Eurogroup - Eurozone

01/09/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/09/2026 03:42

Guatemala: Council prolongs restrictive measures by a year 10:40 The Council prolonged EU restrictive measures in view of the situation in Guatemala until 13 January 2027.[...]

The Council today renewed the targeted restrictive measures imposed by the EU against those responsible for actions undermining democracy, the rule of law and the peaceful transfer of power in Guatemala for one year, until 13 January 2027.

Currently, these EU restrictive measures apply to eight individuals and one entity. The listed individuals are subject to travel restrictions preventing them from entering or transiting through EU member states. Both the individuals and the listed entity are subject to an asset freeze, and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to them both directly and indirectly.

These targeted sanctions are designed to strictly affect only those responsible for, engaging in, providing support for, or benefitting from actions that undermine democracy, the rule of law or the peaceful transfer of power in Guatemala. They are in no way sanctions against Guatemala, its population or its economy.

The EU and Guatemala have a long-standing partnership, and the EU remains committed to supporting democracy and human rights in the country. The deployment of an EU Election Observation Mission in 2023, the EU's clear position in defence of the election results, its support for good governance, and these targeted sanctions are all part of this effort.

The EU will continue to work with the Guatemalan government and all sectors of society to support a positive national agenda and to invest in inclusive and sustainable development for the benefit of all. As part of its commitment, the EU mobilised an Ad Hoc Mission to accompany in 2026 the selection and appointment processes for three important institutions (Supreme Electoral Tribunal, Constitutional Court and Attorney General), which all play a key role in upholding the rule of law and democracy in the country.

Background

On 12 January 2024, the EU adopted a dedicated framework for restrictive measures in view of the situation in Guatemala to support the democratic transition and the will of the Guatemalan people as expressed in their choice of the democratically elected government, and to target those undermining democracy and the rule of law or obstructing the democratic transition following the 2023 general election.

The first set of five listings was agreed in February 2024, followed by the listing of three additional individuals and one entity for undermining democracy, the rule of law and the peaceful transfer of power in Guatemala in June 2025.

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