Belarus - Q&A from the press briefing - (9 November 2021)

Q: What is France’s reaction to the migrant crisis on the border between Poland and Belarus? The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, urged Member States on Monday to approve new sanctions against the Belarusian authorities. Will France support new sanctions?

Q: Is France in favor of imposing penalties on European companies that transport passengers to Belarus, supposedly for “tourism” purposes, although that is unlikely? Should a fine be paid to Poland should the passenger disappear? As most passengers are embarking in Baghdad, Abu Dhabi and Istanbul, can Paris raise questions with their governments?

A: We reiterate our solidarity with Poland, as with Lithuania and Latvia earlier, in the face of this unacceptable exploitation of migratory flows by the Belarusian regime. It is fueling trafficking in migrants with the aim of destabilizing the EU. That is why France is seeking a way to jointly coordinate the protection of our external borders and stands ready to examine ways to strengthen measures against the Belarusian regime and the individuals and entities involved in this human trafficking. The issue will be raised at the next Foreign Affairs Council on November 15.