“The fact that the EPP delegation did not obtain visas shows that the situation is deteriorating in Belarus. The basic values and principles such as democracy, rule of law and human rights are still being violated. The political trials are unacceptable,” Corien Wortmann-Kool stated.

“While Belarus is facing a deep and serious economic crisis, the country’s leadership is following a policy that will only further isolate Belarus and its people. Belarus remains thus at the top of the EPP agenda,” Corien Wortmann-Kool added.

The delegation also met experts and officials in order to assess the possibility of additional and tougher sanctions against the regime of Lukashenko.

“We welcome the decision of the Council to place further 13 individuals on the list of travel restrictions and assets freeze. It is a first step towards tougher sanctions if there are no immediate changes in Belarus,” Corien Wortmann-Kool concluded.

Note to editors:

The EPP is the largest and most influential European-level political party of the centre right, which currently includes 75 member-parties from 39 countries, the Presidents of the Commission, Council, and Parliament, 15 EU and 6 non-EU heads of state and government, 13 members of the European Commission and the largest Group in the European Parliament.

For more information:

Kostas Sasmatzoglou, Spokesman, Tel: +32-2-2854147

Javier Jiménez, Senior Press and Communication Officer, Tel: +32-475480446