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

EU foreign ministers will convene in Brussels on Monday 20 February. Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto will represent Finland at the meeting.

Text: Foreign Affairs Council 20.2.2023
 

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.

Inquiries

  • Sampo Saarinen, Diplomatic Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 295 350 404
  • Lauri Hirvonen, European Correspondent, Director of the Unit for European Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), tel. +358 295 350 063
  • The email addresses of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs are in the format [email protected].