Sanctions are a peaceful instrument to defend international law, strengthen international security and peace, and defend EU values and interests. They are a powerful tool to disrupt terrorism finance and promote stability, democracy, the respect for the rule of law and human rights.

Sanctions are a preventive and non-punitive instrument that allows the EU to respond swiftly to political challenges and developments, in line with the principles of its Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP).

Sanctions do not target a country or population – they target those responsible for an objectionable behaviour, such as human rights violations or attacks on civilians, coups d’état, aggression against third countries or actions that destabilise societies, including cyber-attacks or terrorist attacks.

Sanctions are always part of a broader policy approach to support diplomatic efforts. They are regularly reviewed and lifted if the situation that justified their imposition is solved or develops positively.