-EU countries.

touch

Questions on enforcement issues should first be addressed to the relevant national authority. The documents below contain contact details for all member countries.

January 30, 2023

National authorities implementing EU restrictive measures (sanctions)

English

(885,53 KB — PDF)

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related links

Council of the European Union

European External Action Service (EEAS)

(Video) ⚠ Are sanctions as effective as WAR?

The EU stands in solidarity with Ukraine

FAQs

What are the 4 types of sanctions? ›

Types
  • Reasons for sanctioning.
  • Economic sanctions.
  • Diplomatic sanctions.
  • Military sanctions.
  • Sport sanctions.
  • Sanctions on the environment.
  • Sanctions on individuals.

What are some examples of sanctions? ›

Examples may include economic-commercial measures (the arms embargo), financial measures, or individual sanctions such as the prohibition of entry into a State or the freezing of assets.

What are the three categories of sanctions? ›

Sanctions measures can include: • Restrictions on trade in goods and services • Restrictions on engaging in commercial activities • Targeted financial sanctions (including asset freezes) on designated persons and entities • Travel bans on certain persons.

What are sanctions and how do they work? ›

Sanctions can be intended compel (an attempt to change an actor's behavior) or deterrence (an attempt to stop an actor from certain actions). Sanctions can be target an entire country or they can be more narrowly targeted at individuals or groups; this latter form of sanctions are sometimes called "smart sanctions".

What is the most common sanction? ›

Monetary sanctions are the most common form of punishment imposed by criminal justice systems across the United States.

What is the US sanctions list called? ›

Specially Designated Nationals And Blocked Persons List (SDN) Human Readable Lists.

What is the purpose of sanctions? ›

Sanctions impose restrictions on activities that relate to particular countries, themes of conduct, goods and services, or persons and entities.

Who imposes sanctions in the US? ›

Office of Foreign Assets Control, Department of the Treasury – OFAC plays a primary role in administering and enforcing many U.S. sanctions programs. In coordination with the Department of State, OFAC issues licenses where appropriate for a variety of goods, services and transactions.

What is considered a sanction? ›

Sanctions, in law and legal definition, are penalties or other means of enforcement used to provide incentives for obedience with the law, or with rules and regulations. Criminal sanctions can take the form of serious punishment, such as corporal or capital punishment, incarceration, or severe fines.

What are most negative sanctions? ›

Negative sanctions can include embarrassment, shame, ridicule, sarcasm, criticism, disapproval, social discrimination, and exclusion as well as more formal sanctions such as penalties and fines.

Who controls sanctions? ›

The Office of Foreign Assets Control ("OFAC") of the US Department of the Treasury administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions based on US foreign policy and national security goals against targeted foreign countries and regimes, terrorists, international narcotics traffickers, those engaged in activities ...

What is a negative sanction? ›

Negative sanctions are actual or threatened punishments, whereas positive sanctions are actual or promised rewards.

What countries are on the sanctioned list? ›

Sanctions Programs and Country Information
Active Sanctions ProgramsProgram Last Updated
Iran SanctionsJun 02, 2023
Iraq-Related SanctionsDec 28, 2022
Lebanon-Related SanctionsApr 04, 2023
Libya SanctionsOct 17, 2022
34 more rows

Where does the money from sanctions go? ›

By state law, all monetary penalties imposed as a sanction shall be deposited into the state treasury to the credit of the State Literary Fund. The Department of Criminal Justice Services does not benefit from monetary penalties.

What are the five reasons for sanctions? ›

In this area, scholars point to five related punishment justi- fications:specific deterrence,general deterrence, incapacitation, rehabilitation, and retribution.

What is the single most common criminal sanction in the United States today? ›

Probation, the most frequently used criminal sanction, is a sentence that an offender serves in the community in lieu of incarceration.

What are the four types of intermediate sanctions? ›

The principal forms of intermediate sanctions are intensive su- pervision programs (ISPs), home con- finement (with or without electronic monitoring), community service orders, prison boot camps, day fines, and day re- porting centers (DRCs).

How many countries are under US sanctions? ›

The United States has imposed two-thirds of the world's sanctions since the 1990s. Numerous US unilateral sanctions against various countries around the world have been criticized by different commentators. It has imposed economic sanctions on more than 20 countries since 1998.

What is the importance of sanctions in an organization? ›

A sanction is a reaction from others to the behaviour of an individual or group. In general sanctions for conformity are positive while sanctions for nonconformity are negative. Social control depends on sanctions and they are essential for groups of people to work together effectively.

Where does the US have sanctions? ›

Most recently, the United States of America has been involved in multiple trade wars and imposed economic sanctions on multiple countries such as The People's Republic of China, Iran and Russia.

What does it mean to be sanctioned by the government? ›

an official action taken against a government to force it to behave in a particular way or as punishment for not doing so: trade/economic sanctions. sanction.

Who and what can be targeted by sanctions? ›

Targeted sanctions are intended to be directed at individuals, companies and organizations, or restrict trade with key commodities. The following instruments can be applied: Financial sanctions (freezing of funds and other financial assets, ban on transactions, investment restrictions)

Is a sanction a crime? ›

Definition. Criminal sanctions are the penalties imposed on those who commit crimes. Whether a sanction is criminal or civil flows not from the nature of the penalty, but from the wrongdoing it punishes (or from the law that imposes the liability).

Does sanctioned mean allowed? ›

verb (used with object) to authorize, approve, or allow: an expression now sanctioned by educated usage. to ratify or confirm: to sanction a law. to impose a sanction on; penalize, especially by way of discipline.

Is a sanction a warning? ›

The most common sanctions are a first written warning, a final written warning, dismissal with notice or summary dismissal (dismissal without notice) in cases of gross misconduct. Some procedures also allow for action short of dismissal, such as demotion.

What is an example of a positive sanction? ›

Positive sanctions include awards, certificates, honors, medals, orders, praise, titles, and trophies. Sociologists study four primary types of sanctions: formal. informal.

What are positive vs negative sanctions examples? ›

Positive sanctions are rewards given for conforming to norms. A promotion at work is a positive sanction for working hard. Negative sanctions are punishments for violating norms. Being arrested is a punishment for shoplifting.

What would be an example of an informal sanction? ›

Examples of informal sanctions

Informal sanctions are mostly subtle forms of interpersonal approval or disapproval. Simple examples include a look of disapproval, a frown, or a shake of one's head.

How do you get a sanction lifted? ›

If you've been sanctioned, you can ask the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to rethink their decision to sanction you if you think they shouldn't have sanctioned you. This is called 'mandatory reconsideration'. If the DWP refuses to change their decision, you can then make an appeal.

Who is under Russian sanctions? ›

Russia responded with sanctions against several countries, including a total ban on food imports from Australia, Canada, Norway, Japan, the United States, and the EU. The sanctions contributed to the collapse of the Russian ruble and worsened the economic impact of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

What are sanctions risks? ›

Risks in sanctions compliance are potential threats or vulnerabilities that, if ignored or not properly handled, can lead to violations of OFAC's regulations and negatively affect an organization's reputation and business.

What's a positive sanction? ›

THE CONCEPT OF POSITIVE SANCTIONS. Positive sanctions are defined as actual or promised rewards to B; negative sanctions are defined as actual or threatened. punishments.

What is sanctions evasion? ›

The act of avoiding or circumventing sanctions to engage in prohibited activity without being caught.

Who sanctions Canada against? ›

Canada's sanctions apply financial prohibition provisions on the following countries: Belarus. China. Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Who must comply with OFAC sanctions? ›

All U.S. persons must comply with OFAC regulations, including all U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens regardless of where they are located, all persons and entities within the United States, all U.S incorporated entities and their foreign branches.

Is North Korea a sanctioned country? ›

The European Union has imposed a series of sanctions against North Korea since 2006. These include: embargoing arms and related materials. banning the export of aviation and rocket fuel to North Korea.

Can the US sanction China? ›

The United States government applies sanctions against certain institutions and key members of the Chinese government and its ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP), certain companies linked to the People's Liberation Army (PLA), and other affiliates that the US government has accused of aiding in human rights abuses.

Does the US have sanctions on Russia? ›

United States Imposes Additional Sanctions and Export Controls on Russia in Coordination with International Partners. In coordination with the G7, Australia, and other partners, the United States is imposing new sanctions today on Russia for its illegal war in Ukraine.

Why was Russia sanctioned? ›

Western countries and others began imposing limited sanctions on Russia when it recognised the independence of self-determined Donbass republics. With the commencement of attacks on 24 February, a large number of other countries began applying sanctions with the aim of devastating the Russian economy.

What are 4 intermediate sanctions? ›

Intermediate sanctions, such as intensive supervision probation, financial penalties, house arrest, intermittent confinement, shock probation and incarceration, community service, electronic monitoring, and treatment are beginning to fill the gap between probation and prison.

What are 4 formal social sanctions? ›

Examples of formal sanctions include legal penalties, fines, imprisonment, and other punishments codified in law or instituted by a recognized authority.

What happens when a person is sanctioned? ›

Sanctions, in law and legal definition, are penalties or other means of enforcement used to provide incentives for obedience with the law, or with rules and regulations. Criminal sanctions can take the form of serious punishment, such as corporal or capital punishment, incarceration, or severe fines.

What are the four sanctions used to punish criminals? ›

Incapacitation prevents crime by removing a defendant from society. Rehabilitation prevents crime by altering a defendant's behavior. Retribution prevents crime by giving victims or society a feeling of avengement. Restitution prevents crime by punishing the defendant financially.

What are the levels of sanctions? ›

There are three sanction levels: lower. medium. higher.

What are the five different types of sanctions available for judges to consider when imposing a sentence? ›

Types of sentences include probation, fines, short-term incarceration, suspended sentences, which only take effect if the convict fails to meet certain conditions, payment of restitution to the victim, community service, or drug and alcohol rehabilitation for minor crimes.

What is the most common form of intermediate sanction in the US? ›

The principal forms of intermediate sanctions are intensive su- pervision programs (ISPs), home con- finement (with or without electronic monitoring), community service orders, prison boot camps, day fines, and day re- porting centers (DRCs).

What are 3 examples of informal sanctions? ›

Informal sanctions that discourage or punish can include embarrassment, shame, ridicule, sarcasm, criticism, disapproval, social discrimination, and exclusion while informal sanctions that encourage and reward can include celebration, congratulation, praise, social recognition, social promotion, and other signals of ...

What are 3 examples of negative social sanctions? ›

Negative sanctions can include embarrassment, shame, ridicule, sarcasm, criticism, disapproval, social discrimination, and exclusion as well as more formal sanctions such as penalties and fines.

How do people get sanctioned? ›

People are most often sanctioned for: • Missing work appointments. Refusing a work assignment. Not working all of the hours as required by your assignment. Failing to comply with a drug/alcohol requirement.

What are sanctions punishments? ›

Penal sanctions or punishments are imposed when a rule of national or international law is violated. The goals vary: to punish a guilty person, to protect the public order, or to solemnly reaffirm that the rule of law will survive violations thereof.

What type of sanction is a jail sentence? ›

Confinement sanctions include incarceration in prisons and jails, incarceration in boot camps, house arrest, civil commitment for violent sexual offenders, short term shock incarceration, electronic monitoring, and split probation (when incarceration is imposed as a condition of probation).

What are the two types of sanctions within social control? ›

There are two types of social sanctions in sociology: informal and formal. Formal sanctions are based on laws, and informal sanctions are not based on or enforced by laws. To understand what an informal sanction and a formal sanction are, it can be understood by whomever delivers the sanction.

Videos

1. New Russia Sanctions: Details and Impacts
(China General Chamber of Commerce - USA)
2. U.S. to sanction Russia over Navalny, say sources
(Reuters)
3. Overview of Targeted Financial Sanctions in the UAE (part 1 of 4)
(EOCN)
4. The Impact of Sanctions on Humanitarian and Peacemaking Operations
(Center for Strategic & International Studies)
5. Deliberate delay of 11th sanctions package on Russia: who helps Moscow to circumvent restrictions
(UATV English)
6. The Economic Weapon: The Rise of Sanctions as a Tool of Modern War, Nicholas Mulder
(JRCPPF)

References

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