Brussels: The Council today decided to strengthen the EU's restrictive measures concerning Sudan by introducing new sectoral measures targeting the war economy. The measures are designed to curb sources of financing for the conflict and further increase pressure on those fuelling the war.
According to European Union, the decision introduces a ban on the purchase, import, or transfer of gold originating in Sudan. It also bans the sale, supply, transfer, or export of mercury and cyanide to Sudan. These chemicals are widely used for gold mining or gold exploitation. Both measures are accompanied by prohibitions on the provision of related services, including technical assistance, brokering services, and financial assistance.
Gold has become a key source of revenue sustaining the conflict in Sudan. By restricting trade in Sudanese gold and limiting access to chemicals used for gold mining and gold exploitation, the EU aims to reduce the resources available to those responsible for perpetuating the violence.
The decision includes targeted exceptions. For instance, the restrictions on mercury and cyanide do not apply to goods intended for humanitarian purposes, public health emergencies, and disaster response.
The measures are part of the EU's continued response to the conflict in Sudan, which has caused an unprecedented humanitarian crisis and widespread violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
The conflict in Sudan, which began on 15 April 2023, continues to have devastating consequences for the civilian population and the stability of the country and the broader region.
On 9 October 2023, the Council adopted a framework for restrictive measures in view of activities undermining the stability and political transition of Sudan. The framework has been regularly updated to target those responsible for the ongoing situation in the country, the latest listing being adopted in January 2026.
The European Union has repeatedly condemned the fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). In October 2025, the Council approved conclusions on Sudan defining certain asks to all parties to the conflict: constructive engagement in ceasefire negotiations; rapid, unimpeded, and sustainable humanitarian access; a genuinely inclusive, representative, and independent civilian governance; restoring and strengthening rule of law, accountability, respect for international law, and justice.
More recently, following the co-hosting of the third International Conference on Sudan (Berlin, 15 April 2026) marking the third anniversary since the outbreak of the war, on 21 April 2026, the High Representative issued a statement reiterating the EU's call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire and stressing that external actors must stop fuelling the conflict. The statement also added that the EU would use all tools available - including diplomacy and restrictive measures - to press for peace, including additional sanctions aimed at Sudan's war economy.
Today's decision further strengthens the EU sanctions regime by targeting elements of the war economy that contribute to sustaining the conflict.