The European Union has lifted the asset freeze on the Zimbabwe Defence Industries (ZDI), the last entity remaining on its sanctions list.
Sanctions were originally imposed in 2002 after then-President Robert Mugabe expelled the EU’s chief election observer. Over the years, the EU gradually eased these restrictions, with the ZDI asset freeze being the final measure to be removed. However, an arms embargo on Zimbabwe remains in place, preventing the sale of weapons and equipment that could be used for internal repression, the EU announced on Tuesday.
Although no entities are currently under EU sanctions, the bloc has extended its 2011 non-binding Council Decision for another year. This framework allows the EU to impose new sanctions on Zimbabwean individuals or entities if human rights violations occur. The next review is scheduled for February 20, 2026.
In a statement, the EU reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring developments in Zimbabwe, particularly regarding human rights, and stated that it is prepared to adjust its policies accordingly.
There are no trade restrictions between Zimbabwe and the EU, though the bloc does not provide development aid directly through the Zimbabwean government.
For comments, Feedback and Opinions do get in touch with our editor on WhatsApp: +44 7949 297606.