EU imposes new sanctions against Belarus, Germany seeks sanctions against individuals in BiH

(Patria) - European foreign ministers have adopted a new package of sanctions against Belarus due to escalating tensions over migrants on the eastern border of the European Union. At this session, which is underway, sanctions against individuals in BiH who undermine the Dayton Peace Agreement, officially requested by Germany, are also being considered.

The sanctions regime against Belarus has been amended by a Council decision and a Council regulation, which expand the criteria on which certain designations can be based. The EU will now be able to target individuals and entities organizing or contributing to the activities of Lukashenko's regime that facilitate the illegal crossing of the EU's external borders.

Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, stated that today's decision reflects the European Union's determination to counter the instrumentalization of migrants for political purposes. 

Today's decision followed the conclusions of the European Council of October 21 and 22, 2021, in which EU leaders stated that they would not accept any attempt by third countries to instrumentalize migrants for political purposes, condemned all hybrid attacks on the EU's borders, and confirmed that they would respond accordingly.
A total of 166 individuals and 15 entities are now designated under the sanctions regime against Belarus. Among them are President Alexander Lukashenko and his son and national security advisor

Viktor Lukashenko, as well as other key figures in the political leadership and government, senior members of the judiciary, and several prominent economic actors. Measures against certain individuals include travel bans and asset freezes.