The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the situation in Belarus by a large majority, withdrawing its recognition of Alexander Lukashenko as President of Belarus and declaring the August presidential election result invalid. MEPs are urging EU sanctions against Lukashenko.
Resolution on Alexei Navalny poisoning
As expected, the Parliament agreed on a resolution that the poisoning of Alexei Navalny, had been an attempt at his life by the Russian government. The fact that Novichok is a type of poison that originates from military testing labs and therefore should not end up in civilian hands strongly implied involvement by the Russian authorities. The Parliament called for stronger restrictive measures against Russia.
Resolution on Turkey
The European Parliament also adopted a resolution about the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, urging Turkey to ease tensions over natural resource exploration in the disputed waters and warning of possible sanctions.
Resolution on arms exports
The European Parliament adopted a resolution on arms exports, demanding tighter controls and greater transparency where arms exports by EU member countries are involved. The resolution also called on EU members to respect the EU’s common rules on the export of military equipment (clarified within the EU Common position adopted in 2008), reminding exporting countries to ensure countries of destination respects human rights.
Just Transition Fund proposal
The European Parliament endorsed a European Commission (EC) recommendation in proposing a substantial increase for the Just Transition Fund. The resolution almost doubles the initial EC proposal and broadens the Fund’s scope to fund other activities.