Adoption of Sanctions in the UN and EU

Procedures for adoption of sanctions
Sanctions are often initiated through the adoption of a UN resolution, typically against a country that violates international agreements. On the basis of this resolution, the EU then adopts a common position, which reflects the contents of the resolution. The common position is implemented in a Council Regulation, which applies direct as legislation governing all citizens, groups and legal entities in the EU. If elements of a UN resolution are not implemented in a Council Regulation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs may issue a royal decree that takes these into account. However, often the elements omitted will be enforced through the administration of authorities. This applies, for instance, to arms embargoes.

Autonomous sanctions
The EU may also itself choose to issue sanctions apart from the UN, the so-called autonomous sanctions, against a country. This also takes place in the shape of a common position and subsequent Council Regulation. This is the case with the sanctions against Burma/Myanmar.

EU guidelines on the implementation of sanctions
The EU has adopted guidelines specifying the elements and formulations that the EU regulations on sanctions should incorporate, for reasons that include meeting the wish to achieve uniformity of the structure of the regulations. The guidelines also describe the procedures for passing the regulations. You can find a link to the EU guidelines under ‘External links’ on the right side of the page.

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