Africa Business Radio

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called on member states to impose new sanctions against Belarus, which she blamed for an influx of migrants at the Polish border.  She says the use of migrants for political purposes is unacceptable adding that the EU would also look at how to sanction third-country airlines that bring migrants to Belarus. EU diplomatic chief Josep Borrell warned that they will not hesitate to adopt sanctions if necessary against companies and countries that play into the hands of smugglers. Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas will visit the main countries of origin and transit in the coming days to ensure that they act to prevent their own nationals from falling into the trap set by the Belarusian authorities.