European Council Introduces Guatemala Sanctions Regime

The European Council last week established a new sanctions regime to target parties undermining democracy in Guatemala following the nation's 2023 elections. The regime will allow the EU to impose restrictions on people and entities "responsible for actions that undermine democracy, the rule of law and a peaceful transfer of power in Guatemala," the council said. Examples of sanctionable activity include intimidating public officials and "financial misconduct concerning public funds and the unauthorised export of capital."

Josep Borrell, EU high representative for foreign affairs, said the sanctions framework "shows we stand with the people of Guatemala and against those who are undermining the country’s democracy. The EU is looking forward to working closely with the future administration of President [Bernardo] Arevalo and I am pleased to travel to Guatemala to personally witness the transfer of power."