Different types of sanctions

The EU takes a targeted and differentiated approach to restrictive measures (sanctions).

Aimed at specific policies

Sanctions are preventive measures which allow the EU to respond swiftly to political challenges and developments that go against its objectives and values. For instance, sanctions can target:

  • terrorism
  • nuclear proliferation activities
  • human rights violations
  • annexation of foreign territory
  • deliberate destabilisation of a sovereign country

Focusing on specific areas

Diplomatic sanctions

Sanctions in a broad sense, or diplomatic sanctions, include actions such as the interruption of diplomatic relations with the targeted country, or the coordinated recall of diplomatic representatives of the EU and its member states.

Sanctions in a narrow sense

Sanctions in a narrow sens require a specific legal base in the EU Treaties, and include:

  • arms embargoes
  • restrictions on admission of listed persons (travel ban): targeted persons cannot enter the EU, or travel beyond their member state of nationality if they are an EU citizen
  • freezing of assets belonging to listed persons or entities: all their assets in the EU are frozen and EU persons and entities cannot make any funds available to those listed
  • economic sanctions or restrictions concerning specific sectors of economic activity, including import or export bans on certain goods, investment bans, prohibitions on supplying certain services etc.

Under UN or own initiative

The EU can impose restrictive measures either on its own initiative or in order to implement UN Security Council resolutions.

UN sanctions

The EU implements all sanctions adopted by the UN Security Council and is involved in a permanent dialogue with the UN to better coordinate EU member states' respective actions on sanctions.

Mixed sanctions regimes

The EU may also reinforce UN sanctions by applying measures in addition to those imposed by the UN Security Council.

EU autonomous sanctions

The Council may also decide to impose sanctions on its own initiative.