Restrictive measures in view of the situation in Myanmar/Burma

Overview

In response to a lack of progress towards democratization and to human rights violations in Myanmar/Burma, on 28 October 1996, the EU reaffirmed the restrictive measures already in place, which included an arms embargo, and introduced additional ones, such as travel restrictions and the suspension of high-level bilateral governmental visits to Myanmar/Burma. Following positive developments and as a means of encouraging changes to continue, on 22 April 2013 the EU lifted all measures against Myanmar/Burma except the arms embargo and the restrictions on equipment which might be used for internal repression. However, reacting to the systematic human rights abuses perpetrated by Myanmar/Burma military and security forces, in particular in Kachin, Rakhine and Shan states, in the course of 2018 the Council of the EU adopted additional measures that included an extension of the embargo on arms and equipment which might be used for internal repression, as well as targeted restrictive measures against senior military officers of the Myanmar armed forces. Following the military coup on 1 February 2021, and the subsequent military and police repression against peaceful demonstrators, the EU has drastically increased restrictive measures. The Council has adopted eight rounds of measures, latest on 11 December 2023, targeting Myanmar’s military regime. The current measures related to human rights violations in Myanmar consist of an asset freeze and prohibition to make funds or economic resources available to designated individuals and entities as well as : travel bans for individuals. Other measures include an arms embargo, export bans on dual-use goods and internal repression and telecommunications equipment, a ban on providing technical assistance or financing military activities as well as a prohibition of military training and cooperation with the Myanmar armed forces (Tatmadaw). Derogations and exemptions to the restrictive measures are possible, including the delivery of humanitarian aid. Adopted by: EU.

Targeted country

Legal bases

• Council Regulation concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Myanmar/Burma and repealing Regulation (EC) No 194/2008
• Council Decision concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Myanmar/Burma

Official resources