EU foreign ministers to discuss Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, situation in the Middle East and EU–Indo-Pacific relations

The EU foreign ministers will convene for the meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg on 20 October. Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will represent Finland at the meeting.

At their meeting, the foreign ministers will discuss Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

“Russia’s repeated attacks on civilian targets in Ukraine suggest that it has no interest in peace. The EU responds with determination to Russia’s continuing aggression. It is important to promote arrangements for using immobilised Russian assets to support Ukraine,” says Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen.

The Foreign Affairs Council will also discuss the latest developments in the situation in the Middle East.

“The agreement to end the war in Gaza, the release of hostages and increasing humanitarian assistance are significant steps forward. However, a lasting peace requires the commitment of the parties, international support and solving the other issues of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, including disarming Hamas and ending settlement construction,” Minister Valtonen says.

The foreign ministers will also discuss the relations between the EU and the Indo-Pacific region. A ministerial meeting on cross-regional security and connectivity will be held in connection with the Foreign Affairs Council. Eastern Partnership, Black Sea and Central Asian countries will also attend the meeting.