BERLIN • The political tragedy that was unfolding this week in Minsk following an obviously rigged election not only had the brave people of Belarus finding themselves on the losing end. The European Union also painfully had to recognise its limits.

Once again, the EU witnessed a clear breach of international rules and standards happening right on its doorstep - and could do nothing but pay lip service and issue rather lame statements. It was another affirmation that the economically powerful EU is suffering from a lack of political leverage.