People keep saying that as if that was a kind of universally acknowledged wisdom.
Here is a map of the 39 countries targeted by European sanctions (not counting the ones specifically targeting ISIS territories or various regions of Ukraine): https://sanctionsmap.eu/#/main
There has been sanctions against Belarus for a while, suspended when they freed political prisoners, reinstated in light of the recent crackdown on elections. Here is the list of the 88 persons and 7 legal entities under EU sanctions (well technically, Council of Europe): https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CEL...
Turkey doesn't have to "watch", they also received sanctions after the drilling standoff two years ago.
Holding off on a few weapons exports here and there is meaningless.
> People keep saying that
If it's the general concensus there may be some reason for that. I'm sure Belarus wouldnt try this with a US plane.
> Turkey doesn't have to "watch", they also received sanctions after the drilling standoff two years ago.
If the reaction to hijacking an EU plane flying from one EU nation to another is indeed just some export/import sanctions, then yes I do think Turkey will find that interesting.
Economic sanctions are the most effective non-military actions states can take against each others.
Short of military invasion what do you suggest EU does?
The EU's response is so important here, they have already proved time and time again they are a dog which is all bark and no bite.
I'm sure China and Turkey are watching eagerly.
It doesn't have to be a military response, but no response or the typical waving the finger in the air, can not be afforded here.