EU announces arms embargo against Venezuela

The EU Council is to impose an arms embargo against Venezuela, as well as a ban on ‘related material’ that could be used for internal repression. It is also setting up the legal framework for a travel ban and asset freeze (13 November).

Over the past year, Venezuela has witnessed political and economic unrest under the leadership of President Nicolas Maduro. Violent anti-government protests continue against the regime that in July established a national constituent assembly, populated with government supporters, despite the condemnation of over 40 countries. With the backing of the national constituent assembly, President Maduro now has sweeping powers which he proposes to use to re-write Venezuela’s constitution. The UN has reported numerous violations of human rights, and shortages of essentials such as food and medicine are rife. The country is reported to be almost bankrupt.

The EU’s decision to impose sanctions comes in the wake of gubernatorial elections on 15 October, in which seats were largely won by the ruling party, despite polls suggesting a lead by opposition candidates. The results of the elections were not recognised by Venezuela’s opposition.

The EU has stated that its restrictive measures will be used in ‘a gradual and flexible manner’ against those who do not respect democratic principles, the rule of law or who violate human rights. The measures can be reversed, depending on how the situation evolves in Venezuela. The EU is looking for the Venezuelan government to ‘restore democratic legitimacy’ through ‘free and fair elections’ and for the opposition to ‘continue engaging in a united manner towards a negotiated solution.’

The US and Canada have already imposed sanctions on Venezuela. On 31 July, the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (‘OFAC’) placed President Maduro on the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (‘SDN’) List for ‘undermining democracy and the rule of law,’ whilst on 22 September, Canada designated 40 Venezuelan nationals. This week, OFAC issued new FAQs on Venezuela and designated nine more Venezuelan officials.

For the EU press release, see:
http://dsms.consilium.europa.eu/952/Actions/Newsletter.aspx?messageid=16854&customerid=42660&password=enc_374E664D5150613574553136_enc

For OFAC’s FAQs on Venezuela, see:
https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20171109_33.aspx

For OFAC’s recent Venezuelan designations see:
https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20171109_33.aspx