OREANDA-NEWS. The leaders of the EU member states agreed to expand the sanctions against Turkey. Additional restrictive measures will be introduced in connection with the geological exploration by Turkey in the disputed areas of the Eastern Mediterranean. Brussels once again called Ankara’s actions a provocation.

“The EU remains committed to defending its interests and those of its Member States as well as to upholding regional stability. In this respect, the European Council invites the Council to adopt additional listings based on its Decision of 11 November 2019 concerning restrictive measures in view of Turkey’s unauthorized drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean,” a statement issued after the summit of EU leaders reads.

Who will be included in the extended list of sanctions has not been specified. Currently, there are two top managers of the Turkish state oil company TPAO in the European blacklist.