Ukraine: the EU waves the threat of sanctions… (Update)
(BRUSSELS2) The Political and Security Committee (PSC), which is meeting today, has put on its agenda the deterioration of the situation in Ukraine (read: Clean-up operation in Kyiv). In the process, the EU foreign ministers should meet, urgently, and exceptionally, Thursday (February 20), from 14 p.m. in Brussels. (NB: the Foreign Affairs Council is postponed to 15 p.m., the Council's press service announced on Thursday morning).
All options considered
On the menu, the establishment of sanctions - such as the freezing of assets and the ban on visas. Several of the Member States agreed even those who were not enthusiastic. German Foreign Minister F.-W. Steinmeier, spoke out yesterday in favor of such sanctions. And, this morning, France, through a press release from François Hollande, spoke out on the " need for rapid and targeted European sanctions against those most responsible for these acts”. The French president had the Polish Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, on the phone and “ agreed both of these types of measures, asking the European Union to engage very quickly » the decisions allowing the implementation of these sanctions.
Collect unanimity for sanctions
At the European Commission, however, we do not want to commit ourselves, for the moment, to the content and the rhythm of the sanctions. The objective of the meeting is, rather, to collect the feelings of all the Member States and to obtain unanimity from all, both on the principle of sanctions but also on their content. Because the sanctions are decided unanimously. In the early morning, the "28" did not all seem to be on exactly the same line. What seems certain is that we are determined to speed up the imposition of sanctions. " We can take sanctions that come into effect very quickly “Explains the spokesperson for Catherine Ashton. It is still necessary " know when to use them and for what purposes” adds the Commission spokesperson.
Sanctions...what sanctions
In the European arsenal, there are several types of possible sanctions. First of all, the arms embargo and arms export ban, " non-lethal military equipment or equipment likely to be used for internal repression ". It is the easiest and quickest sanction. to establish as confirmed to B2 by someone close to his questions. Targeting other economic sectors would be more complex and more sensitive, as it could have economic effects on certain EU countries that have economic relations with Ukraine (Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Germany, Italy, etc. .).
A list of names
There could also be an asset freeze and visa ban, targeting natural or legal persons. The difficulty, in this case, is to agree on a precise list of names (with surnames and first names, passport number), precise reason for the ban — because this can be challenged in court — and prior warning of persons on the list. " A list is already being prepared by the Member States confirmed Elmar Brok, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee. Will the Europeans dare to use meaningful political symbolism by blacklisting not only second-rate fighters (the chief of police, the Berkouts, etc.) but also the head of Ukrainian power, Viktor Yanukovych and the oligarchs? Depending on the extent of the measure, we will see the degree of intention of the Europeans. NB: In any case, the Europeans have an interest in leaving a certain fog surrounding the list of names concerned until it is published in the Official Journal. Because in the event of freezing of assets, it is not necessary that the interested parties manage to empty their accounts before the measure.
Mediation but not with Moscow
As for the prospect of a mediation of different European personalities, the European Commission remains very skeptical and kicks in touch. She condemns the violence wherever it comes from But there is no question of starting a discussion with Moscow on Ukraine. “The future of Ukraine is and must remain in Ukrainian hands. It is up to the Ukrainians to decide the future, and to get out of this situation through political dialogue. »
Comments : Europe is taken on the wrong foot by the evolution of power in Ukraine. European diplomats - like many member states - were rather reluctant about the idea of sanctions, deeming them "counterproductive". A position that was not unfounded. Wanting to dialogue and impose sanctions at the same time is tricky. Moreover, the effect of sanctions is not often obvious, as the situation in Belarus shows: despite measures taken against certain leaders, the expected effect (democratic openness) has not occurred. “Restrictive measures” are, however, the only way for Europeans to show their disapproval. It is more a political signal that is thus sought.
(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)
