1 February

Yesterday during the Foreign Affairs Council the European Union foreign ministers approved the enforcement of sanctions against Belarusian officials tied to the violent acts and arrests that took place after the recent presidential elections. Entrance and travel bans for the European Union as well as financial sanctions are being imposed on these individuals. Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said the decision was made to enforce sanctions against the Belarusian officials that were connected with the violence and mass arrests, violations of election law, and propaganda that followed the presidential elections on 19 December.

One opportunity to do so is supporting civil society through European Union Eastern Partnership, he added. “For example, we need to help Belarusian university students and facilitate travel for people,” Paet said.