Ms Caoimhe de Barra:

What is important to bear in mind is there are two parties to the conflict. The EU has already issued sanctions against both sides. Both sides have committed appalling violations and continue to do so. This is not one of those deeply asymmetrical conflicts. It is much more symmetrical than others of which we are aware. For example, the EU brought in sanctions in January and then again in June that target individuals. They target specific entities that are arming and providing arms to both sides. The suggestion is that that needs to be broader. The approach taken to Russia, for example, was a wider systemic network-based approach so those who are allies of or supporting both warring parties need to be looked at. In terms of process, my understanding is that a member state can actually propose additional sanctions. Obviously, it is probably better to do it in concert with other member states but it is possible for Ireland to propose additional sanctions and then they could go through the process of being examined to the different levels in working parties, committees, etc., right up to the Council adopting then a regulation around those sanctions. While it is absolutely not our area to specify individuals, we do think that a systemic approach looking at the entities that are enabling the conflict to continue and not just a small number of individuals who are leading the prosecution of the conflict is very important. It is just to make that point that it is not just one side. It is a war being prosecuted by two parties.