The Council adopted additional restrictive measures against the Democratic People‘s Republic of Korea (DPRK). These measures complement and reinforce the sanctions regime imposed by United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.

In response to the nuclear test conducted by the DPRK on January 6, 2016 and the launch using ballistic missile technology of February 7, the UNSC adopted resolution 2270 on March 2, 2016 imposing additional restrictive measures against the DPRK. On 5 & 31 March 2016 the Council transposed this resolution into EU law.

Considering that the actions of the DPRK constitute a grave threat to international peace and security in the region and beyond, the EU decided to further expand its restrictive measures targeting the DPRK’s nuclear, weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs.

These additional measures include:

in the trade sector: prohibition of the import of petroleum products and luxury goods from the DPRK, prohibition of the supply, sale or transfer to the DPRK of additional items, materials, equipment relating to dual-use goods and technology and ban on any public financial support for trade with the DPRK;

in the financial sector: prohibition of transfers of funds to and from the DPRK, unless for certain predefined purposes and authorized in advance;

in terms of investment: prohibition of all investment by the DPRK in the EU; prohibition of investment by EU nationals or entities in the mining, refining and chemical industries sectors as well as in any entities engaged in the DPRK’s illegal programs;

in the transport sector: prohibition on any aircraft operated by DPRK carriers or originating from the DPRK from landing in, taking off or overflying EU territory; prohibition on any vessel owned, operated or crewed by the DPRK from entering EU ports.

EU restrictive measures against the DPRK were introduced on 22 December 2006

The existing EU measures implement all UNSC resolutions adopted after the DPRK’s nuclear tests and launches using ballistic missile technology and already include additional autonomous measures. Prohibitions on the export and import of arms, goods and technology that could contribute to nuclear, weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs, and other restrictions in the financial, trade and transport sectors were already in force.

On 5 March 2016, the Council transposed a first set of measures under UNSCR 2270 by adding 16 persons and 12 entities to the list of those subject to travel restrictions and asset freeze. On 19 May 2016 the Council brought the total number of persons subject to EU restrictive measures against the DPRK to 66 and the number of entities to 42.

PHOTO: Kim Jong (Source: BBC.CO.UK)