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On the grim third anniversary of the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Foreign Affairs Council discussed the Russian aggression against Ukraine, after a VTC intervention by Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha, who updated his EU counterparts on the latest developments both politically and on the ground.
Nobody in Europe wants the war to continue, and nobody in Europe wants the war less than Ukrainians. They want peace on their territory. This is very clear. And that's why we have to be really strong against the aggressor and achieve peace through strength. The EU is standing behind Ukraine.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council
Against this background, the Council adopted today a wide-ranging 16th package of economic and individual restrictive measures. The package touches on vital sectors of the Russian economy, further weakening the regime’s ability to wage its illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine.
Situation in the Middle East, including Syria, Lebanon and UNRWA
The Foreign Affairs Council exchanged views on Syria and adopted decisions and a political declaration on easing the EU’s sanctions framework in certain sectors, with the aim of supporting an inclusive transition in Syria, as well as its economic recovery, future reconstruction and stabilisation.
The High Representative clarified that the lifting is immediate and open ended, but can be reversed if Syria's new rulers backtracked their commitments. She also announced that the ninth Brussels conference 'Supporting the future of Syria and the region' will take place on 17 March 2025, with the objective of further mobilising support for Syria and its neighbouring countries.
Ministers then discussed the latest developments in Israel and Gaza, in light of the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, to which the EU has been contributing through the redeployment of EUBAM Rafah, and the latest developments in Lebanon.
The Foreign Affairs Council exchanged views on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the conflict has dramatically escalated since the beginning of January, and is aggravated by the renewed offensive of the M23 in the eastern part of the country supported by the Rwandan Armed Forces.
Territorial integrity is non-negotiable in Congo, as well as in Ukraine. The UN charter applies everywhere.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council
The High Representative discussed with ministers her initiative based on diplomatic efforts in support of the Luanda and Nairobi peace process, but also on additional steps, such as: the suspension of EU defence consultations with Rwanda, and the intention to implement restrictive measures depending on the situation on the ground. She also announced that the Memorandum of Understanding regarding critical raw materials will be under review.
Under Current Affairs, the Council exchanged views on Georgia.
The adoption of repressive legislation and excessive use of force against the protesters is an alarming deterioration in the region. All these protesters must be freed immediately, and it is clear that the steps Georgia is taking are not going in the direction of Europe. We expect certain values, certain steps to be taken by candidate countries like Georgia, and Georgia is definitely not taking the right steps.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council
