Council Decision (CFSP) 2018/280
of 23 February 2018
amending Decision 2012/642/CFSP concerning restrictive measures against Belarus

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 15 October 2012, the Council adopted Decision 2012/642/CFSP.
Council Decision 2012/642/CFSP of 15 October 2012 concerning restrictive measures against Belarus (OJ L 285, 17.10.2012, p. 1).
(2) On the basis of a review of that Decision, the restrictive measures against Belarus should be extended until 28 February 2019.
(3) Furthermore, the Council agreed that the export of certain types of small-calibre sporting rifles, small-calibre sporting pistols and small-calibre ammunition, exclusively for use in sports events or sports training, or technical assistance or brokering services, financing or financial assistance related thereto, may be authorised by Member States, underlining that this will be a limited number and without prejudice to the applicable licensing provisions.
(4) Decision 2012/642/CFSP should therefore be amended accordingly.
(5) In order to ensure that the measures provided for in this Decision are effective, this Decision should enter into force immediately,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: