EU Foreign Policy Week: Battling Challenges on Multiple Fronts

Brussels is the location for a “super week” of foreign policy, which begins on Monday with the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union meeting up to three times within the week. During this time, foreign ministers from member countries will gather to discuss a variety of topics related to international relations.

One major issue on the agenda for Monday’s meeting is supporting Ukraine, as well as discussions on frozen Russian funds, preparations for a Swiss peace conference, new sanctions, Georgia, and the Middle East. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba, will participate in the meeting via video connection to provide an update on the latest developments in the war.

The EU has been working on preparing its 14th sanctions package against Russia, but there have been challenges in reaching consensus due to opposition from Hungary. While one positive outcome is that the EU has decided to use proceeds from frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine, practical details are still being worked out. Hungary’s resistance to funding arms aid to Ukraine through the EU peace fund complicates matters and has led to discussions on directing those funds directly to Ukraine instead.

Another topic of discussion at Monday’s meeting will be Georgia’s recent controversial law on “foreign agents,” which threatens media freedom and activities of non-governmental organizations. As a candidate country, the EU must consider how to respond to this situation. Discussions on potential recognition of a Palestinian state by Norway, Ireland, and Spain are also expected during Monday’s gathering.

On Tuesday, defense ministers will meet to discuss defense readiness and strengthening industrial base for defense purposes while also considering funding availability. The issue of EU ammunition supplies to Ukraine and delivering one million artillery shells by year end will also be discussed during this session. Thursday’s meeting of trade ministers will focus on future trade policy and relations with Africa as well as other trade-related issues.