EU – Asset freeze and travel restrictions imposed with respect to situation in Burundi

On 2 October 2015, the Official Journal published Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/1763 of 1 October 2015 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Burundi which imposes until 3 October 2016, subject to certain exceptions, a travel ban on natural persons and an asset freeze on natural or legal persons, entities or bodies undermining democracy or obstructing the search for a political solution in Burundi, including by acts of violence, repression or inciting violence; involved in planning, directing, or committing acts that violate international human rights law or international humanitarian law, as applicable, or that constitute serious human rights abuses, in Burundi; and persons associated with those referred to in the preceding points.

On the same day, the Official Journal published Council Regulation (EU) 2015/1755 of 1 October 2015 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Burundi to implement the above Decision. In addition to providing in-depth regulations (including definitions), Annex I of the Regulation lists four individuals to whom the restrictions will apply.

The Regulation applies:

• within the territory of the Union, including its airspace;
• on board of any aircraft or any vessel under the jurisdiction of a Member State;
• to any natural person inside or outside the territory of the Union who is a national of a Member State;
• to any legal person, entity or body, inside or outside the territory of the Union, which is incorporated or constituted under the law of a Member State;
• to any legal person, entity or body in respect of any business done in whole or in part within the Union.

Please check our Sanctions blog for any updates.