The EU generally imposes sanctions based on resolutions issued by the Security Council
of the United Nations. Therefore, the EU sanctions regime is, broadly speaking,
multilateral. However, EU has also adopted unilateral measures beyond the UN regimes,
including, for example, against Syria, Zimbabwe, and Myanmar (none of which are
currently subject to UN sanctions), and Iran which under EU rules is subject to stricter
trading restrictions than in the case under the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Sanctions imposed by the EU may target governments of third countries, or non-state
entities and individuals such as terrorist groups or terrorists. Such sanctions could also
comprise arms embargoes, other specific or general trade restrictions (import and export
bans), financial restrictions, restrictions on admission, or other measures, as appropriate.
This is the common sanctions regime that applies directly across all 27 Member States of
the European Union. However, the administration of the EU sanctions measures
(including for example, licensing and enforcement) is left to the individual Member States
of the EU under national legislation. Unlike the United States, the EU currently has no
comprehensive trade embargo in force against any country, but instead restricts dealings
with persons associated with the regime that is being targeted.