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 17 May 2019 the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2019/797^f1.

Targeted restrictive measures against cyber-attacks with a significant effect which constitute an external threat to the Union or its Member States are among the measures included in the Union’s framework for a joint diplomatic response to malicious cyber activities (the cyber diplomacy toolbox) and are a vital instrument to deter and respond to such activities.

In order to prevent, discourage, deter and respond to continuing and increasing malicious behaviour in cyberspace, two natural persons and one body should be included in the list of natural and legal persons, entities and bodies subject to restrictive measures set out in the Annex to Decision (CFSP) 2019/797. Those persons and that body are responsible for or were involved in cyber-attacks with a significant effect which constitute an external threat to the Union or its Member States, in particular the cyber-attack against the German federal parliament (Deutscher Bundestag) which took place in April and May 2015.

Decision (CFSP) 2019/797 should therefore be amended accordingly,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: