EU foreign ministers will adopt without discussion a regulation on restrictive measures against individuals and companies related to illegal Turkish drilling in the eastern Mediterranean, as stated in the official Council agenda released in Brussels.

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The EU has already decided to impose restrictive measures against natural and legal persons related to, benefiting from, carrying out or supporting illegal Turkish drilling within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Republic of Cyprus.

The decision of the 28 Member States was taken at a meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Monday 14 October unanimously and was ratified at the highest political level by the European Council Summit of 17 October.

The October 14th decision came in the wake of warnings and a previous package of measures against Turkey on the same issue, which was decided again in June at the level of leaders and ministers respectively.

Ministers had on 14 October instructed a relevant committee of the Council to draw up and present the relevant EU Regulation on sanctions against persons and companies, and then the addressees of the sanctions would have to be named.

On Monday 11 November and following the technical preparations, the regulation is ready and is expected to be passed by the Ministers as "`A` Item ", without discussion.

More specifically the Ministers will adopt the item listed: "10. Council Decision and Regulation concerning restrictive measures in view of Turkey`s unauthorised drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean Adoption approved by Coreper, Part 2, on 06.11.2019 (13866/19 13262/19 13265/19 CORLX)", as stated on the official Council communique of the 8th of November 2019 (13806/19 PTS A 81).

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Οn Turkey`s illegal drilling the decision of the 14th of October states the following:

"In light of Turkey’s continued illegal drilling activities in the eastern Mediterranean, the Council reaffirms its full solidarity with Cyprus, regarding the respect of its sovereignty and sovereign rights in accordance with international law. It recalls its conclusions of 15 July 2019 in all its parts, and notably that delimitation of exclusive economic zones and continental shelf should be addressed through dialogue and negotiation in good faith, in full respect of international law and in accordance with the principle of good neighbourly relations.

The Council, based on preparatory work already undertaken, agrees that a framework regime of restrictive measures targeting natural and legal persons responsible for or involved in the illegal drilling activity of hydrocarbons in the Eastern Mediterranean is put in place, and invites the High Representative and the Commission to swiftly present proposals to this effect."

The Foreign Affairs Council, chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, will start at 9.00 with a discussion on current affairs, allowing ministers to review the pressing issues on the international agenda. Foreign ministers will then have an exchange of views on Afghanistan, in particular following the Presidential election of 28 September 2019. They are also expected to take stock of recent developments and efforts to support and promote an inclusive and transparent peace process. The Council will discuss the regional security situation in the Gulf and Iran and will reflect on the ways the EU can contribute to its stabilisation. EU foreign ministers will also have a discussion on Sudan in preparation for the exchange of views with the Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok that will follow over a working lunch.

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The Foreign Affairs Council will start with a discussion on current affairs. Foreign ministers will also follow up on the October Council discussions regarding Turkish unilateral military action in north-east Syria. Foreign ministers may also touch on the strict implementation of arms export policies to Turkey in line with the commitments made at the last Council meeting. They will also follow up on the issue of illegal drillings in the Eastern Mediterranean.

 The High Representative and foreign ministers are expected to refer to Venezuela, after the international solidarity conference on the Venezuelan refugee and migrant crisis that took place in Brussels on the 28 and 29 of October and touch on the EU and International Contact Group’s next steps. The High Representative may also refer to China, following her visit on 24 October 2019 and may also touch upon the situation in Hong Kong in this context. The latest developments in Lebanon are also expected to be raised.

CNA Athanasios Athanasiou