With developments in Russia, Hong Kong and Burma worrying the international community, EU Foreign Affairs Ministers gathered in a virtual meeting hosted by EU High Representative Josep Borrell on 22 February.

The EU ministers agreed to put in place restrictive measures against Russia following the serious human rights violations in the country, as well as the imprisonment of Alexei Navalny, the spreading of disinformation and the launch of cyberattacks. The ministers will set measures against those responsible for Navalny’s arrest, sentencing and persecution.

On the table were also several short and long-term actions, with the goal of helping Hong Kong’s civil society and working together with like-minded partners.

In response to the military coup in Burma on 1 February, EU ministers agreed to apply sanctions, such as targeting those responsible and their economic assets of value.