In January 2024 the European Council adopted a sanctions framework in Guatemala following repeated attempts to nullify the democratic results of the general and presidential elections in Guatemala, which resulted in a clear victory of President-elect Bernardo Arévalo, as attested by the EU Election Observation Mission to Guatemala.
In view of the persistent attempts to nullify the democratic results of the general and presidential elections in Guatemala, which resulted in a clear victory of President-elect Bernardo Arévalo, as attested by the EU Election Observation Mission to Guatemala, the European Council adopted an autonomous framework for restrictive measures in view of the situation in Guatemala on 12th January 2024
Sanction Name
Restrictive Measures in View of the Situation in Guatemala
First Imposed
Last updated
Targets
Asset Freeze and Travel Ban:
• The measures target those considered responsible for actions that undermine democracy, the rule of law and a peaceful transfer of power in Guatemala, including through persecution or intimidation of public officials, democratically-elected authorities, civil society, media and judicial operators among others, as well as through financial misconduct concerning public funds and the unauthorised export of capital.
Exemptions
1. There are exemptions for the delivery of humanitarian aid.
On 10th April 2024, the Federal Council decided to take coercive measures against Guatemala and adopted an ordinance to this effect. Switzerland has thus joined the sanctions imposed on Guatemala by the European Union on 12 January 2024.
Sanction Name
Regulation On Measures Against Guatemala
SANCTIONS
First Imposed
Last updated
Targets
Asset Freeze and Travel Ban:
• These measures target senior officials in Guatemala’s judiciary who undermine democracy, the rule of law, and the peaceful transition of power in Guatemala, including by attempting to invalidate the legitimate result of the 2023 presidential elections.
