EU recent developments – new sanctions framework for Sudan

Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/2135 establishes a framework for targeted restrictive measures in view of activities undermining the stability and political transition of Sudan and provides for a travel ban, the freezing of funds, and a prohibition on making funds available to designated persons. The persons and entities subject to those sanctions shall be listed in the Annex to the decision.

The freezing of funds and prohibition on making funds available for designated persons is implemented through Council Regulation (EU) 2023/2147 and will be uniformly applied in all EU member states. The Regulation also prohibits circumvention of the measures. Member states shall implement rules on penalties applicable to sanctions breaches.

The Regulation entered into force 12 October 2023. As of that date, no natural or legal persons, entities or bodies had yet been designated by the restrictive measures, although such designations can likely be expected in the near future.

The background for the new sanctions framework is the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan that escalated on 15 April 2023. After condemning the fighting between the two sides in several statements, the EU expressed in a statement of 5 July 2023 its readiness to consider the use of all means at its disposal to contribute to putting an end to the conflict and encourage peace – including restrictive measures. The recent Council Decision and Regulation put these words into action.

The Council has underlined the importance of avoiding negative consequences from the imposition of sanctions for the general population and the economy of Sudan.