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The European Union Council has extended the arms embargo on Zimbabwe for one year, until 20 February 2027, following an annual review of the restrictive measures.
The decades-long regulation bans the grant, sell, supply or transfer of technical assistance related to military equipment which might be used for internal repression.
The EU, however, lifted all provisions related to the possibility of a travel ban and asset freeze, while continuing to monitor the effectiveness of the sanctions given any developments.
The alliance said it remains engaged with Zimbabwe and looks forward to deepening the bilateral relations across a broad range of areas of mutual interest, including trade and investment.
In February 2002, the EU imposed arms and travel restrictions on Zimbabwe over serious violations of human rights, as well as violations of the freedom of opinion, association, and peaceful assembly.
The international community then widely condemned the democratic erosion, election violence, political intimidation, and harassment of the press under former President Robert Mugabe.
In February 2011, the EU replaced the 2022 framework with Common Position 2011/101/CFSP and adopted restrictive measures, which were subsequently renewed and adjusted over the years.
The EU, meanwhile, has expressed concerns over the situation across the Great Lakes as the escalation of conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) drives mass displacement.
The alliance is mobilising €81.2 million in humanitarian aid as food, water, and shelter become inadequate. Women and children are also exposed to violence and exploitation.
Commissioner for Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib is visiting the DRC, Burundi, and Rwanda to evaluate the urgent humanitarian needs on the ground and to advocate for humanitarian access.
