EU sanctions regime must be used more consistently and strategically, MEPs say

MEPs in the Foreign Affairs Committee adopted today recommendations on the effectiveness of the EU's global human rights sanctions regime (EU Magnitsky Act).

The EU global human rights sanctions regime is an essential foreign policy tool, but it still faces operational, geographical, and legal challenges that hinder it from reaching its full potential, MEPs in the Foreign Affairs committee state, in a draft report adopted on Tuesday by 44 votes for, 15 against, and with 4 abstentions.

The text reaffirms the unwavering commitment of the European Parliament to combating impunity for serious human rights violations and abuses worldwide, through the effective use of existing EU sanctions instruments and tools. It calls for an impact assessment of the regime’s effectiveness, alignment with international partners, improved enforcement by Member States, and enhanced transparency and accountability.

In the draft report, the MEPs propose to identify ways to improve the sanctions instruments, close implementation loopholes, and prevent sanctions circumvention. They also aim to identify ways for the European Parliament and other relevant actors, such as civil society organisations, to contribute to the process of suggesting listing criteria.

The MEPs reiterate their support for including anti-corruption sanctions within the EU framework and stress that a review of the regime in 2026– following its prolongation until December– would provide a critical opportunity to address current shortcomings and reinforce the EU’s commitment to human rights, the rule of law, and the fight against impunity globally.

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Rapporteur Antonio López Istúriz White (EPP, ES) declared: "This report addresses the pressing need for the European Union to do more to uphold human rights through targeted restrictive measures. It focuses on the implementation, effectiveness, impact, and future direction of the EU global human rights sanctions regime. It also underlines the need for a coherent and strategic use of the sanctions regime, aligned with broader EU foreign policy objectives".

Background and next steps

Adopted in December 2020, the EU global human rights sanctions regime (also referred to as the EU Magnitsky Act) enables the EU to freeze assets and ban travel for individuals and entities responsible for serious human rights abuses worldwide. As of 28 May 2025, 156 listings (120 individuals and 36 entities) had been made under the regime. The report will be put to a vote in plenary in early 2026.