Borrell: EU foreign ministers will consider a new package of sanctions against Belarus today

EU foreign ministers will consider a new package of sanctions against Belarus today in connection with the smuggling of migrants across the EU border, European Union Foreign Minister Josep Borrell said today as he arrived in the Brussels Council.

Mr Borrell said the sanctions being considered were effective because they would target individuals, namely their well-being and ability to move. He added that the legal framework for imposing sanctions on airlines, travel agencies and all those involved in these illegal smuggling of migrants to the EU border is being considered.

Mr Borel also said he had a telephone conversation with his Polish, Lithuanian and Belarusian counterparts on Sunday, as well as with the UN Secretary-General. During a conversation with the Belarusian Foreign Minister, Mr. Borrell said that he pointed out the “completely unacceptable” situation, the need to provide humanitarian aid and the need to resolve the problem by stopping flights and migrant flows.

At the same time, Mr. Borel stated that in the last few days, contacts and talks are being held with the countries of origin and transit of migrants, from where the flows to the EU seem to be under control. He also noted that the Vice President of the Commission, Margaritis Schoinas, is currently in Baghdad.

In addition, the Foreign Ministers will discuss the situation in Varosia in occupied northern Cyprus, whose regime Turkey seeks to change. The European External Action Service is currently working on a number of options for responding to Turkish actions, which will be presented to the December Council.

The Foreign Ministers will also examine the situation in the Western Balkans, the situation in the Sahel, Sudan and Ethiopia.

SOURCE: AMPE