The latest developments related to the Russian aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, with particular reference to developments in Syria and the role of Iran, as well as relations between the European Union (EU) and the United States will be the main topics of today's meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) in Brussels.
The meeting, chaired by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kalas, will begin with a debate on Ukraine, at the beginning of which European foreign ministers will be addressed via video conference by their Ukrainian counterpart Andriy Sibiha, who will brief them on the latest political developments and the situation on the ground, as well as Kiev's most pressing priorities.
The discussion of European ministers is expected to be devoted to current American and European initiatives, the results of the meeting between representatives of Ukraine and the United States in Saudi Arabia, and preparations for the EU summit scheduled for March 20.
In this part, Kalas is expected to present his initiative for increased military support to Ukraine in 2025, by providing security guarantees and strengthening the country's defense potential, as well as emphasizing the importance of maintaining maximum pressure on Russia.
The Council will continue to discuss the latest developments in the Middle East, with a particular focus on the situation in Gaza and the West Bank.
Ministers are expected to welcome the Gaza reconstruction plan presented at the Arab League Summit in Cairo on 4 March, as well as reaffirm the EU's support for the Palestinian Authority, the two-state peace solution and the work of the UN aid agency for Palestine. Kalas is also expected to brief ministers on the activities of the EU mission at the Rafah border crossing in Gaza.
The heads of diplomacy of the EU member states will also discuss the latest developments in Syria, in particular the increased violence in the coastal Syrian areas, and reaffirm the EU's support for the country and a peaceful and inclusive transition aimed at creating political and economic stability.
The discussion on the Middle East will also focus on the EU's policy towards Iran, in the context of its support for Russia, the arbitrary detention of European citizens, hybrid operations against EU members, the Iranian nuclear program, and Tehran's destabilizing role in the region.
At the meeting, the ministers will exchange views on EU-US relations and the impact of US foreign policy decisions and the European response to them. Finally, Kalas is expected to brief the foreign ministers on the results of last week's G7 foreign affairs meeting in Canada.
In addition to the Foreign Affairs Council session, a meeting of the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council at the level of ministers responsible for energy will be held in Brussels today, where a plan for short-term reductions in energy prices, completing the Energy Union, attracting investment and preparing for potential energy crises, as well as critical infrastructure in the EU and energy security in Ukraine will be discussed.
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