EU weighs to impose sanctions against Turkey

The EU will accelerate the development of sanctions against Turkey for illegal drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, and prepare additional measures against Ankara by September 24 if there is no progress on the Turkish side.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said at a press conference following an informal meeting of Foreign Ministers in Berlin.

"It is clear that there is growing frustration in the EU regarding Turkey's actions. So the Council is asking the working groups to speed up work on imposing sanctions against individuals proposed by Cyprus because of illegal drilling operations. We also agreed that in the absence of progress, we could develop new sanctions, which can be discussed at the EU summit on September 24."

"The European Union is also considering banning Turkish vessels engaged in illegal drilling activity from entering its ports," Borrel said.