EU sanctions two Turkish executives

Following the framework for restrictive measures in response to Turkeys illegal drilling activities set up in November 2019, the European Union has placed two persons, Mehmet Ferruh Akalin, the Vice-President (Assistant General Manager) and member of the Board of Directors of the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) and Ali Coscun Namoglu, the Deputy Director of the Exploration Department of the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) under restrictive measures in relation to Turkey's unauthorised drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean within Cypriot territorial waters.

These persons are responsible for or involved in planning, directing and implementing offshore hydrocarbon exploration activities in the Eastern Mediterranean which have not been authorised by the Republic of Cyprus.

The restrictive measures consist of a travel ban to the EU and an asset freeze. Moreover, European Union persons and entities are not allowed to make funds available to the two listed persons.

Publication to the Official Journal of the European Union can be found here.

The EU Council’s press release can be found here.

Harneys’ blog post on Turkey’s sanctions can be foundhere.