The 27 introduce exemptions to international sanctions to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid

BRUSSELS, March 31 () –

The Member States of the European Union have agreed this Friday to modify their sanctions regimes to make it easier for humanitarian organizations to deliver assistance in crisis situations, thus aligning themselves with United Nations standards and giving a clear framework to humanitarian operators.

With this measure, the EU eases its sanctions and approves exemptions for transactions with actors, if they are relevant for humanitarian purposes. In this way, international agencies and NGOs will be able to carry out transactions with people and entities included in the European ‘blacklists’ without the need for prior authorization, if the purpose is to provide humanitarian aid.

Specifically, the European bloc introduces these derogations to 14 sanctions plans transferred directly from the United Nations. The measure also affects EU-specific sanctions regimes that complement UN sanctions.

“This decision sends a clear signal to humanitarian and economic operators: EU sanctions do not hinder the provision of humanitarian aid,” the Council said in a statement stressing the EU’s determination to avoid unwanted effects. of restrictions on humanitarian activities.