EU prohibits the export to Iran of drones and components used in their construction and production

The EU adopted a new regime of sanctions, prohibiting the export from the European Union to Iran of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and their components. The new regime complements the previously adopted EU sanctions against Russia and Iran.

Iran has supported Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Russia has received UAVs from Iran and used them against civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine.

The new sanctions regime complements the previously adopted EU sanctions against Russia and Iran. It also aims to prevent the circumvention of EU sanctions against Russia.

The new regime bans the export to Iran of UAVs and components used in their construction and production as well as the provision of related services or funding. The national competent authority, which in Finland is the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, may grant exceptions from this prohibition for medical or humanitarian reasons when the conditions for an exception are met. The regime also contains a humanitarian exemption for certain listed entities.

Under the new sanctions regime, persons may be banned from entering and transiting the territory of the EU and the funds and economic resources of persons and entities may be frozen. In addition, no funds or economic resources may be made available, directly or indirectly, to or for the benefit of persons and entities on the EU’s sanctions list.

Council decision (CFSP) 2023/1532

Council regulation (EU) 2023/1529