Foreign policy is the focus of attention in Brussels this week, as the European Union’s Foreign Affairs Council convenes for a series of meetings. On Monday, foreign ministers will gather to discuss a range of topics, including support for Ukraine, the use of frozen Russian funds, preparations for the Swiss peace conference, new sanctions, Georgia, and the Middle East.
The EU has been working on a new sanctions package against Russia, but Hungary’s opposition has posed challenges. The bloc has decided to direct proceeds from frozen Russian assets towards supporting Ukraine, although details are still being worked out. The payment block imposed by Hungary on Ukraine’s peace fund from the EU has complicated matters and led to discussions about providing direct aid to Ukraine.
In addition to Ukraine, the situation in Georgia is also on the agenda. The country recently passed a controversial law on “foreign agents” that threatens media freedom and NGO activities. Although President of Georgia vetoed the law, the EU must decide how to respond as it granted official candidate status to the country.
Defense ministers will also meet later in the week to discuss defense readiness and industrial base strengthening while trade ministers will discuss relations with Africa and Europe’s trade policy. Overall, these meetings highlight the critical role that foreign policy plays in managing external activities within areas such as defense and security, trade and development.
