Lawmakers in Brussels are drawing up a list of possible sanctions against Turkey in order to force Ankara to limit its offshore gas exploration in the eastern Mediterranean, the German station “Deutsche Welle” has reported.
Meanwhile, the situation continues to escalate, owing to military movements and Ankara’s talk of a “casus belli.” At the end of August, the European Union’s foreign ministers saw no alternative but to draw up a list of specific sanctions, while EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell stated that EU leaders “could” take a decision during the European Council meeting scheduled for 24 September — they could, and they will.
For now, the European Union prefers caution. Borrell continues to conduct parallel negotiations with Turkey, trying to reduce the escalation of the situation, while Germany, which currently holds the EU presidency, is trying to act as a mediator between the countries.
The lists of possible sanctions are being drawn up and refined by the European Commission, as well as by various working groups of the EU Council. Cyprus and Greece are concerned that the process could drag on.
Both countries have stated that they agree to the imposition of sanctions against Belarus, provided that sanctions are also applied against Ankara. These measures are taken only by unanimous agreement, so each member state can block this step.
