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Belarusian sanctions firmly on agenda as EU leaders meet in Brussels

Inside Politics: Democratic countries ‘have to stand up’ to authoritarianism, says Martin

Taoiseach Micheal Martin at EU summit at the European Council building in Brussels. Photograph: Olivier Hoslet, Pool via AP
Taoiseach Micheal Martin at EU summit at the European Council building in Brussels. Photograph: Olivier Hoslet, Pool via AP
Cormac McQuinn's picture
Cormac McQuinn Political Correspondent
Tue May 25 2021 - 07:52

The scrambling of a Belarusian Mig-29 fighter jet to escort a Ryanair aircraft to Minsk put the regime of "Europe's last dictator", Alexander Lukashenko, firmly on the agenda for leaders gathered in Brussels.

European Council members had been expecting a summit dominated by Covid-19, with some discussions on climate change, Russia and post-Brexit relations with the UK.

Sunday's diversion of a Ryanair flight which had been travelling to Lithuania before its diversion, due to what the Belarusian authorities claimed was a bomb threat from Hamas, effectively hijacked a day one of talks between EU heads of government.

Once the plane was on the ground the Belarusian authorities seized dissident journalist Roman Protasevich and his girlfriend Sofia Sapega who had been travelling on the flight.

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Pro-regime channels later released a video of Protasevich in which the prominent opposition reporter appeared visibly bruised and confessed to instigating unrest.

And so, a problem on the EU's borders that had died down after last year's alleged rigging of the elections in Belarus has shot back up the list of priorities for Europe.

The EU last night agreed to impose fresh sanctions on Belarus and to seal off its airspace to its airlines while also calling for the “immediate” release of Protasevich and Ms Sapega.

Our Europe Correspondent Naomi O'Leary has a report on how European leaders have responded to the incident that Ryanair has branded "an act of piracy" and Taoiseach Micheál Martin said "reflects a growing authoritarianism" that democratic countries "have to stand up to".

Back home, but still on matters air-travel related, the Government is looking at introducing the EU’s digital green travel pass as early as the middle of July. Member States will have a say over how they implement the passes but it is expected that tourists bearing the pass – which attests that the holder has either been vaccinated, has a negative test for Covid or has had the virus in the last six months – will be able to enter the country without quarantining. Similarly some Mediterranean sun may be on the cards for Irish people with the pass who hope to holiday abroad.

The Government is gearing up for yet another major announcement on the easing of Covid-19 restrictions with plans for the hospitality industry, aviation, sports and entertainment due to be unveiled on Friday. As Pat Leahy and Jennifer Bray report, the guidelines for indoor visits to pubs and restaurants – to be released today — will see a 105-minute time limit for scoops, meals or both.

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There is no evidence as yet that the crime gang behind the cyberattack on the HSE have followed through on their threat and released the personal data of patients and staff on Monday. We have reports on ongoing fallout from the attack here and here.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has been accused of being "in hiding" over concerns that the new National Maternity Hospital might not be fully State-owned as his department finalises plans for its relocation. Jennifer Bray reports.

Barry O'Halloran reports how more than 260 wealthy non-EU citizens pledged to invest €185.6 million in the Republic under the Government's cash for visas scheme last year.

In his column Fintan O'Toole asks "If Brexit is so wonderful, why does anyone have to be blamed for its consequences?"

Playbook

Taoiseach Micheál Martin and other EU leaders wrap up their summit in Brussels.

The Committee on Transport and Communications will hear from cybersecurity experts in the wake of the ransomware attack on the HSE from 9.30am.

Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien will be before the Committee on Housing to be quizzed on the Land Development Agency Bill 2021.

The Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement will hear from the representatives of the families of those who died in the 1971 Ballymurphy massacre.

The Irish Council for Civil Liberties will offer the Committee on Health its views on the Covid1-19 emergency powers.

Over in the Upper House, Senators will debate extending Covid-19 measures from 11.45.

The Dáil kicks off with Leaders’ Questions at 2pm before the order of business and more than two hours of statements on international travel.

Sinn Féin are using their Private Members' time for a motion on Palestine from about 5.30 before Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys takes questions related to her department.