The European Union has prohibited the purchase, import, or transfer of gold originating in Sudan and exported after 15 July 2026, and banned the sale, supply, transfer or export of goods that could be used for gold mining or exploitation in Sudan. The measures, adopted by the Council on 13 July 2026 under Decision (CFSP) 2026/1705 amending Decision (CFSP) 2023/2135, target activities undermining the stability and political transition of Sudan.
Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia and Ukraine have aligned themselves with the Council Decision, committing to conform their national policies accordingly. The EU welcomed this alignment.
The new restrictive measures aim to cut off a key revenue source for actors destabilising Sudan, where gold mining has been linked to conflict financing. The ban on gold imports directly affects EU-based refiners and traders, who must now verify the origin of Sudanese gold. Export restrictions on mining equipment may impact European manufacturers of machinery used in gold extraction. Sudanese gold miners and exporters face reduced access to the EU market, while the transitional authorities in Sudan could see a decrease in illicit financial flows, potentially supporting political stability. The EU's move follows a pattern of using targeted economic measures to pressure parties in conflict, though the effectiveness of such sanctions often depends on enforcement and the cooperation of third countries.