THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 29 thereof,
Having regard to Council Decision (CFSP) 2016/849 of 27 May 2016 concerning restrictive measures against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and repealing Decision 2013/183/CFSP(1),
Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
Whereas:
(1) On 27 May 2016, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2016/849 concerning restrictive measures against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
(2) On 17 July 2017, the Council adopted Conclusions on the DPRK condemning the DPRK's continued and accelerated nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, noted the option of additional autonomous EU sanctions, and expressed concern that the DPRK's activities continue to raise hard currency to fuel its nuclear and ballistic programmes.
(3) The Council also reaffirmed its policy of Critical Engagement with the DPRK, which combines pressure with sanctions and other measures while keeping communication and dialogue channels open.
(4) On 5 August 2017, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted Resolution 2371 (2017), imposing further sanctions on the DPRK in response to the ballistic missile launches by the DPRK on 3 and 28 July 2017. In that Resolution, the UNSC expressed concern that, inter alia, DPRK nationals frequently work in other States for the purpose of generating foreign export earnings that the DPRK uses to support its prohibited nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.
(5) On 11 September 2017, the UNSC adopted Resolution 2375 (2017), imposing further restrictive measures in response to the nuclear test by the DPRK on 2 September 2017 and the ongoing danger it poses to the peace and stability of the region.
(6) In view of the continuing threat to international peace and stability posed by the DPRK, further restrictive measures should be adopted to apply pressure on the DPRK to comply with its obligations, as set out in several UNSC Resolutions. Furthermore, three persons and six entities should be added to the list of persons and entities in Annex II and III of Decision (CFSP) 2016/849.
(7) Further action by the Union is necessary to implement certain measures in this Decision.
(8) Decision (CFSP) 2016/849 should therefore be amended accordingly,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: