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EU Statement on Third Country Alignment with Ukraine Sanctions

The High Representative of the EU announced that nine countries—Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, and Ukraine—have aligned themselves with Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/696, which renews restrictive measures regarding actions undermining Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence. Decision 2026/696 extends these sanctions for six months until 15 September 2026, updates listings for 132 individuals and 77 entities, and removes 7 entries. The EU welcomed these alignment commitments.

Third Countries Align with EU Russia Sanctions Decision

The EU Council High Representative issued a statement confirming that Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, and Ukraine will align with Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/646 regarding restrictive measures in response to Russia's destabilising activities. These third countries commit to ensuring their national policies conform to the EU sanctions decision. The EU takes note of and welcomes this commitment.

Third Countries Align with EU Cyber Sanctions Decision (CFSP) 2026/588

The EU Council issued a statement on 14 April 2026 noting that Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, and Ukraine have aligned themselves with Decision (CFSP) 2026/588, adopted on 16 March 2026, concerning restrictive measures against cyber-attacks threatening the Union or its Member States. The aligning countries will ensure their national policies conform to this Council Decision. The EU takes note of and welcomes this commitment.

Informal European Council Meeting Cyprus 23-24 April 2026 Invitation

President António Costa has issued an invitation letter for an informal European Council meeting on 23-24 April 2026 in Cyprus and Agia Napa, hosted by President Christodoulides. The agenda includes discussions on Russia's war against Ukraine (hearing from President Zelenskyy), the Middle East conflict and its economic impacts including fossil fuel prices, and political guidance for the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework. Following the meeting, EU leaders will hold an informal working lunch with regional partners on Middle East developments.

OFSI General Licence INT/2026/9491628 - Prince Group Insolvency

OFSI issued General Licence INT/2026/9491628 on 14 April 2026 under the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020. The licence authorizes insolvency-related payments and activities connected with the Prince Group and their Subsidiaries, subject to specified conditions.

General Licence INT/2026/9491628 - Prince Group Insolvency Payments Under Global Human Rights Regulations

HM Treasury OFSI has issued General Licence INT/2026/9491628 under the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020. The licence permits persons, designated parties (DPs), and subsidiaries of the Prince Group to carry out insolvency-related activities and permits relevant financial institutions to process associated payments, notwithstanding sanctions prohibitions in regulations 11-15. The licence names 15 designated persons including Prince Group Global Group Ltd, Cambodian entities, and individual DPs, and specifies that funds made available must ultimately be held in frozen accounts or treated as frozen resources.

Switzerland Adopts UN Security Council Taliban Sanctions Amendments

The UN Security Council Sanctions Committee has amended the list of individuals, companies, and organizations subject to sanctions in connection with the Taliban. Switzerland's SESAM database has been updated to reflect these changes. Under the Federal Council's Ordinance of March 4, 2016, UN Security Council sanctions lists are applied automatically in Switzerland without delay.

Iran Sanctions: 11 Added, 9 Removed from Annexes 12 and 14

SECO's Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) amended Annexes 12 and 14 to the Ordinance on Measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Annex 12 had 8 entries removed and 5 amended. Annex 14 added 8 individuals and 3 entities, amended 6 entries, and removed 1 entry. The measures entered into force at 11 pm on 14 April 2026.

Venezuela General License 56, 57; SDN Removal; FAQ 1248; TSRA Quarterly Report

OFAC issued Venezuela General License 56 authorizing commercial-related negotiations of contingent contracts with the Government of Venezuela, and General License 57 authorizing financial services transactions involving certain Venezuelan banks and Government of Venezuela individuals. OFAC also removed one individual (MUNOZ PEDROZA, Reinaldo Enrique) from the Specially Designated Nationals List and published FAQ 1248. A TSRA Quarterly Report covering October-December 2025 licensing activities was also released.

Counter Narcotics, Counter Terrorism Designations; General Licenses and FAQ Issuance

OFAC designated three individuals and one entity linked to CARTEL DEL NORESTE under counter narcotics (EO 14059) and counter terrorism (EO 13224) authorities. The newly listed parties include Eduardo Javier Islas Valdez, Juan Pablo Penilla Rodriguez, Jesus Reymundo Ramos Vazquez, and Casino Centenario. OFAC simultaneously issued General License 35 authorizing a 30-day wind down of transactions involving the newly blocked entities.