EU Foreign Affairs Council to discuss Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, situation in the Middle East, the Western Balkans and EU-Africa relations

EU foreign ministers will convene in Luxembourg on 14 April. Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will represent Finland at the meeting.

EU foreign ministers will continue their discussion on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, with the focus on strengthening the EU’s military support to Ukraine and increasing sanctions.

“Ukraine has demonstrated its readiness for negotiations and peace, whereas Russia continues its attacks against Ukrainian civilians, including children. Ukraine needs more support to strengthen its defence. We must increase pressure on Russia to persuade it to enter into genuine negotiations. Finland has made concrete proposals for the EU’s 17th sanctions package,” says Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen. 

In discussions on the Middle East, the foreign ministers will focus on the situations in Gaza and Syria.

“The continuing military action and human suffering in Gaza is deeply regrettable. The EU supports a return to implementing the ceasefire and negotiating the release of all hostages and ending the war. International humanitarian law must be respected and aid deliveries to Gaza resumed immediately,” Valtonen says.

In addition, EU foreign ministers will discuss the current situation in the Western Balkans and cooperation with the region’s countries. They will also discuss the relations between the EU and Africa and the current situation between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The Foreign Affairs Council’s meeting will be preceded by an informal dinner with the foreign ministers of the Western Balkans countries. The meeting will be followed by a high-level dialogue between the EU and the Palestinian Authority.