As it is mentioned in the preamble of the Treaty on the European Union, one of the objectives of the European Union (EU) is to implement a common foreign and security policy. Following the modifications made by the Treaty of Lisbon, the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) of the EU is now led by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (High Representative). The High Representative presides over the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) which in turn is in charge of the EU External Action. To fulfill her/his duties in carrying out the CFSP, the High Representative enjoys the help of the European External Action Service (EEAS). 

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EU uses different tools (or legal instruments as the Council calls them) to achieve its CFSP objectives. One of its favorite tools is the use of restrictive measures (or sanctions). Although it has no limitation in choosing the type of restrictive measure it chooses, the EU has chosen some types of measures more frequently, including:

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• Trade Restrictions: Comprehensive or partial restrictions or restrictions concerning specific sectors on trade activities. It could both export and import goods or services. 

  • Arms Embargo: A type of trade restriction, arms embargos, are full or partial prohibition on the sale or transfer of arms, weapons and ammunition, military vehicles and equipment, paramilitary equipment, and spare parts for the aforementioned and technical advice, assistance, or training related to military activities.
     

• Financial Sanctions: Various financial restrictions namely:

  • Freezing of assets belonging to listed persons or entities

  • Restrictions on investment 

  • Restrictions of provision of financial services to a listed person or a jurisdiction 
     

• Travel Resuscitations: Restrictions on the admission of listed persons: targeted persons cannot enter the EU, or travel beyond their member state of nationality if they are EU citizens.

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