Ireland renews EU restrictive measures on Libya in new regulations

Ireland has renewed its legal framework for EU sanctions against Libya with the European Union (Restrictive Measures concerning Libya) (No. 2) Regulations 2026, made by the Minister for Finance and published in Iris Oifigiúil (No. 67) on Friday, 21 August 2026. The instrument, S.I. No. 432 of 2026, gives full effect in Irish law to Council Regulation (EU) No. 2016/44 of 18 January 2016, and is binding on Irish persons and companies with Libyan dealings.

Legal basis and scope

The regulations were made under section 3 of the European Communities Act 1972 (No. 27 of 1972), the standard enabling provision through which Ireland transposes binding EU measures into domestic law. By giving full effect to the Council regulation, the instrument ensures that the asset freezes, travel bans and other restrictive measures adopted by the EU against Libya are directly enforceable in Ireland.

The measure applies to any Irish person or entity, wherever located, and to any person or company operating within Irish territory that has dealings with Libya. It is the second such instrument issued in 2026, as reflected in the “(No. 2)” designation.

Key obligations

The regulations give legal force to the EU’s Libya sanctions regime, which includes:

• Freezing of funds and economic resources of designated persons and entities.
• Prohibition on making funds or economic resources available to listed parties.
• Travel restrictions on designated individuals.
• Reporting and cooperation duties for financial institutions and other obliged persons.

Publication and availability

Copies of S.I. No. 432 of 2026 may be purchased from Government Publications, Mountshannon Road, Kilmainham, Dublin, D08 XA06 (phone 046 942 3100; email publications@opw.ie), at a price of €3.00.

Why it matters

For Irish businesses, banks and individuals with commercial or financial links to Libya, the regulations confirm that the EU’s restrictive measures remain in force and carry the full weight of Irish law. Failure to comply with the asset-freeze and reporting obligations can expose those concerned to enforcement action, making the instrument a practical compliance reference for anyone operating in the Libyan market.

Source: Iris Oifigiúil, No. 67, 21 August 2026, p. (official reference: S.I. No. 432 of 2026).