The meeting of 27 EU Member States and the EEAS focused on priorities of the upcoming Swedish Presidency of the Council of the EU, as well as on discussing geopolitical challenges the European Union and its Member States are facing, in particular in connection with Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

In his remarks in the forum the Head of the Foreign Service Arkady Rzegocki thanked the Czech Republic for carrying out the work of the Council for the last six months.  Its Presidency has been carried out in extremely difficult conditions which made a continuity for a coherent and unambiguous EU external policy has been vital, especially in supporting Ukraine and dealing with the consequences of Russia’s aggression and its attempts to destabilize situation in European countries.

In the context of the Swedish Presidency, Minister Arkady Rzegocki expressed full support for an ambitious work agenda that will focus on the external and internal security of the European Union which is pivotal given current circumstances. In this context, Swedish Presidency’s willingness to continue EU’s ambitious sanctions policy against Russia and to carry on with providing comprehensive support to Ukraine are a clear signal of Europe’s stance.

Discussing geopolitical challenges facing the EU, the Polish representative stressed how important it is for Europe not to allow itself to make further mistakes in its policy towards Russia. Only a determined and unified EU can deter further aggression from Kremlin, which, in the name of its imperial ambitions, is ready to brutally trample the fundamental principles of international law.

During his stay in Stockholm, the Head of the Foreign Service also held consultations at the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These talks focused on the processes of modernization of the ministries of foreign affairs, effective recruitment to the foreign service and the possibilities of cooperation between the two ministries in the field of training their diplomatic and consular staff.

The visit of the Head of the Foreign Service in Sweden was also an opportunity to meet with the staff of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland and the Polish Institute in Stockholm and discuss the most important issues regarding the current work and priorities of the Polish foreign service.

 

Łukasz Jasina
MFA Spokesperson