THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Having regard to Council Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 of 18 January 2012 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria and repealing Regulation (EU) No 442/2011, and in particular Article 32(1) thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
Whereas:
(1)
On 18 January 2012, the Council adopted Regulation (EU) No 36/2012.
(2)
In view of the fact that prominent businesspersons are making large profits through their ties with the Assad regime and are helping to finance that regime in return, including through the joint ventures formed by certain prominent businesspersons and entities with State-backed companies to develop expropriated land, those businesspersons and entities are supporting and benefiting from the Assad regime including through the use of expropriated property.
(3)
Furthermore, the expropriation of land by the Assad regime from persons displaced by the conflict in Syria prevents those persons from being able to return to their homes.
(4)
Eight natural persons and two entities should be added to the list of natural and legal persons, entities or bodies subject to restrictive measures in Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 36/2012.
(5)
Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 should therefore be amended accordingly,
HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: