The European Union toughens its sanctions on North Korea.

On 16 October, the Foreign Affairs Council discussed the situation in the Korean peninsula and in particular the continuing development of the DPRK's nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles in violation and flagrant disregard of UN Security Council resolutions.

Given the persistent threat to international peace and stability posed by the DPRK, the Council adopted new EU autonomous measures to further increase the pressure on the DPRK to comply with its obligations. The measures complement and reinforce the UN Security Council sanctions. They take effect immediately.

The new measures include:

a total ban on EU investment in the DPRK, in all sectors. The ban was previously limited to investment in the nuclear and conventional arms-related industry, in the sectors of mining, refining and chemical industries, metallurgy and metalworking and aerospace;

in the DPRK, in all sectors. The ban was previously limited to investment in the nuclear and conventional arms-related industry, in the sectors of mining, refining and chemical industries, metallurgy and metalworking and aerospace; a total ban on the sale of refined petroleum products and crude oil to the DPRK. These exports were subject to certain limitations under the UN Security Council resolution of 11 September;

on the sale of to the DPRK. These exports were subject to certain limitations under the UN Security Council resolution of 11 September; lowering the amount of personal remittances transferred to the DPRK from € 15 000 to € 5 000; as they are suspected of being used to support the country's illegal nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

In addition, with a view to eliminating remittances to the DPRK, member states agreed not to renew work authorisations for DPRK nationals present on their territory, except for refugees and other persons benefiting from international protection.

The Council also added three persons and six entities supporting the illicit programmes to the lists of those subject to an asset freeze and travel restrictions. This brings the total number under restrictive measures against the DPRK as designated by the EU autonomously to 41 individuals and 10 entities. In addition, 63 individuals and 53 entities are listed by the UN.

Ministers also agreed to actively lobby for a robust implementation of all relevant UN Security Council resolutions by all UN member states.

Background

The EU is implementing all UN Security Council resolutions adopted in response to the DPRK's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes. In addition, the EU has imposed autonomous restrictive measures against the DPRK, complementing and reinforcing the UN sanctions regime.