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 2013/255/CFSP of 31 May 2013 concerning restrictive measures against Syria,
Having regard to the joint proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the European Commission,
Whereas:
(1)
Council Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 gives effect to measures provided for in Decision 2013/255/CFSP.
(2)
On 6 December 2016, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2016/2144,which provides for amendments to allow for the purchase and transport of oil and petroleum products and the related provision of financing or financial assistance in Syria by clearly defined categories of persons and entities for the sole purpose of providing humanitarian relief or assistance to the civilian population in Syria. That Decision also amends the relevant associated exceptions to the restrictions on the freezing of funds and economic resources.
(3)
This measure falls within the scope of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and, therefore, in particular with a view to ensuring uniform application of the measure by economic operators in all Member States, regulatory action at the level of the Union is necessary in order to implement it.
(4)
Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 should therefore be amended accordingly,
HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: