UK sanctions relating to unauthorised drilling activities
This page provides guidance on the UK’s sanctions regime relating to unauthorised drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean
The unauthorised drilling activities sanctions regime
The Unauthorised Drilling Activities in the Eastern Mediterranean (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 came fully into force on 31 December 2020. They put in place sanctions measures to discourage any hydrocarbon exploration, production or extraction activities which:
- have not been authorised by the Republic of Cyprus in its territorial sea, or are
- in its exclusive economic zone
- on its continental shelf
This includes, in cases where the exclusive economic zone or continental shelf has not been delimited in accordance with international law with a State having an opposite coast, activities which may jeopardise or hamper the reaching of a delimitation agreement.
This instrument is one element of a broader strategy to achieve the UK’s foreign policy goals around supporting efforts to reach delimitation agreements and stability.
These regulations have replaced, with substantially the same effect, relevant existing EU legislation and related UK regulations.
Those persons who are designated under this regime are included on the UK sanctions list.
Find out more about other UK sanctions regimes.
Contact details
For further information on financial sanctions: contact the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation OFSI@hmtreasury.gov.uk or subscribe to the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation’s e-alerts
For further information on trade sanctions: contact the Export Control Joint Unit Helpline on 020 7215 4594 or email exportcontrol.help@trade.gov.uk or subscribe to the Export Control Joint Unit’s notices to exporters
For further information on transport sanctions: contact the Department for Transport on transportsanctions@dft.gov.uk
For general information on sanctions: contact the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s Sanctions Directorate on Fcdo.correspondence@fcdo.gov.uk
Documents
An explanatory memorandum accompanies the regulations, providing further information on their provisions.
Section 2(4) of the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018: report
Last updated 31 December 2020 + show all updates
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The UK's sanctions framework has changed.
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First published.