Explanatory Memorandum to JOIN(2024)4 - Amendment of Council Regulation (EC) No 147/2003 concerning certain restrictive measures in respect of Somalia

Please note

This page contains a limited version of this dossier in the EU Monitor.

dossier JOIN(2024)4 - Amendment of Council Regulation (EC) No 147/2003 concerning certain restrictive measures in respect of Somalia.
source JOIN(2024)4 EN
date 20-02-2024
(1)Council Regulation (EC) No 147/2003 concerning certain restrictive measures in respect of Somalia restricts the provision of financing, financial assistance and technical assistance related to military activities in relation to goods and technology included in the Common Military List of the European Union to any person, entity or body in Somalia. It also restricts the supply to Somalia of goods that can contribute to the manufacture of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

(2)On 1 December 2023, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted Resolution 2713 (2023). That Resolution establishes a general and complete embargo on all deliveries of weapons and military equipment to Al-Shabaab in Somalia, renames the Sanctions Committee, introduces changes to the scope of exemptions to the arms embargo and the related financing, financial assistance and technical assistance intended for certain recipients in Somalia, as well as adjusts the IEDs components ban.

(3)On 1 December 2023, the UNSC adopted Resolution 2714 (2023). That Resolution lifts the arms embargo on the Federal Republic of Somalia established under UNSC Resolution 733 (1992) as amended.

(4)The Council is about to adopt a decision amending Decision 2010/231/CFSP in order to mirror the amendments of the Resolutions.

(5)Decision (CFSP) 2024/XXX also introduces a modification to the title of Decision 2010/231/CFSP.

(6)Further action by the Union is needed in order to implement these measures. Regulatory action at the Union level is therefore necessary to give effect to Decision (CFSP) 2024/XXX, in particular with a view to ensuring their uniform application by economic operators in all Member States.

(7)The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the European Commission propose to amend Regulation (EC) No 147/2003 accordingly.