EEAS EU Sanctions

EU Expands Terrorist Sanctions Listing Criteria, Adds Travel Ban

The Council of the EU adopted Decision (CFSP) 2026/455 and Regulation (EU) 2026/456, expanding the scope of EU restrictive measures to combat terrorism. The amendments add travel bans for listed individuals and broaden listing criteria to include leading members of listed groups and entities involved in financing, training, or recruitment of terrorists. The periodic review concluded with all existing listings maintained unchanged.

EU Sanctions Eight Russians for Human Rights Violations and Repression

The Council of the EU imposed restrictive measures on eight individuals responsible for serious human rights violations, repression of civil society, and undermining democracy in Russia. The designations include judges, prosecutors, and penal colony administrators involved in politically motivated trials and detention of activists including Aleksei Gorinov and journalist Maria Ponomarenko. Listed individuals are subject to asset freezes and travel bans preventing entry or transit through EU territory.

EU Designates Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as Terrorist Organisation

The Council of the EU formally designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran on its terrorist list under Common Position 2001/931/CFSP. The designation triggers asset freezes and prohibits EU operators from making funds or economic resources available to the group. This brings the total to 13 persons and 23 groups and entities subject to EU counter-terrorism restrictive measures.

EU Extends Hamas and PIJ Sanctions Until January 20, 2027

The Council of the EU extended restrictive measures against Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad until January 20, 2027. The sanctions include asset freezes and prohibitions on making funds available to 11 individuals and 3 entities. One deceased individual was removed from the list following an annual review.

EU Renews Guatemala Sanctions Until 13 January 2027

The Council of the EU renewed targeted restrictive measures against individuals and entities undermining democracy and rule of law in Guatemala until 13 January 2027. The sanctions currently apply to 8 individuals and 1 entity, imposing travel bans, asset freezes, and prohibitions on making funds available to listed parties. These measures support Guatemala's democratic transition following the 2023 general election.