BRUSSELS, Belgium – The Council has today prolonged the framework for imposing targeted restrictive measures in view of the situation in Nicaragua for an additional year, until 15 October 2023.
The restrictive measures currently in place apply to a total of 21 persons and three entities. Those designated are subject to an asset freeze and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to them. Natural persons are additionally subject to a travel ban, which prevents them from entering or transiting through EU territories.
This decision takes place following the unjustified decision of the Nicaraguan regime to expel the Head of the EU Delegation from the country, and cut diplomatic ties with the Kingdom of the Netherlands, as well as the EU reciprocal response to declare the Head of the Mission of the Republic of Nicaragua to the EU as persona non grata.
The EU reaffirms its continued commitment to the Nicaraguan people and to defending democracy, the rule of law and human rights. The current political crisis in Nicaragua should be resolved through genuine dialogue between the government and opposition. The EU remains open to dialogue with Nicaragua, provided that this dialogue is conducted in a respectful manner.
Background and next steps
The sanctions regime was first introduced in October 2019 to address Nicaragua’s deteriorating political and social situation, after the Council had repeatedly expressed its concern about such deteriorating situation in the country.
On 4 May 2020, the Council adopted the first restrictive measures against six individuals. They targeted persons and entities responsible for serious human rights violations or abuses, or for the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Nicaragua, as well as persons and entities whose actions, policies or activities undermine democracy and the rule of law in the country.
The EU follows developments in Nicaragua constantly and can decide to renew sanctions and amend the list of targeted entities or persons based on developments in the country.
