EU to Discuss Sanctions Against Turkey

The escalation of the conflict between Ankara, Athens, and Nicosia over hydrocarbon reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean will be the main topic at the European Council meeting, where the EU will discuss sanctions against Turkey.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and his counterparts from other EU countries have already discussed "the scope of measures that could be initiated against Turkey," Le Drian said, according to AFP.

EU leaders are also preparing to meet on September 24 for a two-day summit, during which they will address the issue of imposing sanctions on Ankara due to its activities in the region.

Le Drian has called on the Turkish President to begin negotiations concerning regional issues before the upcoming European Council meeting. “The Turks need to show that this issue can be discussed,” the French Foreign Minister told France Inter radio. “If so, we can create a favorable environment for solving all issues.”