12/04/24 (Agence Europe) – On Friday 12 April, the Council of the European Union validated the provisional agreement on a new directive harmonising the enforcement of EU sanctions. Finalised at the end of 2023 (see EUROPE 13312/12), this text introduces a uniform definition of violations and mandatory minimum sentences. EU sanctions include asset freezes, travel bans, arms embargoes and sectoral restrictions. However, the application thereof varies between Member States, who may interpret the rules differently. The text also aims to prevent the circumvention of sanctions, such as the concealment of funds or assets. It excludes humanitarian activities from its scope, which are not deemed violations. Read the text here: https://aeur.eu/f/br3 (NP)