The EU High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, proposed on Friday 3 April that certain sanctions be relaxed on humanitarian grounds.
Countries such as Iran are having difficulty purchasing the medical equipment needed to deal with COVID-19, partly because of US sanctions. Even if these sanctions do not concern the humanitarian sector, companies are reluctant to trade with this country because of the extraterritorial nature of US sanctions (see EUROPE 12452/9). Russia, itself subject to restrictive measures, has called for a moratorium on dealing with COVID-19 (see EUROPE 12456/34).
“Sanctions should not be applied to the delivery of essential equipment and supplies needed to combat the coronavirus”, Mr Borrell explained after a Foreign Affairs Council meeting via videoconference.
He announced that he is currently working on a communication to support UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet in this regard. This communication, which calls for the relaxation of sanctions on humanitarian grounds, will require the unanimous agreement of the Member States.
The Commission is due to present a communication on Tuesday 7 April on the EU’s global response to COVID-19. This could be discussed the next day at the European Development Ministers’ videoconference.
As with the G7 (see EUROPE 12455/21), the High Representative recalled the importance of international cooperation in the fight against COVID-19. The crisis will not be dealt with if it is not dealt with everywhere, Borrell said, adding that there could be setbacks.
“Africa is a particular concern”, he said (see other news), also highlighting the situation in countries at war such as Libya (see EUROPE 12457/23), Syria (see EUROPE 12457/24) or Yemen (see EUROPE 12458/39), where “the devastating effects of the coronavirus could be multiplied”. The High Representative therefore underlined European support for Mr Guterres’ efforts to coordinate a global response to the pandemic and his call for a global ceasefire.
Like the NATO Ministers the day before (see other news), the EU Foreign Ministers have decided to strengthen their activities and capabilities in the fight against the disinformation that continues to spread (see EUROPE 12457/32). “The Rapid Response Unit will continue to address the issue and better coordinate our efforts with Member States and social networking platforms”, the High Representative explained. He added that it was also important to communicate on what the EU is doing and on solidarity between Member States during the coronavirus crisis. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)