While the foreign affairs discussion of the EU Heads of State and Government, scheduled for the morning of Friday 16 October, is expected to focus primarily on Africa (see separate news item), they could also address several other topical issues such as Turkish actions in the Mediterranean, the situation in Belarus or the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh.
The Greek and Cypriot leaders may refer to the latest developments in the Mediterranean, be it the sending of a Turkish seismic exploration vessel into the Greek maritime area (see EUROPE 12572/1) or the opening to the public of Varosha beach in northern Cyprus in violation of UN resolutions (see EUROPE 12580/12).
According to this source, delegations could call for a condemnation of Turkish activities in the Mediterranean in the European Council conclusions. “There will probably be, in one way or another, a message to Turkey that if it continues on this path, the EU Council will take decisions in December” (see EUROPE 12579/4), said one diplomat. According to several sources, no decision should be taken during Friday’s discussion on possible measures against Ankara.
The situation in Belarus (see EUROPE 12579/1) and the continuing conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh could be addressed (see EUROPE 12579A3).
Contrary to what the leaders had announced in their conclusions of 1 and 2 October (see EUROPE 12573/4), it is not certain, according to several sources, that the European Council would revisit the poisoning of political opponent Alexei Navalny, after the agreement at the Foreign Affairs Council to impose sanctions against those presumed responsible for this poisoning.
Such measures are to be adopted this Thursday, ahead of the European Council, against six individuals and one entity (see other news). (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant with editorial staff)