Meeting of Foreign Ministers of the European Union in Helsinki

As part of Finland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, a meeting of Foreign Ministers was held in Helsinki on 29 and 30 August, at which topics such as the situation in the Middle East, the Arctic region, hybrid threats, forest fires in the Amazon and regional cooperation with Western Balkan partners were discussed. 
The meeting was chaired by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini. The first day focused on the fight against hybrid and cyber threats, this being one of the priorities of the Finnish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. 
On the second day of the meeting, the debate revolved around the Arctic region, whose strategic importance will increase in Europe and throughout the world in the coming years and decades. The importance of the conservation of the Amazon and the problem of forest fires were also discussed.

Lunch on human rights
During its Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Finland wishes to focus its attention on supporting the situation of girls and women and on the work of human rights defenders and civil society, as part of the European Union's external policies.

Following the meeting of EU Foreign Ministers, Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto hosted a ministerial lunch, which was also attended by a number of invited international human rights defenders. Over lunch they presented their views on the current situation and made recommendations to Ministers and the EU.

"Today, support is needed more than ever, as human rights defenders around the world face an increasing number of threats and attacks. Women human rights defenders, in particular, are often at risk. Lunch gave us the opportunity to discuss how best to support the important work of human rights defenders in dangerous and difficult situations," said Minister Haavisto.