Statement by EU High Representative Mogherini on decision to appeal EU General Court’s judgment regarding Hamas – EU statement/Non-UN document

150119_01en

STATEMENT

Statement by High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini on the decision to appeal the Judgment regarding Hamas

The Council of the European Union has decided to appeal today the Judgment of the General Court (in Case T-400/10 – Hamas v. Council) of 17 December 2014.

The Judgment of the General Court of the European Union annulled measures taken by the Council of the European Union against Hamas, namely the designation of Hamas as a terrorist organisation and the freezing of Hamas' funds. This ruling was clearly based on procedural grounds and did not imply any assessment by the Court of the merits of designating the Hamas as a terrorist organization.

The Council has now decided to challenge some of the findings of the Court regarding the procedural grounds to list terrorist organizations under EU autonomous measures to combat terrorism, as set out in Common Position 2001/931. As a result of the appeal, the effects of the Judgment are suspended until a final judgment is rendered by the Court of Justice.

The EU institutions are also studying carefully other appropriate remedial actions that may be taken to avoid possible annulments in the future within the ongoing review process of EU autonomous measures to combat terrorism. The fight against terrorism remains a priority for the European Union. In this sense, the EU is determined to stem the financing of terrorism, for which EU autonomous measures are an essential tool.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS:

Catherine Ray +32 498 96 99 21 – +32 2 296 99 21 – Catherine.Ray@ec.europa.eu – @CatherineEUspox

Maja Kocijancic +32 498 984 425 – +32 2 298 65 70 – Maja.Kocijancic@ec.europa.eu – @MajaEUspox

Nabila Massrali +32 460 75 41 75 – Nabila.Massrali@ec.europa.eu

http://eeas.europa.eu/statements-eeas/2015/150119_01_en.htm