No Consensus Reached Due to Disagreements Among Member States
Sanctions-Dialogue Stance Divided Over Eastern Mediterranean Resolution Method
Cyprus Opposes Linking Belarus Issue with Turkey
[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] The leaders of the 27 European Union (EU) member states discussed political issues surrounding Europe, including the Eastern Mediterranean conflict and the Belarus situation, on the 1st (local time). Although sanctions against Turkey and Belarus were addressed, no consensus was reached due to disagreements among member states.
On that day, the EU leaders met in Brussels, Belgium, continuing with plenary sessions and smaller meetings.
During the two-day meeting schedule, on the first day, the EU leaders revealed differences in their positions regarding solutions to major issues.
First, the EU leaders discussed the conflict between Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus over natural gas exploration and drilling in the Eastern Mediterranean but failed to find common ground. While Greece and Austria advocated for sanctions against Turkey, most member states, including Germany and France, emphasized the need for a solution through dialogue.
French President Emmanuel Macron, before the meeting, stated, "It is the duty of Europeans to show solidarity when EU member states face attacks or threats and their territorial waters are not respected," while also stressing the importance of continuing dialogue with Turkey.
Regarding the controversy over fraudulent elections and harsh protest crackdowns in Belarus, EU-level sanctions were discussed, but no agreement was reached due to opposition from some member states. While most member states supported sanctions, Cyprus opposed, stating that sanctions related to Turkey's maritime drilling should also be discussed together.
Additionally, the summit addressed EU-China relations and the poisoning incident of Russian opposition activist Alexei Navalny.
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