EU foreign ministers to discuss Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the Middle East and situation in African Great Lakes Region

EU foreign affairs ministers will convene for a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 29 January. Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will represent Finland at the meeting.

The foreign affairs ministers will discuss Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine with a focus on peace efforts and the EU’s support to Ukraine, including future security arrangements. The ministers will also discuss the situation in the Middle East and the African Great Lakes Region.

“Russia is attacking civilian infrastructure and has caused a severe energy crisis in Ukraine over this winter. This is a clear sign that Russia does not want to work towards peace. Ukraine now needs support for both its energy sector and air defence. The EU must consistently ramp up sanctions against Russia,” says Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen.

The foreign affairs ministers will also discuss the situation in the Middle East.

“The launch of phase two of the Gaza peace plan is a welcome step. The main goal of Finland and the EU remains full and unimpeded access of humanitarian assistance to the area,” says Minister for Foreign Affairs Valtonen. 

With regard to the Middle East, the meeting will also discuss further measures in response to the Iranian regime’s violence against its own citizens and Iran’s support for Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.

The Foreign Affairs Council will also exchange views on the volatile situation in the African Great Lakes Region and the EU’s efforts to promote peace.

In addition, EU foreign affairs ministers will informally exchange views with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk over lunch in connection with the Foreign Affairs Council.