EU proposes Turkey sanctions

European foreign ministers on Monday upped the ante against Ankara, heralding sanctions against companies and individuals involved in illegal prospecting for oil and gas in Cyprus' territorial waters while also committing to restricting arms exports to Turkey over its offensive in northern Syria. 

Following a session of the European Union's Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg, the bloc's 28 ministers drafted sanctions against firms and individuals involved in the illegal activities of the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) and said they were poised to implement them. The council called on EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini and the European Commission to make specific proposals. 

The move was welcomed by Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias, who said the EU "has spoken clearly about the issue of the violation of the sovereignty and sovereign rights of...