LegalizeCouncil Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1387 of 2 October 2020 implementing Article 8a(1) of Regulation (EC) No 765/2006 concerning restrictive measures in respect of Belarus
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 765/2006 of 18 May 2006 concerning restrictive measures in respect of Belarus (1), and in particular Article 8a(1) thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
Whereas:
(1) On 18 May 2006, the Council adopted Regulation (EC) No 765/2006 concerning restrictive measures in respect of Belarus.
(2) On 9 August 2020, Belarus conducted presidential elections, which were found to be inconsistent with international standards and marred by repression of independent candidates and a brutal crackdown on peaceful protesters in the wake of the elections. On 11 August 2020, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy issued a declaration on behalf of the Union, assessing that the elections were neither free nor fair. It was also stated that measures against those responsible for violence, unjustified arrests and falsification of election results could be taken.
(3) In view of the gravity of the situation in Belarus, 40 persons should be included in the list of persons and entities subject to restrictive measures set out in Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 765/2006.
(4) Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 765/2006 should therefore be amended accordingly,
HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:
Article 1
Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 765/2006 is hereby 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, 2 October 2020.
For the Council The President M. ROTH