The European Union has adopted a legal framework for imposing sanctions on Lebanese officials and entities.
The framework provides the possibility of imposing sanctions on individuals involved in corruption and human rights abuses, in addition to those obstructing the formation of a new government and stalling the necessary reforms, the EU said in a statement on Friday.
“It is … of utmost importance that the Lebanese leadership put aside their differences and work together to form a government and enact the measures required to steer the country towards a sustainable recovery,” the statement said.
Sanctions may include asset freezes and EU travel bans, and EU entities and individuals will be forbidden from “making funds available” to sanctioned individuals and entities.
The move is part of the EU‘s efforts to pressure Lebanese leaders into putting an end to their country’s political crisis and taking the path of reforms and economic recovery.
The names of those who will be targeted have yet to be agreed upon. Targets are reportedly not expected to be named before the end of summer. The vote at the EU has to be unanimous if the sanctions are to be imposed.
Notably, a recent report indicated that Hungary has informed Lebanon of its plan to veto EU sanctions on Lebanese officials.