According to a statement by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, 11 non-EU member states, including Armenia and Azerbaijan, have agreed to the European Council's decision to extend the European Magnitsky Act for another year. This legislation empowers the EU to impose sanctions on officials, individuals, and entities found responsible for serious human rights violations or abuses.

"On December 4, 2023, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2023/27211, amending Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999. The Council extended the Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999 application until December 8, 2026. The Council renewed the existing restrictive measures for a further twelve months, until December 8, 2024, and amends the list of persons and entities subject to restrictive measures as set out in the Annex to Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999,” he said.

The statement indicates that candidate countries (North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina), EFTA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway), and members of the European Economic Area, as well as Armenia and Azerbaijan, have aligned themselves with the European Council՛s decision to extend the European Magnitsky Act. These countries commit to ensuring that their national policies conform with this decision. 

“The European Union takes note of this commitment and welcomes it,” reads the statement.