The Council of the EU reinforced EU restrictive measures with regard to Iran in response to serious human rights violations and approved the implementation legislation as of 24 of March for the most recent EU restrictive measures in response to the Iranian nuclear programme. With regard to Belarus, Ministers strengthened restrictive measures against those responsible for the repression of civil society in that country.

Responding to serious human rights violations, European Ministers reinforced EU restrictive measures in Iran and prolonged them by 12 months. Among the measures, the Council added 17 persons responsible for serious human rights violations to the list of those subject to a travel ban and an asset freeze. It also banned exports of equipment and software intended for use in the monitoring or interception of Internet and telephone communications by the Iranian authorities.

Legal acts to implement the measures adopted will be published in the EU Official Journal of 24 March as well as EU sanctions against Iran responding the Iranian nuclear programme. The debate on the Iranian nuclear programme started in 2009. The regulation approved by the Council defines the precise scope of the measures agreed in January, including the trade restrictions on oil and petroleum products and on petrochemical products and the asset freeze against the Iranian central bank. It also clarifies relevant administrative procedures for national authorities implementing the sanctions.

On the other hand, the Council also reinforced restrictive measures against Belarusian regime. In particular, it added 12 persons to the list of those targeted by a travel ban and an asset freeze. They include individuals benefiting from and supporting the regime as well as persons responsible for the repression of civil society and the democratic opposition in Belarus. Furthermore, the Council froze the assets of 29 entities, which are controlled by persons subject to restrictive measures due to their role in supporting the regime.