The EU extends sanctions on Nicaragua until 2027 and demands the release of political prisoners

The Council of the European Union extended the existing targeted sanctions regarding the situation in Nicaragua until October 15, 2027 this Friday, October 9, and reiterated its demand to release all political prisoners in the Central American country.

According to the official statement from the EU Council, the measures currently affect 21 individuals and three entities. The decision represents a one-year extension of the existing sanctions regime, with no new additions to the list announced.

Sanctioned individuals and entities are subject to the freezing of their assets, while citizens and companies of the European Union are prohibited from providing funds to them. Furthermore, individuals included on the list are not allowed to enter or transit through EU territory.

These are restrictions aimed at specific individuals and entities, not general economic sanctions against the Nicaraguan population.

The EU demands the release of political prisoners

In its statement, the Council condemned what it referred to as a "systemic repression" exerted by the Nicaraguan authorities and reiterated its call for the release of all political prisoners.

The institution also called for the full restoration of the rule of law and the return to Nicaragua of international human rights organizations, whose presence it deems necessary in light of the political crisis.

Electoral reforms and international pressure

The European sanctions framework was established in October 2019 in response to the deterioration of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Nicaragua. EU member states review the restrictive measures annually.

The new extension comes in a context of international scrutiny of the regime of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo. At the end of September, CiberCuba reported on the convening of a meeting of OAS foreign ministers to examine the political crisis in Nicaragua and the restrictions on opposition participation in the elections.

The EU Council called for dialogue between the Nicaraguan regime and the opposition, particularly to agree on electoral reforms that would allow for a democratic, peaceful, and negotiated solution to the crisis. It also stated that it will continue to support the aspirations of Nicaraguans for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.