Council Regulation (EU) 2023/2147 of 9 October 2023 concerning restrictive measures in view of activities undermining the stability and political transition of Sudan

New Council Regulation (EU) 2023/2147 as regards sanction measures „in view of activities undermining the stability and political transition of Sudan“ was published in the Official Journal (OJ) of the EU. The new regulation sets out an entirely new sanctions framework for activities that facilitate the fight between paramilitary groups and government military forces in Sudan, thereby violating human rights laws or engaging in „sexual and gender based violence“, the forced displacement of people, or the obstruction of humanitarian aid in the country.
##### In detail, the regulation sets out the following key provisions:
– the grounds for sanctioning individuals, entities, and bodies in this context (being engaged in, responsible for, or supportive of above noted actions or other actions that threaten the peace and stability in Sudan or the transition towards a democratic government);
– the type of sanctions that will be applied towards such persons, entities, and bodies (asset freezing AND transit prohibitions);
– general exceptions from the asset freezing measures (e.g. for the provision of humanitarian aid by EU authorized humanitarian entities or the provision of services to satisfy basic human needs);
– financial transactions that may still be made under the new regulation such as the crediting of frozen accounts e.g. for interest payments or payments made by third parties so long as the credited amounts are subject to asset freezing measures;
– the notification requirements of financial institutions if any such payments are received;
– the notification and communication requirements of competent authorities and the Council with respect to the release of frozen funds or the designation of new individuals, entities, or bodies; and
– the requirement of national competent authorities to implement rules and regulations to prevent and punish – if so needed – violations of the new regulation.
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Please note: these are only the key provisions outlined in the new regulation. For more detailed, comprehensive information, please refer to the original legal document. It shall also be noted that the regulation is based on Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/2135 which applies until October 10, 2024.