Introductory text

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 29 thereof,

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

Whereas:

On 20 December 2010, the Council adopted Decision 2010/788/CFSP^f1 concerning restrictive measures against the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

On 12 December 2016, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2016/2231^f2 in response to the obstruction of the electoral process and the related human rights violations in DRC. That Decision amended Decision 2010/788/CFSP by, inter alia, introducing autonomous restrictive measures under Article 3(2) thereof.

On the basis of a review of the measures referred to in Article 3(2) of Decision 2010/788/CFSP, the restrictive measures should be renewed until 12 December 2019.

In its conclusions of December 2017, the Council called on all Congolese actors, and above all the Congolese authorities and institutions, to play a constructive role in the electoral process. Considering the upcoming elections, the Council reiterates the importance of holding credible, transparent, peaceful and inclusive elections in line with the aspiration of the Congolese people to elect their representatives. The Council will further review the restrictive measures in the light of and following the elections in DRC and stands ready to adjust them accordingly.

The statements of reasons relating to eight persons listed in Annex II should be amended. Moreover, information concerning all persons listed in that Annex should be updated.

Decision 2010/788/CFSP should therefore be amended accordingly,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: