News

On 21 February in Brussels, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis will attend the Foreign Affairs Council meeting, which will focus on the security situation in Europe, current challenges, the political crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina, climate diplomacy, and the situation in Mali.

Foreign Affairs Ministers will discuss the European security situation, persistent violations of the ceasefire and provocations in eastern Ukraine, as well as the EU’s further actions and coordination with its like-minded partners. The EU diplomacy leaders will also hold an exchange with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, who will share an assessment of the situation from the perspective of Ukraine.

“Despite diplomatic efforts, the situation near the Ukrainian border continues to deteriorate. We're on the brink of war. Russia increases tensions not only by conducting new military exercises, but also by constant provocations, including the Kremlin-orchestrated shelling of civilian objects in eastern Ukraine and a vast disinformation campaign. This not only violates the Minsk and other international agreements on which European security is built, but also clearly shows that a pretext for a military intervention is sought after. Together with our partners, we must agree as soon as possible on a stronger response to Russia’s provocations and hybrid actions. It is also important to continue to fully support Ukraine, to strengthen its economic and military resilience," said Landsbergis before leaving for Brussels.

In addition, Foreign Affairs Ministers will discuss the prolonged and deepening political crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and will take stock of the latest international developments, including the situation in Mali. The Council will adopt conclusions on climate diplomacy. EU Foreign Affairs Ministers will also meet their counterparts from the Gulf countries in the joint council of the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council.