LegalizeCouncil Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/85 of 21 January 2019 implementing Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Having regard to Council Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 of 18 January 2012 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria and repealing Regulation (EU) No 442/2011 (1), and in particular Article 32(1) thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
Whereas:
(1) On 18 January 2012, the Council adopted Regulation (EU) No 36/2012.
(2) In view of the fact that prominent businessmen are making large profits through their ties with the regime and are helping to finance the regime in return, including through the joint-ventures formed by certain prominent businessmen and entities with State-backed companies to develop expropriated land, those businessmen and entities are supporting and benefiting from the Assad regime including through the use of expropriated property.
(3) Furthermore, the expropriation of land by the Assad regime from persons displaced by the conflict in Syria prevents those persons from being able to return to their homes.
(4) Eleven natural persons and five entities should be added to the list of natural and legal persons, entities or bodies subject to restrictive measures in Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 36/2012.
(5) Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 should therefore be amended accordingly,
HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:
Article 1
Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 is amended as set out in the Annex to this Regulation.
Article 2
This Regulation shall enter into force on the date of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.
Done at Brussels, 21 January 2019.
For the Council The President F. MOGHERINI