The Open Dialog Foundation has addressed the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the EU Member States with letters asking for more transparency on the issue of the application of sanctions, in particular the restrictive measures, against Russia for its active involvement in the crisis in Ukraine. As underlined in the letters, the Open Dialog Foundation recognizes the crucial role of the continuous support of the EU for Ukraine. Words and declarations should be followed by concrete actions, and the sanctions imposed on Russia for its active and illegal role in fomenting further crisis and territorial instability in Ukraine are seen as such.
At the same time, the Foundation has called on the EU Member States to become more transparent in sharing information on the application of sanctions, in particular the restrictive measures targeting Russian individuals and companies directly involved in the crisis in Ukraine.
Public information on the implementation of sanctions by EU Member States, including concrete examples, is often fragmented, very difficult to find or simply not available, says Lyudmyla Kozlovska, President of the Open Dialog Foundation. Our organization has called for more transparency in this regard in order to foster a better understanding of the common EU position both within the EU Member States, as well as in Ukraine and Russia.
The Open Dialog Foundation is committed to further work on this campaign, including with the Members of the European Parliament who have been receptive to the idea and have shown support. The Foundation recommends creating one point of reference with such information available to all interested parts. The EEAS or Council of the EU webpage, detailing the types and nature of the EU sanctions against Russia could be such joint EU information platform on the issue, with updates published on a regular basis. To date, the Open Dialog Foundation has received two answers to the letters, from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania and Bulgaria. The organization has also been informed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ireland has taken note of the letter, which is receiving further attention of the relevant services.
- See the appeal sent to the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the twenty-eight EU Member States
- See the written question sent by MEP Ivan Štefanec on the implementation of sanctions by the EU Member States
- See the response of the Lithuanian MFA to Foundation’s letter
For more information on the issue, please contact:
Lyudmyla Kozlovska, President of the Open Dialog Foundation – [email protected]
Anna Koj, Head of the EU Office of the Open Dialog Foundation – [email protected]