Myanmar/Burma: Council extends sanctions for another year

Today the Council prolonged the restrictive measures in view of the situation in Myanmar/Burma for one year, until 30 April 2022.

The prolongation covers targeted restrictive measures against individuals directly involved in the military coup in February 2021 and the subsequent violence against peaceful protesters, as well as those responsible for the serious human rights violations committed against the Rohingya population and other ethnic minorities. The sanctions target high-ranking officials from the Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) and the border guard police, as well as civilian members of the State Administrative Council and the Chairman of the Election Commission. The restrictive measures also cover two entities owned and controlled by the Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw).

The sanctions regime also includes an embargo on arms and equipment that can be used for internal repression, an export ban on dual-use goods for use by the military and border guard police, and export restrictions on equipment for monitoring communications that could be used for internal repression. It also prohibits the provision of military training to, and military cooperation with, the Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw). It does not adversely affect the vulnerable Burmese population.

The Council last adopted conclusions on Myanmar/Burma in February 2021 condemning in the strongest possible terms the military coup of 1 February 2021. The EU continues to stand with the Burmese people and will continue to provide humanitarian assistance. Since the beginning of 2021, €20.5 million have already been allocated.

The legal acts were adopted by the Council by written procedure. They will be published in the Official Journal of 30 April 2021.