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This decision paves the way for the issuance of travel bans and assets freezes to some 40 members of the Alexander Lukashenko regime, responsible for the manipulation of the presidential elections and the repression of protesters.
The EU countries had already decided in principle to impose sanctions on the Minsk regime, but were blocked by Cyprus, which called for similar measures against Turkey, with which the country disagrees on the exploration of natural gas in the eastern Mediterranean.
In a summit statement that was drawn up after more than six hours of discussion, the leaders of the 27 countries warned Ankara that it could be sanctioned “immediately” if it continued to explore for gas in Cypriot waters.
That statement was enough for Cyprus to lift its veto on individual sanctions for the protracted crisis in Belarus. Authorities say they will go into effect on Friday.
“No, Lukashenko is not on the current list, but of course we will follow the situation and events,” Michel said after a meeting with EU leaders.
„Reuters“ / „Scanpix“ nuotr./Charles’is Michelis
For almost two months there have been unprecedented protests in Belarus over the presidential elections on August 9, which Lukashenko has ruled the country since 1994. The opposition and Western countries consider these elections to be rigged.
The first night of the two-day European Union summit was dominated by the bloc’s difficult ties with Turkey, which is embroiled in a dangerous maritime dispute with Greece and Cyprus.
The leaders’ statement offers Ankara the prospect of closer ties and better trade if it agrees to “continue the dialogue in good faith and refrain from unilateral action.”
However, he warns that the EU is ready to impose sanctions, possibly including far-reaching economic measures, if Turkey continues what Brussels considers an illegal violation of Cypriot waters.
“Once such action is renewed in Ankara, the EU will use all the means and opportunities at its disposal. We have a set of tools that we can adapt immediately,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told reporters. , at the end of the first day of the summit.
However, previous EU warnings and sanctions against those involved in reconnaissance have hardly deterred Ankara, and the final declaration lacks the urgent action required by Nicosia.
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