EU Sanctions Reality. How The New EU Council Acts On Restrictive Measures Work

The Council of the EU adopted Decision dated 07.12.2020 (CFSP) No. 2020/1999 and Regulation dated 07.12.2020 (EU) No. 2020/1998 (hereinafter - the Decision, Regulation), which establish the general regime of action of restrictive measures taken in connection with material violations human rights.

Briefly about the unilateral EU sanctions themselves

These are restrictive measures taken unilaterally by Decision of the EU Council in the presence of an alleged violation of the norms and principles (standards) of international law, including those provided for in Art. 21 of the EU Treaty (for example, violation of human rights, fundamental freedoms, principles of equality).
In the EU, the term restrictive measures is commonly used. In international law, there is a discussion about the existence of the right of states and unions, including the EU to unilaterally take restrictive measures, outside the procedure established by Art. 39-41 of the UN Charter that is, by the