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

EU foreign affairs ministers will convene for a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 13 July. State Secretary Pasi Rajala will represent Finland at the meeting.

The Foreign Affairs Council will focus on Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and the EU's strategic approach to the Black Sea region.

Before the beginning of the Council, EU ministers will have an informal breakfast discussion on civilian detainees of Ukraine in the regions occupied by Russia. During the lunch break, the ministers will have an informal discussion with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Under current affairs, the Council will exchange views on EU-UN relations and the EU’s contacts with its global partners.

Russia has made severe attacks against civilian targets in Ukraine and the number of civilian casualties is increasing. Russia is still not demonstrating any willingness for peace. The EU is prepared to impose new sanctions against Russia and continue its political, economic, military and humanitarian support to Ukraine.