26 deaths in Ukraine: emergency meeting of the EU Council to decide sanctions

Over the rapid deterioration of the situation in Kiev, Baroness Ashton called an emergency meeting of foreign ministers. Barroso “targeted measures against those responsible for violence,” Schulz: “Bloodshed must end now.”

The aftermath of the violence in Ukraine gets worse: according to the latest data, at least 26 persons were killed, 16 protesters and 10 police officers. Over these tragic figures, even the European Union has abandoned its usual “call for dialogue and political mediation” and is now talking about sanctions.

High Representative of the Union for Foreign Policy, Catherine Ashton, has called an extraordinary meeting of Foreign Minister of the EU-28. On the table, a proposal made by Germany and Poland, supported by Ashton and Josè Manuel Barrosso, President of the Commission, which considers targeted measures against those responsible for violence and against the political leadership of the country. “All possible options will be explored, including restrictive measures against those responsible for repression and human rights violations,” reads a note by the European Union External Action. “In light of the tragic deterioration of the situation in Ukraine, the High Representative calls upon all responsible immediately to cease violence. She urges the authorities and all political forces to assume their responsibility and seek a prompt de-escalation, resuming a genuine political process.”

“As suggested by the High Representative, we expect targeted measures to be decided tomorrow by all Member States, such as financial sanctions and visa restrictions against those responsible for violence and use of excessive force,” wrote Barroso. “It was with shock and utter dismay that we have been watching developments over the last 24 hours in Ukraine. There are no circumstances that can legitimise or justify such scenes,” he added.

The situation has been commented also by Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament: in his words, the EU urgently needs “a threat of credible targeted sanctions against those involved in human rights violations.” Europe must intervene to stop the “unfolding tragedy” because “further bloodshed must be avoided at all costs.”

The Political and Security Committee (PSC) has gathered today its members in order to examine the possible options to be submitted tomorrow to the Foreign Ministers – sanctions would be effective only with a unanimous decision by the Council.