EU Public Consultation - Review of the Blocking Statute: Any impact on humanitarian aid?

The European Union does not recognise the extra-territorial application of laws adopted by third countries and considers such effects to be contrary to international law. Thus, the aim of the Blocking Statute is to protect EU individuals and companies from having to comply with it.

In its 2021 Communication “The European economic and financial system: fostering openness, strength and resilience” of 19 January 2021, the Commission announced that it would consider amending the blocking statute to further deter and counteract the unlawful extra-territorial application of sanctions to EU operators by countries outside the EU.

To collect the perspective of different type of stakeholders, the Commission launched a public consultation which will be running until 4 November. NGOs are invited to share their views on the possible reform of the Blocking Statute and on the effects of extra-territorial sanctions on their humanitarian activities through a questionnaire.

Click here for more information and to access the online questionnaire.

In addition, the Commission is organising a “Commission’s stakeholders conference on the amendment of the EU Blocking Statute”, which is scheduled to take place on 15 October 2021 from 14:00 to 16:00. Participants will have the opportunity to ask any questions about the consultation and share views live with the Commission and other stakeholders. You can register to the event using this link.

In case you would need further information on the topic, please contact: RELEX-SANCTIONS@ec.europa.eu.