Restrictive measures concerning an arms embargo in view of the situation in Zimbabwe

Overview

Restrictive measures were first introduced on 18 February 2002 in relation to the situation in Zimbabwe, in particular the escalation of violence and intimidation of political opponents and the harassment of the independent press. The Council of the EU expressed serious concern about legislation in Zimbabwe which seriously infringed on the right to freedom of speech, assembly and association and the legislation to regulate the media. The Government of Zimbabwe continued to engage in serious violations of human rights and of the freedom of opinion, of association and of peaceful assembly. Thus the Council of the EU imposed embargo on all arms and military equipment on the EU military list as well as other equipment which might be used for internal repression, travel restrictions and asset freeze. In 2008, the Council of the EU strengthened the restrictive measures in relation to the violence organised and committed by the Zimbabwean authorities during the presidential election campaign in 2008, which turned the election into a denial of democracy. On 23 July 2012 and 18 February 2013, the Council of the EU concluded that a peaceful and credible constitutional referendum in Zimbabwe would represent an important milestone in the preparation of democratic elections justifying an immediate suspension of the majority of all remaining Union targeted restrictive measures against individuals and entities. In view of the outcome of the Zimbabwean constitutional referendum of 16 March 2013, the Council of the EU decided to suspend the travel ban and asset freeze applying to the majority of the individuals and entities on the list. Over the years, the Council subsequently renewed and adjusted the restrictive measures. On 7 February 2026, the Council decided that in view of the situation in Zimbabwe, the restrictive measures should be limited to an arms embargo on all arms and military equipment on the EU military list as well as other equipment which might be used for internal repression and decided to remove the provisions related to the travel ban and asset freeze. The Council also decided that the title of that Decision should be amended to reflect the fact that the framework includes only an arms embargo. Adopted by: EU. No persons or entities are currently designated under this regime.

Targeted country

Legal bases

• Council Decision concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Zimbabwe
• Council Regulation concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Zimbabwe

Official resources