Encouraging the EU to DESIGNATE Resolution
This House Resolution is a non-binding request in which Congress urges the European Union to expeditiously designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization under the EU’s Common Position 2001/931/CFSP. The resolution notes that the United States designated the IRGC as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in 2019 and that Canada did so in 2024, and it emphasizes the IRGC’s alleged human rights abuses, its support for proxy terrorist groups, and its involvement in conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere (including Russia’s war in Ukraine). The measure also directs the U.S. government to push EU designation as a diplomatic priority and welcomes international moves to designate the IRGC. Importantly, this is a House-passed resolution (a statement of congressional position), not a bill that creates new law or funding obligations.
Key Points
- 1Urges EU designation: The resolution asks the European Union to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization under the EU’s Common Position 2001/931/CFSP.
- 2Uses a defined EU process: It references the EU framework for designating terrorist groups (Common Position 931) and notes that a “competent authority” can include a judicial authority, with third-party countries (like the U.S.) able to propose designations.
- 3Highlights prior designations and abuses: It cites the IRGC’s U.S. designation in 2019, Canadian designation in 2024, and alleges extensive human rights abuses by the IRGC and Basij, plus support for terrorist proxies and involvement in international assassinations and violent activities.
- 4Calls for diplomatic priority: It instructs the U.S. government (the Trump administration, per the text) to prioritize pressuring the EU to designate the IRGC and to coordinate with other nations that seek designation.
- 5Nature and scope: As a House resolution, it expresses a political stance and encouragement, not new law or mandatory policy for the United States or the European Union.