COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, update

 

Library blog Monday, 13 January 2025

● General Secretariat of the Council   Navigating the Polish presidency of the Council with our Library guide   To help readers navigate the dynamic and complex landscape of the Polish presidency of the Council of the European Union, the Council Library has compiled a guide providing relevant and authoritative resources.

Press material Monday, 13 January 2025

● Council of the EU   13/01/2025 15:41 | Press release | Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad: Council extends restrictive measures by one year   The Council today decided to extend by one year, until 20 January 2026, the existing restrictive measures against those who support, facilitate or enable violent actions by Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). All individuals and entities previously identified as responsible for participating in the financing of Hamas and PIJ, or enabling their violent actions will remain listed. A total of 12 individuals and three entities are sanctioned under this framework of restrictive measures. Those listed under the sanctions regime are subject to an asset freeze. The provision of funds or economic resources, directly or indirectly, to them is also prohibited. Additionally, a travel ban to the EU applies to the natural persons listed. Background On 7 October 2023, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy issued a statement on behalf of the European Union on the attacks against Israel, condemning in the strongest possible terms the multiple and indiscriminate attacks across Israel by Hamas and deeply deploring the loss of lives. On 19 January 2024, the Council adopted Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/385 establishing a dedicated framework of restrictive measures and listed six individuals, to hold them accountable of supporting, facilitating, or enabling violent actions by Hamas and the PIJ. This regime also complements the restrictive measures previously adopted against Hamas and the PIJ under Common Position 2001/931/CFSP (the ‘EU Terrorist List’). In its conclusions of 21 and 22 March 2024, the European Council called on the Council to accelerate work on the adoption of further relevant restrictive measures against Hamas. In its conclusions of 27 June, the European Council welcomed the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2735 and called for the full implementation of the terms of the ceasefire proposal without delay and without conditions, which would lead to an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, a significant and sustained increase in the flow of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza, and an enduring ceasefire and end to the crisis, with Israel’s security interests and safety for Palestinian civilians assured. On 28 June 2024, the Council added six individuals and three entities to the sanctions list, bringing up the total of affected to 12 individuals and three entities. The EU reiterates its commitment to international law and to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the Two-State solution in accordance with relevant UN Security Council Resolutions where two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, live side-by-side in peace within secure and recognised borders. The European Union will continue to work with international partners towards reviving a political process to this end. Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/385 of 19 January 2024 establishing restrictive measures against those who support, facilitate or enable violent actions by Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (Consolidated text dated 28 June 2024 including the list of listed individuals and entities) Council Regulation (EU) 2024/386 of 19 January 2024 establishing restrictive measures against those who support, facilitate or enable violent actions by Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (Consolidated text dated 13 September 2024 including the list of listed individuals and entities) European Council conclusions, 19 December 2024 EU position on the situation in the Middle East, background information