According to the consolidated version of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), the European Union (EU, the Union) shall contribute to the protection of human rights as well as to the strict observance and the development of international law in its relations with the wider world. In doing so, the Union shall seek to advance values such as democracy, the rule of law, respect for human dignity and respect for the principles of the United Nations (UN) Charter and international law across the world. Whether this post-Lisbon framework implies a positive duty for the EU – where this is reasonably possible within the exercise of its powers – to set the conditions for a fairer and more effective enjoyment of human rights worldwide is debatable. Despite its rather unclear content, such a general duty has nonetheless facilitated more resolute action against (some) violations of human rights taking place worldwide. In 2020, taking stock of the Union's autonomous role in adopting restrictive measures based, inter alia, on human rights considerations against third countries and non-state actors or on thematic grounds, the EU adopted its ‘Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime’ (GHRSR ).