European foreign ministers meet: Sanctions or just conclusions?

(Patria) - Today, 15 November, the foreign ministers of Europe, all 27, are meeting and will most likely decide on sanctions for those politicians who undermine the Dayton Peace Agreement, primarily Milorad Dodik.

Sources from Brussels reveal that not much should be expected, although Germany, as one of the strongest EU countries, will propose the introduction of sanctions. Others, it seems, are not inclined to do so either, so today we might eventually have certain conclusions of a harsher nature.

We remind you that to meet the criteria for imposing sanctions, a majority vote is necessary, meaning that out of 27 countries, 14 states must vote in favour, but a second criterion must also be met for sanctions to be imposed.

The decision should be voted on by the largest countries, those with the largest populations. This is how decisions are made in Europe, by majority based on population. That majority is two-thirds of the total EU population. Therefore, it is important that among these 14 countries, if they vote for sanctions, the majority are EU states with the largest populations.

Consequently, small countries with small populations, even if there are more than 14 of them, cannot make a decision on sanctions.

If the foreign ministers do not reach a decision, the possibility remains for each EU country to impose sanctions at a bilateral level.

Judging by announcements, Germany, which is the proposer of sanctions, could be the first to do so.