EU adopts framework to sanction Lebanese officials

European Union says it is ready to impose sanctions on Lebanon’s ruling elite over the country’s political crisis.

Beirut, Lebanon – The European Union said it has adopted a legal framework to impose sanctions on Lebanese officials and entities engaged in corruption, the obstruction of government formation, and the stalling of economic and accountability reforms. Lebanon has been without a full-fledged government in almost a year, following Prime Minister Hassan Diab’s resignation days after the devastating Beirut Port explosion. Listed Lebanese officials would be subject to an EU travel ban and asset freeze, while European entities and individuals are “forbidden from making funds available” to them, the EU said in a statement on Friday.