Tobias Billström participates in a meeting of European Union foreign ministers

The first item on the agenda is Russian aggression against Ukraine.

– After the successful summit in Switzerland, it is important that the European Union continues to support Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts for a just and sustainable peace, in addition to increasing military support. I welcome Ukraine's commencement of formal membership negotiations with the European Union tomorrow, as well as the introduction of the fourteenth sanctions package. Foreign Minister Tobias Billström says the EU must continue to increase pressure on Russia and Belarus by imposing more sanctions.

The situation in the Middle East is also on the agenda. Among other things, the road map proposal for a ceasefire and sustainable peace will be discussed.

– A ceasefire is necessary in Gaza. It is also important that the two parties accept and implement the roadmap proposal approved by the Security Council. This is the way forward to reduce tensions across the region. Foreign Minister Tobias Billström says the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza means the EU must also continue efforts to increase humanitarian access.

At the meeting, the foreign ministers will also discuss Georgia, the Western Balkans and the Great Lakes region.

Georgia's adoption of the Foreign Influence Law should have consequences for the country's relations with the European Union. In practical terms, this assumption means that Georgia is moving away from its stated goal of moving closer to the European Union. It is important to point out that ongoing developments in Georgia, especially the smooth conduct of parliamentary elections in October, will affect the country's relations with the European Union. It is also important that the EU supports civil society in the country, says Foreign Minister Tobias Bellström.