EU Foreign Affairs Council to discuss Russia’s war of aggression, the Middle East and the Southern Neighbourhood

EU foreign affairs ministers will convene for a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 16 March. Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will represent Finland at the meeting.

EU foreign ministers will discuss Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the escalation in the Middle East. They will also exchange views on cooperation between the EU and its Southern Neighbourhood.

“The crisis in the Middle East should not make us lose sight of the reality of Russia’s war of aggression. We must continue to support Ukraine’s defence efforts. Russia has repeatedly shown by its actions its lack of genuine commitment to peace. It is high time we adopted the 20th sanctions package and increased pressure on Russia,” says Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen.

Foreign ministers will also discuss the escalation in the Middle East.

“The situation in the Middle East is still alarming. We have stressed that negotiations are the only way to sustainable solutions. The European Union must support diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation. Besides Iran, we must follow closely what happens in Lebanon, and the EU must step up its support for Lebanon’s stability and territorial integrity,” Foreign Minister Valtonen says.

Ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council, EU foreign ministers will have an informal exchange over breakfast on the European security strategy. EU foreign ministers will also meet with the External Affairs Minister of India, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, over an informal working lunch.

In Brussels, Foreign Minister Valtonen will also meet NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.