How are EU sanctions adopted?

Through Council Regulations (directly applicable) and CFSP Decisions. Requires unanimity among all 27 member states.

Are EU sanctions the same as US sanctions?

Often aligned but not identical. EU may impose different measures or designate different entities. Screen against both lists.

Do EU sanctions apply outside the EU?

EU sanctions apply within EU territory, to EU nationals abroad, and to EU-incorporated companies. Extraterritorial application is limited compared to US secondary sanctions.

How often is the EU consolidated list updated?

Frequently. The EU publishes consolidated list updates as Implementing Regulations. Subscribe to EU sanctions notifications.

EU Sanctions Regulation framework

EU sanctions are adopted through Council Regulations (directly applicable in all member states) and Council Decisions under the CFSP. The framework covers trade, financial, and targeted sanctions.

How EU sanctions work

Key EU sanctions regimes

Russia (most extensive, aligned with US/UK), Iran, Syria, North Korea, Belarus, Myanmar, Venezuela, Libya, and others. EU sanctions generally align with UN sanctions but add autonomous measures.

Instrument	Legal basis	Scope
Council Regulation	TFEU Article 215	Directly applicable in all EU member states
Council Decision (CFSP)	TEU Article 29	Foreign policy decisions, travel bans
Implementing Regulation	Commission	Updates to sanctions lists

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Frequently Asked Questions

How are EU sanctions adopted?: Through Council Regulations (directly applicable) and CFSP Decisions. Requires unanimity among all 27 member states.
Are EU sanctions the same as US sanctions?: Often aligned but not identical. EU may impose different measures or designate different entities. Screen against both lists.
Do EU sanctions apply outside the EU?: EU sanctions apply within EU territory, to EU nationals abroad, and to EU-incorporated companies. Extraterritorial application is limited compared to US secondary sanctions.
How often is the EU consolidated list updated?: Frequently. The EU publishes consolidated list updates as Implementing Regulations. Subscribe to EU sanctions notifications.