EU leaders have agreed to impose sanctions on the Belarusian regime and call for an economic support plan

The text has been complemented with a financial support plan and a comment by G. Nausda.

The European Council (EVS) agreed on the sanctions on Friday night. After lengthy discussions, a compromise was reached when Cyprus finally abandoned its position of blocking measures against the Belarusian regime, demanding that the EU also impose sanctions on Turkey for the ingestion of oil and gas in the eastern Mediterranean.

The introductory document of the EVS also emphasizes that the European Commission is called upon to draw up a plan of financial support for democratic Belarus in the near future.

At the same time, EU leaders agreed to provide strong support to Cyprus and Greece and to press Turkey against a more threatening measure if it were to commit to work in the Mediterranean.

For a dual strategy, he said at a press conference after midnight that EVS chairman Charles Michel was quoted by Reuters.

We declare that we want to provide an opportunity for political dialogue. We reiterate our commitment to Greece and Cyprus, said the president of EVS, emphasizing that the EU is ready for a positive dialogue if Turkey wants to engage in a more positive dialogue.

He also confirmed that there were no sanctions against Mr. Lukashenko, but that the EU would monitor the situation and developments.

According to the EU diplomat, Lukashenko’s stream of sanctions could be withdrawn later if he refuses to start negotiations with the opposition.

The EU sanctions on Belarus are an early sign for those who are undermining various democratic processes, says German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Germany now holds the Presidency of the Community.

I think it’s an important sign, he said.

Nausda: US sanctions can now be expected.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausda says that if the EU agrees to sanctions against the Belarusian regime, US sanctions can also be expected.

Lithuania has a good sanctions plan for Belarus to be approved, now the United States can be expected to approve its sanctions plan soon, the head of state said in a comment to BNS from Brussels.

So, we will have an increasingly key regional response to what is happening in Belarus, and most importantly, we will really satisfy the aspirations of Belarusian companies, which they say more than once, because we will be much more difficult to defeat alone if we do not helps, he added.

According to him, the issue of sanctions against Minsk was difficult, but most importantly, a positive result was achieved.

In fact, it was a relatively complex process as it was linked to the conflict in the Mediterranean and we had to talk a lot on both issues, said Mr. Nausda.

He thanked all colleagues for the results, as well as the representatives of Greece and Cyprus for their flexibility.

The decision of the European leader allows the issuance of travel bans and the freezing of properties of about 40 members of the Alexander Lukashenko regime, who are responsible for the manipulation of the presidential elections and the repression of protesters.

Carrot and turkey stick

EU leaders have warned Turkey that Brussels is ready to impose sanctions on Ankara if it continues to consume gas in Cypriot waters.

If Ankara continues to commit illegal violations of Cypriot waters, the EU is ready to punish Turkey with economic sanctions.

It is true that the joint statement of the community leader gives Turkey the opportunity to amend, sanctions are not imposed twice, the Ankar community only warns Turkey so far. This warning has led Cyprus to stop imposing sanctions on Belarus.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel emphasized that there is room for improvement.

We also want to pursue a positive agenda because we understand the importance of a strategic relationship with Turkey, despite the differences, says Merkel.

The Community stands ready to offer Turkey closer ties and trade prospects if Ankara agrees to end its actions as accession to the EU.

We are ready to develop a positive dialogue with Turkey, but only if Turkey also changes its actions and participates in such dialogue with us and, of course, puts an end to violations of international law, Mr Michel commented at the press conference.

The EU Leaders’ Declaration has given Ankara closer ties and the prospect of better trade if it commits to continuing the dialogue in good faith and refraining from unilateral action. Community leaders call on Turkey to continue cooperating on migration issues as well.

If Turkey continues to take unilateral actions and provocations that violate international law, the EU will use all the instruments at its disposal, the EU leaders in a joint statement and a quote from the sanctions section of the EU Treaty.

Mr Michel, President of the EEA, stressed that he expected the Community to have a strong voice on the international stage.

The behavior of Cyprus and the blocking of sanctions have once again provoked a debate on the unilateral adoption of Community action in the field of foreign policy. There was no way the Community could impose sanctions on Belarus until Cyprus blocked them, calling for a stronger response from the EU to Turkey.

EU leaders agreed yesterday to closely monitor developments in the eastern Mediterranean and address the issue at their next meeting in December.

EVS continues today. A press conference is also planned for the heads of the community institutions in the afternoon. Yesterday was a day dedicated exclusively to foreign policy, and today the EVS will discuss internal EU issues, including budgets.

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