EU takes first step to impose new sanctions on Belarus

FILE PHOTO: President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen wears a protective face mask as she attends a plenary session at the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium July 8, 2020. REUTERS/Yves Herman/Pool/File Photo

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union on Friday took the first step to impose new sanctions on Belarus over a disputed election last Sunday and a crackdown on protests that followed, instructing its foreign policy arm to prepare a blacklist of responsible individuals.

President Alexander Lukashenko claimed victory but now faces the biggest challenge to his 26-year rule, with tens of thousands protesting for a sixth day running on Friday and opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya calling for a recount of the votes.