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 2010/231/CFSP of 26 April 2010 concerning restrictive measures against Somalia and repealing Common Position 2009/138/CFSP^f1,

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

Whereas:

Council Regulation (EC) No 147/2003^f2 concerning certain restrictive measures in respect of Somalia imposes a general prohibition on the provision of technical advice, assistance, training, financing and financial assistance related to military activities to any person, entity or body in Somalia, as well as a prohibition on the import, purchase and transport of charcoal from Somalia.

On 15 November 2019, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted Resolution (UNSCR) 2498 (2019). That Resolution reaffirms a general and complete arms embargo on Somalia and amends the exemptions, advance approvals and notifications concerning the delivery of arms and related materials to Somalia. Furthermore, that Resolution reaffirms the prohibition on the import of charcoal from Somalia and introduces restrictions on improvised explosive device components.

On 6 February 2020 the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2020/170^f3, which amends Decision 2010/231/CFSP in accordance with UNSCR 2498 (2019).

Certain of these amendments fall within the scope of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and regulatory action at the level of the Union is therefore necessary in order to implement them, in particular with a view to ensuring their uniform application by economic operators in all Member States.

Regulation (EC) No 147/2003 should therefore be amended accordingly,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: