Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/2721 concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses

Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/2721 relating to EU sanction measures was published in the Official Journal (OJ) of the EU. Therein, the European Council states that the sanction measures in connection with global human rights abuses and actions against humanity as set out in Article 2 and Article 3 of Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999 are extended by one year, up to December 8, 2024. Accordingly, all asset freezing measures apply for another year.
Also, the 2023 Decision newly stipulates that the derogation from asset freezing measures as described in Article 4(1) of the 2020 Decision pertaining to the provision of humanitarian aid shall be reviewed „at regular intervals and at least every 12 months or at the urgent request of any Member State, the High Representative or the Commission following a fundamental change in circumstances“.
The 2023 Decision finally contains an update and replacement of the records of nine persons and three entities listed in the Annex of the 2020 Decision to which sanction measures apply. This action is also covered in Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2722. Please see EventID 24055 in this context for more information on this update.