EU Sanctions on Zimbabwe: A New Chapter Begins
On February 18, 2025, the European Union (EU) announced the removal of the Zimbabwe Defence Industries (ZDI) from its list of sanctioned entities, effectively lifting the asset freeze that had been in place. This decision signifies the complete removal of EU-imposed sanctions on Zimbabwean entities and individuals.
Despite this development, the EU has maintained its arms embargo on Zimbabwe, continuing to restrict the sale of weapons and equipment that could be used for internal repression. Additionally, the EU renewed its non-binding Council Decision for another year, allowing for the potential re-imposition of sanctions if human rights concerns arise.
The EU emphasized its commitment to monitoring Zimbabwe’s human rights situation and expressed readiness to take further action if necessary. This move reflects the EU’s ongoing engagement with Zimbabwe, balancing the lifting of certain restrictions with continued vigilance over human rights and democratic principles.