EU Foreign Ministers Discuss Ukraine, Middle East, and Western Balkans

EU foreign ministers convened to address several critical international issues. Discussions included the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict, with emphasis on continued military and financial aid to Ukraine. A recent one billion euro financial aid package to Ukraine was noted, funded by interest revenues from frozen Russian assets. Sanctions against Moscow and potential avenues for a ceasefire were also addressed. The ministers examined the situation in the Middle East, particularly the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the expansion of Israeli settlements. The suspension of sectoral sanctions against Syria was also on the agenda, focusing on progress in the current transition phase. The Western Balkans were another focal point, with attention on Bosnia and Serbia. Recent entry restrictions imposed by Austria and Germany on Milorad Dodik and his associates were noted, due to violations against the constitutional order in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The meeting also included the next accession conference for Albania. Transatlantic relations and the upcoming US-Iran talks on Iran's nuclear program were also discussed.