TITLE: Ireland Implements European Union Restrictive Measures Concerning Sudan Stability and Political Transition
BODY:
On July 28, 2026, Ireland's Statutory Instruments published S.I. No. 371/2026, implementing European Union restrictive measures concerning Sudan's stability and political transition. Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, made the regulations under section 3 of the European Communities Act 1972 to give full effect to Council Regulation (EU) 2023/2147 of October 9, 2023, as amended.
The regulations establish criminal offences for contravention of specified provisions of the Council Regulation. Persons guilty of offences face penalties on summary conviction of a class A fine or imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both. On conviction on indictment, penalties increase to fines not exceeding €500,000 or imprisonment for up to three years, or both. The regulations permit authorised persons to undertake activities specified under the Council Regulation, provided they comply with authorisation terms and conditions. Competent authorities in Ireland may issue written directions to persons for purposes of administering and enforcing the Council Regulation and these regulations. Failure to comply with such directions within specified timeframes constitutes an offence, attracting a class A fine or imprisonment for up to six months on summary conviction. The regulations extend to conduct committed outside Ireland by Irish citizens, with proceedings requiring Director of Public Prosecutions consent. Directors, managers, and officers of body corporates may be held personally liable for offences committed with their consent, connivance, or attributable to their neglect. The regulations revoke the European Union (Restrictive Measures concerning Sudan) (No. 4) Regulations 2026 (S.I. No. 210 of 2026) and incorporate 11 amending Council and Commission implementing regulations issued between January 2024 and July 2026.
The regulations came into effect upon publication on July 28, 2026.