The European Union arms embargo against Libya

The European Union arms embargo against Libya

The members of the European Community agreed on an embargo on the export of arms or other military equipment to Libya through decisions related to combating terrorism taken in 1986 in the framework of European Political Cooperation.

In April 1999 the European Union decided to suspend certain restrictive measures taken against Libya on the basis of UN Security Council Resolutions 748(1992) and 883(1993).

This decision was taken in the Common Position of 16 April 1999 concerning Libya defined by the Council on the basis of Article J.2 of the Treaty on European Union

However, four restrictive measures - including the arms embargo were not suspended and remained in force. The four restrictive measures that remained in force were

(a) embargo on the export of arms or other military equipment;

(b) restrictions on the freedom of movement of diplomatic and consular personnel;

(c) reduction of the staff of diplomatic and consular missions;

(d) stricter visa requirements and procedures,

In September 1999, in view of further progress in relations with Libya over the implementation of UN decisions, the European Union agreed a new Common Position concerning Libya. Through this decision the remaining restrictive measures against Libya were lifted with the exception of the arms embargo. The arms embargo remained in force.