Chemical Weapons: Council renews restrictive measures for another year 14:44 The Council prolonged its sanctions against the proliferation and use of chemical weapons until 16[...]

Today, the Council decided to prolong the application of individual restrictive measures against the proliferation and use of chemical weapons by another year, until 16 October 2026.

The restrictive measures apply to 25 persons and 6 entities in total. Those listed are subject to an asset freeze and the provision of funds or economic resources, directly or indirectly, to them or for their benefit is prohibited. Additionally, a travel ban to the EU applies to the natural persons listed.

The sanctions regime aims to contribute to efforts of the EU to counter the proliferation and use of chemical weapons, as well as to support the implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction (CWC).

Background

On 22 March 2018, the European Council confirmed that the use of chemical weapons, including the use of any toxic chemicals as weapons under any circumstances, is completely unacceptable, must be systematically and rigorously condemned and constitutes a security threat to us all.

On 15 October 2018, the Council adopted the legal framework for restrictive measures against the proliferation and use of chemical weapons. This framework currently applies until 16 October 2026.

On 20 May 2025, the Council decided to additionally impose restrictive measures on three Russian entities involved in the development and use of chemical weapons by Russian troops in Ukraine.

The EU follows developments in this domain closely and can decide to renew sanctions and amend the list of targeted persons and entities in case its objectives have not been met.

• Consolidated text (20 May 2025): Council Decision (CFSP) 2018/1544 of 15 October 2018 concerning restrictive measures against the proliferation and use of chemical weapons
• How the EU adopts and reviews sanctions (background information)
• Elimination of chemical weapons (background information)