The European Union has extended its long-standing arms embargo on Zimbabwe for another year, maintaining one of the last remaining elements of its restrictive measures against the southern African nation, according to a press release by the Council of the EU. The decision was adopted following the bloc’s annual review of sanctions on 17 February 2026 and will keep the embargo in place until 20 February 2027.
The Council’s review concluded that while many restrictive provisions are no longer necessary, the arms embargo remains a key tool to address ongoing concerns about the situation in Zimbabwe, particularly with respect to human rights and governance. “The Council has decided to extend the arms embargo for one year, until 20 February 2027,” the official statement read, noting that the EU will continue to assess the effectiveness of the measure in light of future developments.
In the same decision, the EU lifted provisions related to the possibility of imposing travel bans and asset freezes on individuals and entities connected to the Zimbabwe government or security apparatus. This reflects a significant shift from earlier sanctions frameworks that included broader financial and movement restrictions.
The restrictive measures date back over a decade: the Council first adopted them on 15 February 2011, replacing an even older framework from 18 February 2002. These were originally imposed in response to concerns over governance issues and alleged human rights abuses under then-President Robert Mugabe. “The EU remains constructively engaged with Zimbabwe,” the Council said, emphasising efforts to broaden bilateral cooperation beyond sanctions.
Human rights organisations have welcomed the delisting of entities previously targeted under the sanctions regime but remain cautious about the continued arms embargo. Analysts suggest that maintaining the embargo signals ongoing European concern over potential use of military equipment to suppress internal dissent or violate civil liberties.
Zimbabwean government officials have not yet issued a detailed response to the EU’s latest sanctions review, but in previous years Harare has criticised Western sanctions as unjust and harmful to national sovereignty. With trade and diplomatic relations a priority for both sides, the extended embargo could shape negotiations between the EU and Zimbabwe on issues such as investment and reform in the coming year.
