Foreign ministers discuss Russia, Latin America and EU’s role in international organisations

The EU Foreign Affairs Council will convene on Monday 12 October in Luxembourg. The main items of discussion on the agenda will be Russia, the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, Latin America and the Caribbean. Over a working lunch, ministers will have a discussion on how the EU and its Member States could jointly intensify their support for the rules-based international system (RBIS).

In the debate on Russia, ministers will discuss the EU’s positions on the poisoning of opposition politician Alexei Navalny as well as Russia’s human rights situation and the general state of EU-Russia relations.  Finland stresses the importance of a thorough clarification of the Navalny case and condemns the use of chemical weapons in all situations. We emphasise a consistent implementation of the EU-Russia policy and support its five guiding principles. We stress that people-to-people contacts should be maintained and emphasise the importance of providing continuing support for human rights defenders and those respecting the rule of law as well as civil society actors.

Foreign Ministers will exchange views of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue with EU Special Representative Miroslav Lajčák. Finland considers that normalisation of relations between Serbia and Kosovo is important for the regional stability in the area and for European security.

As for Latin America and the Caribbean, it is important to support the rules-based international system in collaboration with the countries of the region. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, reconstruction should take place through green transition, sustainable healthcare system, and decent jobs, highlighting the importance of gender equality, human rights, the rule of law, democracy and good governance.

Other topical items on the Foreign Affairs Council’s agenda will include Belarus and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Over a working lunch, foreign ministers will have a discussion on the time when the COVID-19 pandemic is over. Ministers will exchange views on how the EU institutions and EU Member States could play a stronger role as supporters the rules-based international system and strengthen the EU’s influence in international organisations, based on questions drafted by the European External Action Service, EEAS. 

Inquiries: 
Turo Mattila, Diplomatic Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 295 350 613
Matti Nissinen, European Correspondent, tel. +358 295 351 780

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs’ email addresses follow the format [email protected].