EU Statement on Restrictive Measures Against Terrorism

EU Council Sanctions Press Releases

Published March 12th, 2026

Detected March 13th, 2026

Summary

The EU has issued a statement regarding Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/455, which updates restrictive measures to combat terrorism. This decision repeals previous articles and expands the scope for imposing measures against individuals and entities associated with terrorist acts.

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What changed

The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy has issued a statement on behalf of the EU concerning Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/455, adopted on February 26, 2026. This decision repeals Articles 2, 3, and 3a of Common Position 2001/931/CFSP and updates restrictive measures aimed at combating terrorism. The new decision allows for the imposition of measures against leading members of terrorist groups and entities, as well as individuals and groups associated with them, including those involved in financing or facilitating terrorist acts.

This statement serves as an official notification of the updated regulatory framework for counter-terrorism measures within the EU. Regulated entities, particularly those involved in financial transactions or international cooperation, should review the specifics of Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/455 to ensure compliance with the expanded scope of restrictive measures. While no specific compliance deadline is mentioned in this statement, adherence to existing and updated sanctions regimes is crucial to avoid penalties.

What to do next

Review Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/455 for updated restrictive measures against terrorism.
Ensure compliance with expanded criteria for imposing sanctions on individuals and entities involved in terrorist acts.

Source document (simplified)

Council of the EU
Statements and remarks
12 March 2026 17:06

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the alignment of certain countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/455 on restrictive measures to combat terrorism, repealing Articles 2, 3 and 3a of Common Position 2001/931/CFSP and repealing Decision (CFSP) 2025/1577 and Decision (CFSP) 2026/421

On 26 February 2026, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2026/455 1.

That Decision reproduces the substance of Articles 1, 2, 3 and 3a of Common Position 2001/931/CFSP 2, which will continue to be applied in accordance with the case-law of the Court of Justice of the European Union, and repeals Articles 2, 3 and 3a of that Common Position.

In addition, Decision (CFSP) 2026/455 allows for the adoption of restrictive measures against leading members of groups and entities involved in terrorist acts, by virtue of the key role such persons play in planning, facilitating, preparing or perpetrating terrorist acts.

Decision (CFSP) 2026/455 also allows for the adoption of restrictive measures against persons, groups and entities that are associated with persons, groups and entities involved in terrorist acts, including through their participation in financing planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating terrorist acts, or through their involvement in terrorist training or in recruitment for the benefit of those involved in terrorist acts.

1 Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/455 of 26 February 2026 on restrictive measures to combat terrorism, repealing Articles 2, 3 and 3a of Common Position 2001/931/CFSP on the application of specific measures to combat terrorism and repealing Decision (CFSP) 2025/1577 and Decision (CFSP) 2026/421 (OJ L, 2026/455, 26.02.2026, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2026/455/oj).

2 Council Common Position 2001/931/CFSP of 27 December 2001 on the application of specific measures to combat terrorism (OJ L 344, 28.12.2001, p. 93, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/compos/2001/931/oj).