EU Foreign Affairs Council to discuss Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, Afghanistan, and climate and energy diplomacy

The Foreign Affairs Council will continue the discussion on the Russian aggression against Ukraine and on the EU’s support to Ukraine. The ministers will exchange views on the anniversary on 24 February of the start of Russia’s invasion, on continuing the EU’s wide-ranging support to Ukraine and on sanctions against Russia.

“Almost one year ago, Russia launched its illegal invasion of Ukraine. It is important that we continue and increase our support to Ukraine. At the same time, we must strengthen sanctions against Russia as it continues its war. The EU and the EU Member States play a key role in providing Ukraine with military support,” says Foreign Minister Haavisto.

Regarding Afghanistan, the ministers will discuss the EU’s common policy on Afghanistan, the Taliban’s human rights violations, and supporting the Afghan people under Taliban rule.

“The EU must take an active role in relation to Afghanistan. We are very concerned about the humanitarian and human rights situation in Afghanistan, and we must draw special attention to the declining status of women and girls,” Minister Haavisto says.

The ministers will exchange views on climate and energy diplomacy especially in the aftermath of the COP27 Climate Change Conference, which is also affected by Russia’s aggression. The EU must continue its ambitious climate and energy diplomacy.

The ministers will be informed about current affairs, notably the situation in Iran and its human rights violations.

The foreign ministers will have a working lunch with Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Moldova  Nicu Popescu. In addition, the ministers will have an informal exchange of views over breakfast with the Russian opposition activist  Garry Kasparov.

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