Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
46. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if additional harsher sanctions will be discussed to be applied to North Korea due to their involvement in the war against Ukraine at the next EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting. [1627/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland implements United Nations sanctions, as adopted by the United Nations Security Council, and EU restrictive measures adopted as part of the Common Foreign and Security Policy. The sanctions adopted in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine are the most expansive and hard-hitting sanctions in EU history. Overall, the sanctions measures introduced include extensive import and export bans, travel bans, asset freezes, transport bans and media restrictions. In December 2023, Ireland welcomed the adoption of the EU’s 12th sanctions package against Russia, which focused on addressing circumvention and strengthening implementation.
On 9 January 2024, Ireland joined an EU joint statement strongly condemning DPRK export and Russia’s procurement of DPRK ballistic missiles, as well as Russia’s use of these missiles against Ukraine on December 30, 2023, and January 2, 2024.
The United Nations Security Council has adopted a number of sanctions Resolutions relating to DPRK, targeting its nuclear-related, other weapons of mass destruction-related, and ballistic missile-related programmes; most recently UNSCR 2270 (2016) . In addition to applying UN sanctions, the EU has also put in place additional autonomous measures.
The current restrictive measures regime related to the DPRK includes a range of export and import restrictions including on arms and related materiel of all types; all items, materials, equipment, goods and technology, which could contribute to the DPRK's nuclear-related, ballistic-missile-related or other weapons of mass destruction-related programs; key components for the ballistic-missile sector; any other item that could contribute to the development of the operational capabilities of the DPRK's armed forces. Related financial assistance, technical training, advice, services, assistance or brokering services, or other intermediary services are also prohibited. Further details on the range of restrictions on DPRK established under current EU measures can be found here: www.sanctionsmap.eu/
Ireland supports the continued use of EU sanctions to maintain pressure on Russia and DPRK.
