The European Union Council on Monday responded to Turkey’s illegal drilling activities in Cyprus’ territorial waters with punitive measures, which will include travel bans and asset freezes on people as well as for entities.
The decision follows the Council’s conclusions of October 14, which were endorsed by the European Council on October 17-18, when the EU reaffirmed its full solidarity with Cyprus, regarding the respect of its sovereignty and sovereign rights in accordance with international law and invited the Commission and the European External Action Service to submit proposals for a framework for restrictive measures.
The framework for restrictive measures makes it possible to place under sanctions persons or entities responsible for drilling activities related to hydrocarbon exploration and production not authorized by Cyprus within its territorial sea, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) or continental shelf, and persons or entities providing financial, technical or material support for drilling activities, or anyone associated with them.
