Key agenda items included the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the implementation of the EU action plan on the geopolitical consequences of the Russian aggression against Ukraine (engagement with third countries). EU top diplomats also met with Georgia’s minister of foreign affairs.

In the discussion on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, Minister Zbigniew Rau stressed that Ukraine still has a chance of defeating the Russian aggressor but that in order to do so it is key to accelerate the supply of equipment and ammunition, and increase the EU budget for the European Peace Facility. He also backed Ukraine’s request to expand the collaboration between the country and the EU Satellite Centre.

“Poland continues its military support to Ukraine. We have donated MiG-29 fighter jets in the hope that this will encourage other member states to provide Ukraine with advanced military aircraft. It is also necessary to increase the budget of the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine,” emphasised the chief of Polish diplomacy.

He also called for adopting further sanctions (including against Belarus) and the strict enforcement of those already adopted. Minister Rau also stressed that no one should look for peace proposals before Ukraine itself decides to sit at the negotiating table.

In the discussion on the implementation of the EU action plan on the geopolitical consequences of the Russian aggression against Ukraine (engagement with third countries), the ministers stressed the need to effectively counter the false narrative promoted by Russia around the world. A single message from the European Union and the member states for third countries should be used for this purpose. The ministers welcomed the EU’s action strategy towards pilot third countries, namely Brazil, Kazakhstan, Nigeria and Chile.

During a meeting with the Georgian minister of foreign affairs, top EU diplomats reiterated their general support for Georgia’s EU accession process. They also noted that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has changed the geopolitical situation in the Southern Caucasus, creating new threats but also increasing the significance of Georgia’s integration process. The EU foreign ministers said that they look forward to Georgia’s continuing the necessary reforms and increasing the convergence of its foreign policy with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy.

 

Łukasz Jasina
MFA Spokesperson