EU prepares new ' human trafficking sanctions' against Belarus

The European Union will impose new sanctions on Belarus for the smuggling of thousands of asylum seekers into the EU. EU member states have agreed in principle on this, although ministers still need to ratify this following Monday (15 Novemeber).

The EU already punished the regime of Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko several times last year for the brutal suppression of the protest movement after the national presidential elections in the country. 

In revenge for the EU sanctions, Minsk has, according to the EU, for some months now been taking in asylum seekers from Iraq and Syria, among others, and trying to deport them across the union's external border. A new arsenal of sanctions is needed to punish individuals and organisations for this "state-sponsored human trafficking". This was approved by the ambassadors of the EU Member States on Wednesday (10 November), Brussels sources said.

"At the beginning of next week there will be a broadening of sanctions" also agrees President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. "It is important that Lukashenko realises that his behaviour has a price."

The new sanctions are expected to affect state-owned airline Belavia, among others. Other airlines that would have assisted Minsk in the challenged practices may also have to fear this.

 

source: commonspace.eu with agencies
photo: Migrants gather at the Belarusian-Polish border. Getty Images

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
Kremlin taking urgent measures to protect May 9 parade from Ukrainian attacks

Kremlin taking urgent measures to protect May 9 parade from Ukrainian attacks

The Kremlin was forced Wednesday to say it was taking "all necessary measures" to ensure the safety of foreign leaders set to attend its flagship May 9 parade after a wave of Ukrainian drone attacks closed airports across the country, disrupting hundreds of flights. Moscow and Kyiv traded a barrage of drone attacks ahead of the parade, which has become a key event during Vladimir Putin's 25 years in power, as US talks pushing for an end to the conflict appeared to have stalled. Moscow will hold the Victory Day event on Red Square to mark 80 years of the defeat of Nazi Germany, an anniversary that comes more than three years into its Ukraine offensive.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
Kremlin taking urgent measures to protect May 9 parade from Ukrainian attacks

Kremlin taking urgent measures to protect May 9 parade from Ukrainian attacks

The Kremlin was forced Wednesday to say it was taking "all necessary measures" to ensure the safety of foreign leaders set to attend its flagship May 9 parade after a wave of Ukrainian drone attacks closed airports across the country, disrupting hundreds of flights. Moscow and Kyiv traded a barrage of drone attacks ahead of the parade, which has become a key event during Vladimir Putin's 25 years in power, as US talks pushing for an end to the conflict appeared to have stalled. Moscow will hold the Victory Day event on Red Square to mark 80 years of the defeat of Nazi Germany, an anniversary that comes more than three years into its Ukraine offensive.