EU extends ISIL and Al-Qaida sanctions until October 2027

LONDON, Oct. 27, 2026 —

BRUSSELS, Oct. 26, 2026 — The Council of the European Union adopted Decision (CFSP) 2026/2378, extending restrictive measures against ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups and entities until Oct. 31, 2027. The decision amends Decision (CFSP) 2016/1693, which established the EU's autonomous counterterrorism sanctions framework in September 2016.

The renewed measures maintain asset freezes against all designated individuals and groups, while listed individuals remain subject to travel bans preventing their entry into or transit through EU territory. EU persons and entities are also prohibited from making funds or economic resources available, directly or indirectly, to those designated.

The EU's autonomous sanctions list currently comprises 15 individuals and eight groups. The restrictions operate independently of, and supplement, sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council against ISIL and Al-Qaida. This allows the EU to designate individuals and organizations under its own legal framework, including those involved in financing, facilitating or supporting terrorist activities.

The extension follows the Council's annual review of the regime and preserves existing restrictions rather than introducing a new round of designations. The framework is intended to disrupt terrorist financing, recruitment and operational support networks, including activities facilitating attacks and the dissemination of terrorist propaganda.

The sanctions remain subject to periodic review, with the Council required to assess the measures at least every 12 months. The latest decision ensures the EU's autonomous counterterrorism restrictions remain in force through October 2027 unless subsequently amended or renewed.