The EU adopted, on Friday 12 January, a dedicated framework of restrictive measures targeting individuals who undermine democracy and the peaceful and orderly transfer of power in Guatemala.
At the beginning of December 2023, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, condemned the attempt by the judicial authorities to obstruct the transfer of power in the country following Bernardo Arévalo’s victory in the presidential elections (see EUROPE 13295/25). The handover of power is due to take place on Sunday 14 January.
The framework validated by the EU Council targets any person or entity responsible for “acts of persecution or intimidation of public officials, democratically elected authorities, civil society, the media and judicial operators [...] as well as financial misappropriation of public funds and unauthorised export of capital”.
The range of measures envisaged consists of a travel restriction for individuals and an asset freeze for individuals and entities. In addition, “EU persons and entities are prohibited from making funds and economic resources available to listed persons”.
Josep Borrell has announced that he will be visiting the country from 13 to 16 January. (Original version in French by Isalia Stieffatre)