On April 4, 2024, the Council of the European Union adopted Council Regulation (EU) 2024/1034 to amend Regulation (EU) 2020/1998, which authorizes restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses around the world. The amendment establishes a sanctions exemption for humanitarian assistance and other activities that support basic human needs by making funds and economic resources available to certain humanitarian organizations, including the United Nations and related organizations, to ensure the timely delivery of assistance to persons located in areas subject to EU human rights sanctions.
The Council also adopted Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1050 to allow for certain exceptions to the humanitarian exemption in cases where there is a higher than usual risk that funds intended for humanitarian assistance could be misused.
Council Regulation (EU) 2024/1034 | Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1050 | Council Regulation 2020/1998