“Potentially significant progress” toward ending the war in Middle East described the agreement U.S. -Iran Kaja Kallas following the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers.
The EU High Representative stated that the agreement could create the necessary political space for deeper negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program and other criticalsecurity issues in the region, although, as she emphasized, “the most difficult phase of the talks is still ahead of us.”
Ms. Kallas also revealed that in recent days she had been in contact with Iranian and Arab Gulf officials, while EU foreign ministers discussed how the EU can actively participate in the next phase of the process. “From its economic strength to its expertise in the nuclear sector, the EU is ready to contribute to a sustainable and lasting solution,” he stated, while welcoming the diplomatic efforts of the mediators, particularly Pakistan, Qatar, and other regional partners who contributed to the agreement.
The EU Foreign Affairs Council placed particular emphasis on the issue of maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.
When asked about the possibility of the European operation Aspides participating in international efforts to protect the region, the High Representative noted that intensive consultations had already taken place between EU foreign and defense ministers. As she explained, Operation Aspides will continue to focus on protecting shipping in the Red Sea, while the Franco-British initiative is expected to take action in the Strait of Hormuz. “The two frameworks complement each other,” he said, emphasizing that strengthening security in both regions is interlinked, particularly following the Houthis’ threats of further attacks against shipping.
Support package for Lebanon approved
Referring to Lebanon, Ms. Kallas announced that the EU has approved a €100 million support package for the Lebanese Armed Forces, aimed at strengthening state authority and supporting efforts to disarm Hezbollah.
Regarding Gaza and the West Bank, the High Representative recalled that the EU Council had already agreed on sanctions against extremist Israeli settlers and Hamas officials. However, despite proposals from several member states for further measures, it was not possible to reach a consensus. Kallas announced that she would ask the European Commission to present options for possible trade measures before the next Council meeting, including restrictions on imports of products originating from illegal Israeli settlements.
New package of sanctions against Russia
On the Ukrainian front, the head of European diplomacy condemned the new Russian attacks on Kyiv, which, she said, cost civilian lives and caused damage even to the historic cathedral in the Ukrainian capital. “Moscow shows no intention of ending the war. Putin’s war has reached a dead end, and that is why Russia is increasingly targeting civilians,” he stated, describing the attacks as a blow to Ukraine’s cultural heritage.
The foreign ministers, he said, agreed that the EU must steadfastly continue support for Kyiv and increase pressure on Russia. In this context, a package of sanctions was approved, targeting the Russian military-industrial complex, the so-called “shadow fleet” for oil transport, hybrid warfare networks, as well as individuals threatening Moldova’s stability. At the same time, the ministers called for the rapid advancement of the 21st package of sanctions. Ms. Kallas argued that Western sanctions have already cost the Russian economy between one and 1.3 trillion euros, funds which, she said, can no longer be channeled into financing the war.
The High Representative also advocated for further international isolation of Russia, stating that Europe must not “roll out the red carpet” for artists and athletes who actively support the Kremlin’s war policy.
Finally, he announced that later today, Ukraine and Moldova would take another step on their path to Europe by opening the first chapters of accession negotiations. “The future of Ukraine and Moldova lies in the European Union. Their accession will also make Europe stronger,” he concluded.
