It was announced following yesterday’s first working session of the European Council meeting that the EU sanctions against Russia will be tied to the implementation of the Minsk agreements brokered by Chancellor Merkel and President Hollande. The sanctions will therefore remain in force until the Minsk agreements are fully implemented, which is foreseen only by 31 December 2015. According to the Council’s Conclusions on external relations, “the necessary decisions will be taken in the coming months“. The Council also reiterated that it condemns the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol by Russia and remains “committed to fully implement its non-recognition policy”. The President of the European Council stated that the Council “stands ready to take further decisions if necessary“.
