Reinsalu at the Foreign Affairs Council: the EU must impose restrictive measures following Navalny’s detention

At the Foreign Affairs Council today 25 January, Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu said the European Union needed to take firm action in response to the detention of Alexei Navalny.

'The European Union must be principled when it comes to the detention of Alexei Navalny, and introduce specific restrictive measures,' Reinsalu said. 'I proposed the European Union send a strong signal today on preparing sanctions.'

Reinsalu called on the European Union to start preparing the fourth sanctions package for Belarusian officials who continue repressions. 'More than 30 000 people have been arrested by now; the European Union must increase its pressure accordingly,' Reinsalu emphasised.

In the discussion on transatlantic relations, the foreign minister noted that relations with the United States should be active and forward-looking. 'Sharing our vision of the renewed transatlantic agenda is vital; however, we should be ready also to listen to the views of our American friends. In this context, high-level visits are much needed and should take place as soon as possible.'

The ministers also discussed the relations of the EU and the United Kingdom, and fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. The agenda also included Bosnia and Herzegovina, and recent developments concerning Egypt, Hong Kong, Iran, the Gulf region, the Horn of Africa, and Venezuela.

Additional information:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia
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