Following a series of sanctions imposed on Libya by the United States, the United Nations and the United Kingdom, the European Union has belatedly introduced a new arms embargo, an asset freeze and a visa ban on Libya, which are stricter in scope than the original UN sanctions.

On 28 February 2011, amidst calls for an international concerted action to stop bloodshed by Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, the Council of the European Union adopted Decision 7081/137/CFSP to implement the United Nations Security Council Resolution on Libya of 26 February 2011 (UNSC 1970/2011) providing for an arms embargo, an asset freeze and a travel ban. By the same Decision, the EU provided for additional restrictive measures, showing its firm stance against the unfolding disturbing situation in Libya. The arms embargo and asset freeze are introduced at the EU level by Council Regulation (EU) No 204/2011 of 3 March 2011, which entered into force on the same day. The Regulation applies within the territory of the EU, and on board any aircraft or any vessel of a Member State, to nationals of the EU Member States and to legal persons incorporated or constituted under the law of a Member State, and in respect of any business done within the EU.