On 2 March 2016, the UN Security Council adopted UNSCR 2270 (2016), expressing its gravest concern at the nuclear test conducted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (the ‘DPRK’) on 6 January 2016 in violation of the relevant UNSC Resolutions, further condemning the DPRK's launch of 7 February 2016, which used ballistic missile technology and was in serious violation of the relevant UNSC Resolutions, and determining that there continues to exist a clear threat to international peace and security in the region and beyond.

UNSCR 2270 (2016), expressing great concern that the DPRK's arms sales have generated revenues that are diverted to the pursuit of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, decides that the restrictions on arms should cover all arms and related materiel, including small arms and light weapons and their related materiel. UNSCR 2270 (2016) further extends prohibitions on the transfer and procurement of any items that could contribute to the development of the DPRK's operational capabilities of its armed forces, or to exports that support or enhance the operational capabilities of armed forces of another Member State outside the DPRK.

UNSCR 2270 (2016) specifies that the prohibition on the procurement of technical assistance related to arms prohibits Member States from engaging in the hosting of trainers, advisors, or other officials for the purpose of military-, paramilitary- or police-related training.

UNSCR 2270 (2016) affirms that the prohibitions on the transfer, procurement and provision of related technical assistance related to certain goods also apply with respect to the shipment of items to or from the DPRK for repair, servicing, refurbishing, testing, reverse-engineering and marketing, regardless of whether ownership or control is transferred, and underscores that the visa ban measures shall also apply to any individual travelling for the abovementioned purposes.

UNSCR 2270 (2016) extends the list of individuals and entities subject to asset freeze and visa ban measures and decides that the asset freeze shall apply with respect to entities of the Government of the DPRK or the Worker's Party of Korea, where the Member State determines that they are associated with the DPRK's nuclear or ballistic missile programmes or other activities prohibited by the relevant UNSC Resolutions.

UNSCR 2270 (2016), expressing concern that the DPRK is abusing the privileges and immunities accorded under the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic and Consular Relations, further decides on additional measures aimed at preventing DPRK diplomats or Governmental representatives or individuals from third States from acting on behalf or at the direction of designated individuals or entities or from engaging in prohibited activities.

UNSCR 2270 (2016) further clarifies the scope of the obligation for Member States to prevent specialised training of DPRK nationals of certain sensitive disciplines.

UNSCR 2270 (2016) also expands the scope of the measures applicable to the transportation sector and financial sector.

UNSCR 2270 (2016) prohibits the procurement of certain minerals and the export of aviation fuel.

UNSCR 2270 (2016) further extends the prohibitions on the provision of financial support for trade with the DPRK.

UNSCR 2270 (2016) recalls that the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has called upon countries to apply enhanced due diligence and effective countermeasures to protect their jurisdictions from the DPRK's illicit financial activity, and calls upon Member States to apply the FATF Recommendation 7, its Interpretative Note and related guidance to effectively implement targeted financial sanctions related to proliferation.

UNSCR 2270 (2016) also underlines that measures imposed thereby are not intended to have adverse humanitarian consequences for the civilian population of the DPRK or to affect negatively activities that are not prohibited by the relevant UNSC Resolutions, and the work of international organisations and non-governmental organisations carrying out assistance and relief activities in the DPRK for the benefit of the civilian population of the DPRK.

UNSCR 2270 (2016) expresses its commitment to a peaceful, diplomatic and political solution to the situation and reaffirms its support to the Six Party Talks and calls for their resumption.

UNSCR 2270 (2016) affirms that the DPRK's actions shall be kept under continuous review and that the UNSC is prepared to strengthen, modify, suspend or lift the measures as may be needed in light of the DPRK's compliance and it is determined to take further significant measures in the event of a further DPRK nuclear test or launch.

Further action by the Union is needed in order to implement certain measures provided for in this Decision.

Decision 2013/183/CFSP should therefore be amended accordingly,