Restrictive measures in relation to the non-proliferation of the weapons of mass destruction
Restrictive measures in relation to the non-proliferation of the weapons of mass destruction is a sanctions program maintained by European Union Council (EU) targeting North Korea. It imposes asset freeze, arms embargo, travel ban, trade restrictions, financial restrictions and investment ban.
Last updated 2 Jun 2026
Overview
The ongoing nuclear and ballistic missile-related activities of the DPRK represent a serious threat to international peace and security. These activities undermine the global non-proliferation and disarmament regime of which the EU has been a steadfast supporter for decades. In this context, the EU has implemented the restrictive measures imposed by Resolutions of the UN Security Council and has complemented them through its own autonomous measures. These measures target the DPRK's weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile-related programmes. The first set of restrictive measures were introduced with the UN Security Council Resolution 1718 (2006), adopted shortly after DPRK´s first nuclear test on 9 October 2006. The UN Security Council has repeatedly adopted new measures and expanded existing ones, most recently on 3 September 2017. On 27 May 2016, for the first time, the Council of the EU adopted additional autonomous restrictive measures in relation to the DPRK on the grounds that its actions constitute a grave threat to international peace and security in the region and beyond. On 6 April and most recently on 16 October, the Council again introduced additional restrictive measures to further increase pressure on the DPRK to comply with its international obligations. The EU is determined to combat proliferation and committed to the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, including through the consideration of new restrictive measures. Derogations and exemptions to the restrictive measures are possible, including the delivery of humanitarian aid. Adopted by: UN and EU.
Targeted country
Legal bases
- Resolution 2371 (2017)
- Resolution 2375 (2017)
- Resolution 2270 (2016)
- Resolution 2321 (2016)
- Resolution 1874 (2009)
- Resolution 1718 (2006)
- Resolution 2094 (2013)
- Resolution 2397 (2017)
- Resolution 2087 (2013)
- Council Decision concerning restrictive measures against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and repealing Decision 2013/183/CFSP
- Council Regulation concerning restrictive measures against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and repealing Regulation (EC) No 329/2007