On Thursday 17th and Friday 18th October, the Heads of State and Government at the European Council are expected to discuss the latest Turkish actions in the Cypriot Exclusive Economic Zone and in particular, those in north-eastern Syria.
While it was not yet clear on 16 October, as it was wrapping up, whether conclusions on the subject would be adopted by the European Council, a diplomat expected "considerable discussions to take place regarding Turkey”. Another European source felt that leaders could not fail to discuss this “major crisis in our region". Beyond the humanitarian consequences, the offensive could benefit Daesh.
The Heads of State and Government could take over the decisions of their ministers to “adopt firm national positions regarding their arms export policy to Turkey" in retaliation for the Turkish offensive in Syria (see EUROPE 12348/1), as well as developing a framework for targeted sanctions against “natural and legal persons responsible or involved in illegal oil drilling in the Eastern Mediterranean" (see EUROPE 12348/2).
Leaders might take into account the latest developments, particularly in north-eastern Syria, but are not expected to discuss new sanctions. "Those actions undertaken by ministers have already been strong. (...) I do not see, at this stage, any need or opportunity to add to them”, said one diplomat. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant with editorial staff)