COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Press material Monday, 30 March 2026

● Council of the EU   30/03/2026 14:00 | Press release | Maritime security: Council updates mandates of EU naval operations ASPIDES and ATALANTA   The Council today adopted two decisions amending the mandates of the EU’s naval operations EUNAVFOR ASPIDES and EUNAVFOR ATALANTA. These updates come as the EU continues to actively contribute to safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the wider region, where its naval presence has already helped protect key maritime routes and infrastructure, and global trade flows. The decisions further reinforce the EU’s maritime engagement and underline the need for sustained contributions of assets, including vessels. EUNAVFOR ASPIDES The Council amended the mandate of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, the EU operation established in February 2024 as a defensive operation in response to repeated Houthi attacks on international shipping. In addition to its existing tasks, the operation will now, within its means and capabilities: collect and share information on suspicious activities related to critical submarine infrastructure (CSI) contribute to capacity building by training Djiboutian maritime forces cooperate with the Yemeni Coast Guard strengthen links with other EU initiatives, including CRIMARIO, the EU’s critical maritime routes project EUNAVFOR ATALANTA Following the 2025 strategic assessment, the Council also adopted amendments to the mandate of EUNAVFOR ATALANTA, the EU’s long-standing maritime operation in the Western Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. The updated mandate: suspends the monitoring of illicit charcoal trade, while maintaining secondary tasks on monitoring arms and narcotics trafficking and illegal fishing strengthens links with other EU initiatives, including CRIMARIO adds a new task to collect and share information on suspicious activities related to CSI, within available means and capabilities Background EUNAVFOR ASPIDES was established on 8 February 2024 and launched on 19 February 2024 in response to threats to maritime security in the Red Sea. Its mandate has been extended until 28 February 2027 via a Council decision in February 2026. EUNAVFOR ATALANTA was launched in 2008 as the EU’s first naval operation. Initially tasked with counter-piracy, its mandate expanded in 2022 to include the countering of illicit arms and drug trafficking at sea. The mission has also been extended until 28 February 2027. Both operations form part of the EU’s integrated approach to maritime security, contributing to the regional stability of the areas covered by their mandates. Red Sea: Council extends the mandate of Operation ASPIDES to safeguard freedom of navigation (press release, 23 February 2027) Civilian and military missions and operations (background information) Security and defence (background information) EUNAVFOR ASPIDES (EEAS) EUNAVFOR ATALANTA (EEAS)   Visit the website

● General Secretariat of the Council   New books added to the Council Library's collection - March 2026   Discover our selection of books recently added to the Council Library collection.   Read full post Press material Monday, 30 March 2026

● Council of the EU   30/03/2026 15:01 | Press release | Bosnia and Herzegovina: Council extends framework for restrictive measures until March 2027   The Council decided today to extend the framework for restrictive measures in view of the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina for a further twelve months, until 31 March 2027. The European Union will therefore keep its ability to impose targeted restrictive measures on individuals or entities who undermine the sovereignty, territorial integrity, constitutional order and international personality of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Restrictive measures can also be imposed against those who seriously threaten the security situation in the country, or undermine the Dayton/Paris General Framework Agreement for Peace. Restrictive measures under this framework consist of an asset freeze, prohibition to make funds available, and travel ban to the EU for natural persons. Currently, no individuals or entities are subject to restrictive measures under this framework. The Council has been following the developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina and can consider using all tools at its disposal, in case the situation in the country deteriorates. The Council reiterates its unequivocal commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU perspective as a single, united and sovereign country. Background The Council Decision 2011/173/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina was adopted on 21 March 2011. Bosnia and Herzegovina (background information)   Visit the website

Press material Monday, 30 March 2026

● Council of the EU   30/03/2026 15:09 | Press release | Human rights in Iran: Council extends sanctions regime until April 2027   The Council today decided to extend EU restrictive measures responding to serious human rights violations in Iran until 13 April 2027. These measures consist of a travel ban and an asset freeze, and a ban on exports to Iran of equipment which might be used for internal repression and of equipment for monitoring telecommunications. In addition, EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to the listed individuals and entities. In the context of the sanctions' review, the Council also decided not to renew the listing of one deceased individual. The list now comprises a total of 262 individuals and 53 entities. Background The EU first introduced a regime for serious human rights abuses and violations in Iran in 2011, and has extended it ever since on an annual basis. Since 2022, the EU has drastically increased restrictive measures, adopting multiple packages of sanctions in the context of growing concerns. On 9 January 2026, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy issued a statement on behalf of the EU, condemning the use of violence, arbitrary detention and intimidation tactics by security forces against demonstrators. She also called for all individuals unjustly detained for exercising their fundamental rights to be released immediately and urged Iranian authorities to adhere to Iran's international obligations and fully uphold the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, as well as for ensuring the right of access to information, including by restoring access to the internet for all. The EU strongly supports the fundamental aspirations of the people of Iran for a future where their universal human rights and fundamental freedoms are fully respected, protected and fulfilled. Council Regulation (EU) No 359/2011 of 12 April 2011 concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Iran (Consolidated text 29 January 2026) Iran: statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the situation in the country (press release, 9 January 2026) EU sanctions against Iran (background information) Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on developments in the Middle East (press release, 1 March 2026)   Visit the website

Meetings Monday, 30 March 2026

● Council of the EU   30/03/2026 20:37 | Meetings | Main results - Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 30 March 2026   Ministers exchanged views on the Vision for Agriculture and Food, trade-related agricultural issues, and on energy transition in the EU fisheries and aquaculture sectors.   View meeting page