Diversion of Ryanair flight FR4978 – sanctions on Belarus 

25.5.2021

Question for written answer  E-002764/2021
to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Rule 138
Cláudia Monteiro de Aguiar (PPE), Paulo Rangel (PPE), José Manuel Fernandes (PPE), Maria da Graça Carvalho (PPE), Lídia Pereira (PPE), Álvaro Amaro (PPE)

The diversion and forced landing of Ryanair flight FR4978 by the Belarusian authorities on 23 May jeopardised the safety of the passengers on board and constituted a clear violation of their rights. Once again, Alexander Lukashenko’s authoritarian regime has undermined the fundamental rights of European citizens. This warrants a harsh and decisive response from the European Union.

In view of this:

• 1.What sanctions does the VP/HR intend to impose on Belarus and is he considering banning the Belarusian national carrier from landing in Europe?
• 2.What measures will he take to ensure the safety of European passengers and airlines, particularly while in Belarusian airspace?
• 3.What action will he take to ensure the safety of airlines so that this type of situation never happens again?