Introductory text

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 215 thereof,

Having regard to Council Decision 2014/145/CFSP of 17 March 2014 concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine^f1,

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

Whereas:

Council Regulation (EU) No 269/2014^f2 gives effect to measures provided for in Decision 2014/145/CFSP.

On 14 September 2017, the Council adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1549^f3 implementing Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 which added ‘Crimean Sea Ports’ on the list of designated persons and entities.

On 14 September 2017, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2017/1561^f4 amending Decision 2014/145/CFSP, whereby it included a derogation for payments to Crimean Sea Ports for services provided at the ports Kerch Fishery Port, Yalta Commercial Port and Evpatoria Commercial Port, and services provided by Gosgidrografiya and by Port-Terminal branches of the Crimean Sea Ports.

Regulatory action at Union level is necessary in order to implement Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1549 and Decision (CFSP) 2017/1561, in particular with a view to ensuring their uniform application by economic operators in all Member States.

Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 should therefore be amended accordingly,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: