Turkey's Yavuz drilling ship has continually violated the Cypriot continental shelf.
The European Council has decided to extend its tokenistic sanctions against only two people involved in Turkey’s illegal research in Cyprus’ continental shelf.
The extension will continue until at least November 12, 2021.
Peter Stano, the lead spokesperson for the external affairs of the European Union, said on Twitter that the EU "prolonged existing sanctions related to illegal drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean affecting Cyprus. This means more persons and entities can be added if found responsible for continued unauthorised drilling activities."
In the attached statement said "The sanctions consist of a travel ban to the EU and an asset freeze for persons, and an asset freeze for entities. In addition, EU persons and entities are forbidden from making funds available to those listed."
However, despite the gross violation of the Cypriot continental shelf by Turkey, the European Council confirmed only "two individuals are subject to sanctions."
According to the European Council, the EU "will therefore maintain its ability to impose targeted restrictive measures on persons or entities responsible for or involved in unauthorised drilling activities of hydrocarbons in the Eastern Mediterranean."