Council Regulation (EU) No 354/2012

of 23 April 2012

amending Regulation (EC) No 765/2006 concerning restrictive measures in respect of Belarus

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 215 thereof,

Having regard to Council Decision 2012/212/CFSP of 23 April 2012 amending Decision 2010/639/CFSP concerning restrictive measures against Belarus1,

Having regard to the joint proposal of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the European Commission,

Whereas:

(1)
Regulation (EC) No 765/20062 provides for a freezing of the assets of President Lukashenko and certain officials of Belarus as well as persons responsible for serious violations of human rights or the repression of civil society and democratic opposition, and persons and entities benefiting from or supporting the Lukashenko regime.
(2)

By Decision 2012/212/CFSP, the Council has decided that a derogation from the asset freeze should be provided, in order to ensure that funds or economic resources can be made available for the official purposes of diplomatic missions or consular posts or international organisations enjoying immunities in accordance with international law.

(3)

This measure falls within the scope of the Treaty and regulatory action at the level of the Union is therefore necessary in order to give effect to it, in particular with a view to ensuring its uniform application by economic operators in all Member States.

(4)

Regulation (EC) No 765/2006 should therefore be amended accordingly,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: