# LI2023190EN.01003701.xml

| 28.7.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | LI 190/37 |
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28.7.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

LI 190/37

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COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2023/1568

of 28 July 2023

amending Decision 2010/788/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 29 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,

Whereas:

| (1) | On 20 December 2010, the Council adopted Decision 2010/788/CFSP (1), concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). |
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(1)

On 20 December 2010, the Council adopted Decision 2010/788/CFSP (1), concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

| (2) | On 12 December 2016, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2016/2231 (2) in response to the obstruction of the electoral process and to human rights violations in the DRC. Decision (CFSP) 2016/2231 amended Decision 2010/788/CFSP and introduced additional restrictive measures in Article 3(2) of Decision 2010/788/CFSP. |
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(2)

On 12 December 2016, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2016/2231 (2) in response to the obstruction of the electoral process and to human rights violations in the DRC. Decision (CFSP) 2016/2231 amended Decision 2010/788/CFSP and introduced additional restrictive measures in Article 3(2) of Decision 2010/788/CFSP.

| (3) | On 7 July 2023, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy issued a statement on behalf of the Union on the situation in the DRC, expressing grave concern over the worsening security and humanitarian situation and outrage over the levels of violence and atrocities that continue to be perpetrated against civilians by non-governmental armed groups. |
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(3)

On 7 July 2023, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy issued a statement on behalf of the Union on the situation in the DRC, expressing grave concern over the worsening security and humanitarian situation and outrage over the levels of violence and atrocities that continue to be perpetrated against civilians by non-governmental armed groups.

| (4) | In view of the gravity of the situation in the DRC, the Council considers that the designation criterion in Article 3(2), point (d), of Decision 2010/788/CFSP should be amended to allow for the application of targeted restrictive measures against natural or legal persons, entities or bodies that provide support to any natural or legal person, entity or body responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability or insecurity in the DRC. |
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(4)

In view of the gravity of the situation in the DRC, the Council considers that the designation criterion in Article 3(2), point (d), of Decision 2010/788/CFSP should be amended to allow for the application of targeted restrictive measures against natural or legal persons, entities or bodies that provide support to any natural or legal person, entity or body responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability or insecurity in the DRC.

| (5) | Decision 2010/788/CFSP should therefore be amended accordingly. |
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(5)

Decision 2010/788/CFSP should therefore be amended accordingly.

| (6) | Further action by the Union is necessary to implement certain measures in this Decision, |
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(6)

Further action by the Union is necessary to implement certain measures in this Decision,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

In Article 3(2) of Decision 2010/788/CFSP, point (d) is replaced by the following:

| ‘(d) | providing support to natural or legal persons, entities or bodies responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability or insecurity in the DRC;’. |
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‘(d)

providing support to natural or legal persons, entities or bodies responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability or insecurity in the DRC;’.

Article 2

This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Done at Brussels, 28 July 2023.

For the Council

The President

P. NAVARRO RÍOS

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(1)  Council Decision 2010/788/CFSP of 20 December 2010 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (OJ L 336, 21.12.2010, p. 30).

1

(2)  Council Decision (CFSP) 2016/2231 of 12 December 2016 amending Decision 2010/788/CFSP concerning restrictive measures against the Democratic Republic of the Congo (OJ L 336 I, 12.12.2016, p. 7).

2

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