The European Council condemned the ongoing military confrontation in Eastern Ukraine. In light of the fact that Russia had not taken the four steps set out in its 27 June conclusions, the European Council expanded the restrictive measures.
"Actions by the Russia-supported separatists in Eastern Ukraine threaten the security of not only Ukraine, but also of the whole Europe. The European Union must immediately take measures to stop the ongoing military aggression and have those responsible brought to justice," the President said.
The sanctions will be imposed on entities and organizations for their actions or financial support undermining Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. EU leaders have requested the European Investment Bank to refrain from funding new public sector projects in Russia and have agreed to coordinate their positions within the European Reconstruction and Investment Bank with a view to suspending new loans to Russia.
The European Council invited the Commission to re-assess bilateral and regional cooperation programmes with Russia and suspend them, if necessary. However, projects dealing with civil society will be maintained.
The European Council called on the Commission to present proposals for additional measures on restricting investments in Crimea and Sevastopol. It expects the international financial institutions to refrain from financing any projects that recognize the annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol.
The European Union has prepared a package of further sanctions. In case of need, EU leaders will meet to discuss it.
The Council also addressed the situation in the Middle East. EU leaders expressed their deep concern about the continuing violence in Israel and the Gaza Strip and called on both sides to stop military action and allow access to humanitarian assistance.
According to the President, Lithuania - which currently holds a seat on the UN Security Council - is closely watching the situation in the Middle East. Dalia Grybauskaitė underlined that the peace process in the Middle East needed all the parties of the conflict to sit down at the negotiating table - the only way to restore stability in the region and end civilian casualties.
