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 from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,

Whereas:

On 13 November 2017, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074^f1 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Venezuela.

The Council underscored that the restrictive measures are gradual, targeted, flexible and reversible, do not affect the general population and aim at fostering a credible and meaningful process that can lead to a peaceful negotiated solution.

In view of the continuing deterioration of the situation in Venezuela, on 22 January 2018 the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2018/90^f2 which designated seven persons in the list of natural and legal persons, entities and bodies in Annex I of Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074.

On 28 May 2018, the Council adopted conclusions which stated that the early presidential elections in Venezuela together with regional elections held on 20 May 2018 were neither free nor fair. The Union called for the holding of fresh presidential elections and stated that it would act swiftly with the aim of imposing additional targeted and reversible restrictive measures.

On 25 June 2018, by way of follow‐up to the Council conclusions of 28 May 2018, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2018/901^f3 which designated eleven persons.

On 25 October 2018, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (the ‘High Representative’) issued a declaration on behalf of the Union which stated that the Union remained convinced that there can only be a democratic political and peaceful solution to the current crisis and underlined the Union’s commitment to use all its policy instruments to contribute to achieving such a solution.

On 6 November 2018, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2018/1656^f4 which renewed the restrictive measures in place in view of the situation in Venezuela in light of the continuing and deepening political, economic and social crisis in that country.

In January, February, March and April 2019, the High Representative issued declarations on behalf of the Union on the situation in Venezuela which underscored the readiness of the Union to continue to spare no efforts to achieve a reinstatement of democracy and the rule of law, to take further action and to react through appropriate measures to decisions and actions that further undermine democratic institutions and principles, the rule of law and respect for human rights.

On 8 July 2019, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2019/1171^f5 which updated the statement of reasons for three listed persons.

On 16 July 2019, the High Representative issued a declaration on behalf of the Union which stated that the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights confirmed in a clear and detailed manner the extent and seriousness of the human rights violations, the erosion of the rule of law and the dismantlement of democratic institutions in Venezuela. The Union also indicated readiness to start work towards applying targeted measures for those members of the security forces involved in torture and other serious violations of human rights.

On 26 September 2019, by way of follow‐up to the declaration of 16 July 2019 and in light of the continuing grave situation in Venezuela, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2019/1596^f6 which designated seven persons.

In that context, and in accordance with Article 13 of Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074, the Council has reviewed the restrictive measures in place in view of the situation in Venezuela.

Considering the ongoing political, economic, social and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela and the persistent actions undermining democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights, the restrictive measures in place, including all designations, should be renewed until 14 November 2020. These measures do not affect the general population and can be reversed in light of progress made towards the restoration of democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights in Venezuela.

Individual designations set out in Annex I to Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074 were reviewed and the information concerning eight persons should be amended.

Moreover, a provision should be added to Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074 specifying that the Council and the High Representative may process personal data in order to carry out their tasks under that Decision.

Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074 should therefore be amended accordingly,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: