Europe agrees to impose economic sanctions on Belarus

European deputies supported the idea of imposing economic sanctions on Belarus if the official Minsk refused to introduce democratic changes on March 4. The decision was taken after a visit of the delegation of the European Parliament to Minsk. The project of the report about the visit to Belarus will have to be approved by leaders of the major political groups of the European Parliament. The report will be included in the future resolution of the European Parliament concerning Belarus, notes “Telegraph”.

European deputies demand that the Belarusian authorities should recognize the Union of Poles headed by Anzhalika Borys, allow activities of non-governmental organizations and release all imprisoned opposition members. Furthermore, European parliamentarians should demand to conduct open and free elections to local councils.

European deputies used to be against any economic or financial sanctions that could be imposed on Belarus. Parliamentarians explained their decision by the fact that the sanctions would affect ordinary people rather than Belarusian officials.