Irish PM Micheál Martin calls #Belarus actions "appalling and reckless" as he enters #EUCO summit in Brussels.
"We from an Irish perspective will be calling for a very firm and strong response to this action.”
As she enters #EUCO, Germany's Angela Merkel says the Belarusian government's explanations for why the plane was forced to land are "completely implausible".
She says at minimum the leaders will put in place targeted sanctions, and they'll also consider blocking Belavia from EU.
Greek PM Mitsotakis is leading the charge for #EUCO to adopt both an overflight restriction over Belarus and a ban on Belavia entering EU airspace.
They have drafted the text for that which will be debated tonight by the 27 prime ministers and presidents.
Lithuanian President Nausėda says (in English) that #Belarus has committed a “state terrorism action against the European Community".
The time for rhetoric is over, he says. Now "we need clear actions in order to change the pattern of behaviour of this very dangerous regime".
"Clearly, we will propose that rapid, swift and severe measures are being taken to make it very clear that something like this is not being accepted," says Belgian PM Dee Croo.
"This was a flight between two European capitals where European citizens have been used as hostages"
President @vonderleyen: "There will be a very strong answer because it is outrageous behaviour and Lukashenko and his regime have to understand this will have severe consequences”
A €3bn EU investment package for Belarus is on hold until Belarus “turns democratic" she says
EU foreign affairs chief @JosepBorrellF says the #Belarus situation is “the most important aspect to discuss and I hope that there will be some important guidelines in order to take measures against Belarus.”
He cannot act without unanimous consent of all 27 EU countries.
The big question is whether #Hungary will veto action against #Belarus tonight.
Viktor #Orban didn't speak to the press coming into #EUCO. But he published a video on Facebook where he didn't mention the Belarus situation at all.
facebook.com/watch/?v=28847…
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