Denouncing the ongoing repression of Alexander Lukashenko’s regime, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, announced at the end of a video conference held on Thursday 19 November with European foreign ministers that they had agreed to proceed with preparing a new round of sanctions against Belarus.
“Member States are of the opinion that there are no positive signs at all from the Lukashenko regime”, including the ongoing repression against his people, Borrell told the media. “The EU must react; we have many Member States who have asked for a new sanctions package to be prepared”, he said.
The EU has already sanctioned 59 people, including Mr Lukashenko (see EUROPE 12597/11), but this time it could hit out even harder. According to the High Representative, the measures night not only affect individuals, but also institutions, entrepreneurs and enterprises.
“Now we have to go to maybe more sensitive issues, which is sanctioning firms which will affect the development of their normal activity”, he warned.
In addition to sanctions, ministers could take additional decisions on the proposal from Mr Borrell at the Foreign Affairs Council to be held on 7 December. The proposal specifically noted possible reductions in all bilateral contacts and co-operation, maintaining them when they are of benefit to the population or in the interests of the EU, as well limiting Belarus’ participation in the Eastern Partnership to that of a non-political level. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)