On 11 October 2017, the Regulation (EU) 2017/1836 and the Decision (CFSP) 2017/1838 have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union. With these legal acts, the Council of the European Union further strengthened its restrictive measures against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), transposing the sectoral sanctions imposed by UN Security Council Resolution 2375 (2017), adopted on 11 September 2017.

On 14 September 2014 the Council already transposed the measures introduced by UNSC Resolution 2371 (2017), that target the DPRK’s main exports, the Country’s ability to generate revenue and to access the international financial system, its arms smuggling and its joint ventures with foreign companies.

Moreover, on 15 September 2017, the Council also added three entities and one individual supporting the illicit programmes related to nuclear weapons and ballistic missile to the lists of those subject to an asset freeze and travel restrictions.

The measures introduced by UNSC resolution 2375 (2017) include a ban on the sale of natural gas liquids to the DPRK, and on the importation of its textiles, as well as limitations on the sale of refined petroleum products and crude oil to the DPRK. In addition, Member States will not provide new work authorisations to DPRK nationals to enter and work in their territory as they are suspected of generating revenue which is used to support the country’s illegal nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

Davide Scavuzzo