Restrictive measures or sanctions are an essential tool of the EU‘s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). They are used by the European Union as part of an integrated and comprehensive policy approach, involving political dialogue, complementary efforts and the use of other instruments at its disposal.

Sanctions seek to bring about a change in the policy or conduct of those targeted, with a view to promoting the objectives of the CFSP. They can target:

• governments of non-EU countries because of their policies;
• entities (companies) providing the means to conduct the targeted policies;
• groups or organisations such as terrorist groups;
• individuals supporting the targeted policies, involved in terrorist activities, etc.

Key objectives when adopting sanctions are: safeguarding EU’s values, fundamental interests, and security, preserving peace, consolidating and supporting democracy, the rule of law, human rights and the principles of international law, and preventing conflicts and strengthening international security

All restrictive measures adopted by the EU are fully compliant with obligations under international law, including those pertaining to human rights and fundamental freedoms. EU sanctions are developed in such a way as to minimise adverse consequences for those not responsible for the policies or actions leading to the adoption of sanctions. In particular, the EU works to minimise the effects on the local civilian population and on legitimate activities in or with the country concerned.

Information on EU restrictive measures currently in force:

EU Sanctions Map

EUR-Lex

Information on EU sanctions policy

http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/sanctions/

Frequently Asked Questions on EU restrictive measures

http://eeas.europa.eu/archives/docs/cfsp/sanctions/docs/frequently_asked_questions_en.pdf

Guidelines on implementation and evaluation of restrictive measures (sanctions) in the framework of the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy 

EU Best Practices for the effective implementation of restrictive measures

The competent authorities in Bulgaria for implementing restrictive measures (sanctions) regarding third countries

With regards to deliveries and sells of dual-use goods, weaponry, and military materials:

Ministry of Economy

Interministerial Commission for Export Control and Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction

8, Slavyanska Str., Sofia 1052, Bulgaria

tel.: +359 2 9407771 (7681)

fax: +359 2 9880727

http://www.exportcontrol.bg/indexbg.php

Ministry of Defence

Defence Policy Directorate

“Dyakon Ignatiy” 3

tel.: +359 2 9220402

fax: +359 2 9220403

http://www.mod.bg/bg/

With regards to freezing of means, financing, and financial aid:

Bulgarian National Bank

Bank Supervision Department

Knyaz Al.Batenberg Sq. 1

1000 Sofia

Tel.: +359 2 9145 2500

Fax: +359 2 9145 2535

http://www.bnb.bg/BankSupervision/index.htm

With regards to financial sanctions, travel restrictions, antiproliferation:

State Agency for National Security

45 “Cherni Vrah” Blvd.

1407 Sofia

fax: (02) 963 21 88

fax: (02) 814 74 41

dans@dans.bg

With regards to travel restrictions:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria

Aleksander Zhendov str. 2

1040 Sofia

National Visa Center

Tel.: +359 2 948 23 65

Fax.: +359 2 971 28 42

visa@mfa.gov

With regards to customs control:

Ministry of Finance

Customs Agency

G. S. Rakovsky Str. 47

1202 Sofia

Tel.: +359 2 9859 4210; 2 9859 4213

http://www.customs.bg/

Restrictions in transport – sea and air transport:

Ministry of Transport, Information Technology, and Communication

Agency ‘Maritime Administration’

“Dyakon Ignatiy” 9

1000, Sofia

Tel.: +359 2 930 03 10

Fax: +359 2 930 03 20

www.marad.bg

Ministry of Transport, Information Technology, and Communication

Directorate General ‘Civil Aviation Administration’

“Dyakon Ignatiy” 9

1000, Sofia

Tel.: +359 2 930 10 47

Fax: +359 2 980 53 37

www.caa.bg