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 2012/642/CFSP of 15 October 2012 concerning restrictive measures against Belarus,
Having regard to the joint proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and of the European Commission,
Whereas:
(1)
Council Regulation (EC) No 765/2006 prohibits the export of equipment which might be used for internal repression to any person, entity or body or for use in Belarus, as well as related technical assistance, brokering services, financing or financial assistance.
(2)
Regulation (EC) No 765/2006 gives effect to the measures provided for in Decision 2012/642/CFSP.
(3)
Council Decision (CFSP) 2018/280, which amends Decision 2012/642/CFSP, provides for derogations from the export ban on certain types of small-calibre sporting rifles, small-calibre sporting pistols and small-calibre ammunition, and from the ban on assistance or services related thereto, while recognising that the export of such equipment should be limited.
(4)
Regulation (EC) No 765/2006 should therefore be amended accordingly.
(5)
Nothing in this Regulation affects the licence requirements laid down in Regulation (EU) No 258/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council.
(6)
In order to ensure that the measures provided for in this Regulation are effective, this Regulation should enter into force immediately,
HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: