EU Sanctions
EU Sanctions
Restrictive measures (sanctions) are an essential tool of the EU‘s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). They seek to bring about a change in the policy or conduct of those targeted, with a view to promoting the objectives of the CFSP. They can target:
- governments of non-EU countries because of their policies;
- entities (companies) providing the means to conduct the targeted policies;
- groups or organisations such as terrorist groups;
- individuals supporting the targeted policies, involved in terrorist activities, etc.
Key objectives when adopting sanctions are: safeguarding EU's values, fundamental interests, and security, preserving peace, consolidating and supporting democracy, the rule of law, human rights and the principles of international law, and preventing conflicts and strengthening international security
All restrictive measures adopted by the EU are fully compliant with obligations under international law, including those pertaining to human rights and fundamental freedoms. EU sanctions are developed in such a way as to minimise adverse consequences for those not responsible for the policies or actions leading to the adoption of sanctions. In particular, the EU works to minimise the effects on the local civilian population and on legitimate activities in or with the country concerned.
Information on EU restrictive measures currently in force:
Information on EU sanctions policy:
Frequently Asked Questions on EU restrictive measures:
- http://eeas.europa.eu/archives/docs/cfsp/sanctions/docs/frequently_asked_questions_en.pdf
- Guidelines on implementation and evaluation of restrictive measures (sanctions) in the framework of the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy
- EU Best Practices for the effective implementation of restrictive measures
- Consolidated version of the frequently asked questions concerning sanctions adopted following Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine and Belarus' involvement in it
Competent authorities in Bulgaria:
The Council of Ministers coordinates foreign policy and is responsible for granting derogations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs plays a coordination role in the process of adoption of EU restrictive measures.
Competences regarding the implementation of EU restrictive measures:
The National Coordination Group on the implementation of the restrictive measures of the European Union has a coordination role regarding sanctions implementation (pursuant to Council of Ministers Decision No. 789 of 20 October 2022).
Chairperson and National Coordinator on the implementation of EU sanctions: Deputy Minister of Finance.
Deputy Chairpersons: Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry and Deputy Minister of Energy
Members:
- Deputy Ministers from all the Ministries in Bulgaria;
- Deputy Chairman of the State Agency for National Security;
- The Executive Director of the Public Procurement Agency;
- Deputy Director of the Customs Agency;
- Representatives of the competent national authorities for the implementation of the restrictive measures of the European Union.
Secretariat of the National Coordination Group: Ministry of Finance.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs: visa restrictions; diplomatic clearance for overflight and landing on Bulgarian territory; notifies about granted authorisations.
Ministry of Interior: travel restrictions.
Interministerial Commission for Export Control and Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction with the Ministry of Economy and Industry: dual-use and advanced technology goods.
Customs Agency: customs control.
Ministry of Energy: energy sanctions.
Ministry of Transport and Communications, Directorate General Civil Aviation: aviation restrictive measures.
Executive Agency Maritime Administration: maritime sector restrictions and access to ports.
Executive Agency Road Transport Administration: road transport restrictions.
State Agency for National Security: financial sanctions under the Measures against Financing Terrorism Act.
National Registry Agency: Commercial Register and Real Estate Register (control and ownership of companies).
Prosecutor’s Office: investigates sanctions breaches.