In view of the continuing deterioration of democracy, the rule of law and human rights in Venezuela, the European Union has repeatedly expressed concern and called on all Venezuelan political actors and institutions to work in a constructive manner towards a solution to the crisis in the country while fully respecting the rule of law and human rights, democratic institutions and the separation of powers.

On 13 November 2017, the Council adopted a ban on the export of arms and equipment which might be used for internal repression, a ban on the export of surveillance equipment and the freezing of funds and economic resources of certain persons, entities and bodies responsible for serious human rights violations or abuses or the repression of civil society and democratic opposition and persons, entities and bodies whose actions, policies or activities otherwise undermine democracy or the rule of law in Venezuela, as well as persons, entities and bodies associated with them.

Restrictive measures

Trade sanctions: Restricted products and transactions

Defence-related products	Equipment which might be used for internal repression	Equipment for monitoring or interception of internet and telecommunications
There is an arms embargo for export, technical assistance, brokering and financial assistance. Some exceptions apply.	Export, import, technical assistance, financial assistance are prohibited. Some exceptions apply.	Export, technical assistance, brokering and financial assistance are subject to an authorization.

Financial sanctions: Listed persons & entities, restricted services

There are currently many persons on the list of people whose funds and economic resources are frozen.

Other sanctions

EU Member States must prevent the entry into, or the transit through, their territories of listed persons.

To go further

Sanctions & Embargoes, by RespectUs	Namecheck by RespectUs	License Determination, designed by RespectUs
Indicate your product, transaction, customer, country, and get a full report on the applicable restrictive measure(s).	Search by name, first name, address, birth date, to see if a determined person or entity is listed, and thus subject to any sanction or restrictive measure.	Process your transaction, product, destination country and customer, to determine if a license is required for this transaction, or any other restrictive measure is applicable.

Legal texts

Council Decision 2017/2074/CFSP of 13 November 2017 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Venezuela

Council Regulation (EU) 2017/2063 of 13 November 2017 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Venezuela

Related information

Human Rights Watch - Venezuela. Human Rights Watch investigates and reports on abuses happening in all corners of the world.