THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Having regard to Council Regulation (EU) 2017/2063 of 13 November 2017 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Venezuela, and in particular Article 17(1) thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
Whereas:
(1)
On 13 November 2017, the Council adopted Regulation (EU) 2017/2063.
(2)
On 28 May 2018, the Council adopted conclusions on Venezuela stating that the elections held in Venezuela on 20 May 2018 were neither free nor fair and that the election and its outcome lacked any credibility as the electoral process did not ensure the necessary guarantees for inclusive and democratic elections.
(3)
The conclusions called for the holding of fresh presidential elections in accordance with internationally recognised democratic standards and the Venezuelan constitutional order, and, in that context, for additional targeted and reversible restrictive measures that do not harm the Venezuelan population.
(4)
In view of the situation in Venezuela, 11 persons should be included in the list of natural and legal persons, entities and bodies subject to restrictive measures in Annex IV to Regulation (EU) 2017/2063.
(5)
Annex IV to Regulation (EU) 2017/2063 should therefore be amended accordingly,
HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: