Commission and High Representative propose new EU sanctions regime targeting migrant smuggling, trafficking in human beings and organised crime
The European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy have proposed a new horizontal EU sanctions regime targeting migrant smuggling, trafficking in human beings and other serious forms of organised crime. The proposed framework would allow the European Union to impose restrictive measures on individuals and entities involved in such activities originating outside the EU where they pose a serious threat to the Union's values, the security of the EU and its Member States, or to international security. The proposals will now be examined by the Council.
The proposed sanctions regime would apply to migrant smuggling, trafficking in human beings, illicit manufacture and trafficking of firearms, illicit activities related to drugs, and money laundering. According to the Commission, the objective is to provide the European Union with an additional Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) instrument to address serious organised crime originating outside the EU. The proposed restrictive measures include the freezing of assets belonging to listed individuals or entities, a prohibition on making funds or economic resources available to them, and travel bans preventing listed individuals from entering or transiting through EU Member States.
According to the Commission, the proposed sanctions regime would complement existing EU criminal law instruments and would not replace criminal investigations or judicial proceedings. The proposals state that the sanctions would be temporary and reversible and would apply without prejudice to legitimate activities, including humanitarian assistance provided in accordance with international law, support to victims of trafficking in human beings and the provision of migrants' basic humanitarian needs. The proposals also clarify that they do not target migrants, applicants for international protection or beneficiaries of international protection, but rather individuals and entities responsible for, contributing to, supporting or financially benefiting from the targeted criminal activities.
The proposed framework is not directed at specific third countries or regions but would provide a horizontal sanctions regime applicable worldwide. According to the Commission, listed persons would be able to request a review of their listing by the Council and challenge restrictive measures before the EU Courts. The proposals will now be discussed by the Council. Their adoption requires unanimity among the Member States.
For further information, please consult the European Commission's press release and the accompanying Questions and Answers.
