Highlights

High Representative Catherine Ashton and
Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs Radoslaw Sikorski
© European Union, 2011

The Foreign Affairs Council decided at its meeting of 20 June to toughen the sanctions against the Belarus regime in view of the continuing deterioration in human rights, democracy and the rule of law since the presidential election last December.

It targeted key business interests for the first time and froze the assets of three companies linked to the regime. It also added four more individuals to the list of 188, including President Lukashenko, already subject to an assets freeze and a visa ban.

In addition, the Council imposed an arms embargo and a ban on materials that could be used for internal repression.

The Council condemned the recent developments in Belarus, including the ongoing politically motivated persecution of democratic forces, independent media and civil society representatives.

At the same time, it stressed that the EU is strengthening its engagement with the Belarusian people and civil society. The total EU funding targeting the country's population - providing support in particular to repressed individuals, non-governmental organisations, media and students - will amount to 17.3 million euros in the period from 2011 to 2013.

The Union will continue to closely monitor the situation in Belarus, recalling that the development of bilateral relations is conditional on respect for the principles of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Further measures will be considered as appropriate.

More information:
Council conclusions on Belarus (pdf)
EEAS - Belarus