🇱🇺 EN VIVO | Ministros de la Union Europea se reúnen para debatir sobre Ucrania y Oriente Medio

Added: 2026-05-06

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[00:09:10]Exclusive forosap.

[00:10:04]Ukrainian.

[00:10:36]It's absolute We know that today will be discuss about Georgia. What will be focused be on and also it's last minister talked about sanction. What do you think? Don't you think that this part or worse is the relations between Georgian and the European Union?

[00:11:38]>> We have to help Georgia to continue on the path that most of its population want and it's the path towards the European family and of course we will be there to help Georgian people to continue that path a democratic peaceful and European way.

[00:11:58]Just taking me back to the association framework, could you just give us a sense of how far is willing to push this given Israel's allies and European leaders almost certainly not what you're trying to get into.

[00:12:12]>> Today European Union is playing its credibility. We have several issues, huge crisis that affect us directly.

[00:12:20]Ukraine, the Middle East, the war of Israel, Sudan. We must be capable of speaking with one single voice but above all for the same principles with the same objectives. If we are not capable to say today to Israel that only respecting human rights, respecting international law, not making war its only foreign policy tool and accepting that there must be a different way to relate with its neighbor in the Middle East. different than just waging war, we are going to lose our credibility. We have to say the same thing that we say to Russia concerning Ukraine and that we say in other uh scenarios. And since the last time we brought this same position, things have worsened in Gaza. There is uh repeated violation of the ceasefire.

[00:13:19]Violence continue to be there. In the West Bank, the situation is much worse.

[00:13:24]Illegal settlements continue spreading.

[00:13:27]There is violence from the settlers to the Palestinian. There are horrible laws like the one concerning death penalty uh that was approved by the Nesset. And in Leveno, we see an invasion war in violation of international law with undiscriminated bombing. European Union has to say today very clearly to Israel that a change is needed that that's not the right path and that while Israel continues in that path of a permanent perpetual war we will not be able to relate in the same way. If we really want to help the ceasefire right now, if we want to help permanent peace in the Middle East, the best we can do is to say clearly the things to Israel, not to look in another direction. We have to be able as Spanish foreign policy does to say the same thing in all scenarios in front of anyone. That's what credibility of European Union is about. That's what our citizens in all of our countries here in Europe are expecting and our friends around the world expect as well.

[00:14:37]And if someone thinks that suspension is not the right tool, there are many other possibilities that we can do to suspend the trade to suspend the trade part of the agreement qualified majority. It's enough. So let's put it at the table as well.

[00:14:51]>> Yes. from the financial council. Um, do you on on violence either, do you expect to continue that or have something changed >> from other from other EU countries?

[00:15:05]>> That's not a question for me. I will find out today at the table. I reach out to I will reach out to to everyone. What I expect is that every European country obeys what uh with what the uh international code of justice of United Nations says that uh we uphold human rights that we defend international law.

[00:15:26]Anything different will be a defeat for European Union and today we play and I want to highlight that we play our credibility in what we say. If we are not capable of saying the same things the things in which we believe or we say that we believe in them then we are going to lose our credibility and foreign policy it's all about credibility and that's what we are going to talk today about the foreign policy of the European Union I ask you a question regarding this stage of the uh nuclear program I do you share the same the same opinion with the USA regarding the future of the enriched uranium and the nuclear program of Iran.

[00:16:12]>> For me, it's very clear rein bomb and there must be a discussion on the nuclear file of of Iran. I'm very clear about Iran. Iran must stop this and justify attacks on all the Middle East countries or move must be open, freely, secure with no charge for anyone in the future. And I condemn and we condemn from Spain every violation of human rights that goes on in uh in Iran.

[00:16:44]That's why we voted all sanctions to to Iran. So yes, it's very clear for me Iran cannot have the nuclear vote. Thank you.

[00:16:57]>> Good morning. Questions already answered.

[00:17:00]>> Uh so good morning everybody. We have a full day ahead. So first we discuss of course the war in Ukraine and uh we expect some positive decisions tomorrow on the 90 billion loan. Uh Ukraine really needs this uh loan and it's also a sign that uh Russia cannot outlast uh Ukraine. This is extremely important uh at this moment. Then we have the discussions um on uh on the Middle East.

[00:17:28]We have the Lebanese prime minister joining us to give a full uh feedback can picture uh what is the state of play also with their discussions with Israel but also the state of play uh in Lebanon and how we can help them. We have the discussions also uh regarding you know the mission UNIL uh ending uh this year.

[00:17:50]So so what more can we do as um Europeans? Then on the Middle East, of course, uh what is happening in the war of Iran, it's clear that uh the freedom of navigation cannot be uh replaced by pay for passage schemes. We are supporting diplomatic uh uh solutions.

[00:18:10]But it's also clear that the worries uh in addition to the nuclear aspect have to be addressed when it comes to the missile programs when it comes to the hybrid and cyber threats when it comes to also the support to proxies and support to Russia. So um that is something that we are of course discussing and uh the discussion is also going to be uh what is happening in the West Bank. Um yesterday we had two very good meetings regarding uh Palestine. We had uh um u over 60 countries present in order to support Palestine. We are the biggest supporters of Palestine and and really to show that there has to be a Palestinian owned and Palestinianled process in order to have uh stability in the region. Then we are discussing south caucuses. Uh for us Armenia as a bajan the normalization of their relationship is extremely important and we are also going to discuss a new mission for Armenia and how we can uh further work with their relations uh on Azeran. Of course we are also discussing uh what is happening in Georgia and uh and you know our approach uh to this uh has been very firm. We are supporting Georgian people but uh uh not the Georgian government that takes this in the uh the wrong direction. And then uh finally we have discussions on Sudan. We are supporting the civilianled uh process uh once there's ceasefire uh that you know civilians um could be uh taking over um uh the the governance of the country and of course a lot of other issues like Syria we will have a meeting uh next uh uh month u and we are decided to uh you know unsuspend the cooperation agreement that we have suspended with Syria. We are also uh restarting negotiations with the uh Syrians on the association agreement. So thank you very much.

[00:20:16]>> I want to ask you right away the situation is extremely volatile. We don't know what will happen if there will be an end to the ceasefire but what can you do? I mean they're just looking from the sidelines what can be done because Trump for example he is threatening to bomb bridges to bump in infrastructure. Uh we are not looking at sidelines. We are actually actively uh working with the regional partners because we have the same concerns. They know Iran better than anybody and in order to you know strengthen the hand uh of the negotiators uh around that uh uh negotiating table. Of course the ceasefire is uh very fragile but diplomacy should have a chance. So I hope that the ceasefire is also extended uh until uh there's a diplomatic solution.

[00:21:04]So after the elections in Hungary, can we expect that personal sanctions issue will be on the table and can it move forward? What do you think and little bit more details? What will be your message to colleagues on the closed door?

[00:21:19]>> Uh I um of course can't speak for the new Hungarian government. Uh once they have uh been uh settled then they come and we can ask all these questions from them. But of course a lot of issues that have been blocked. We are uh reopening the discussions and hope that we get a positive result.

[00:21:38]>> Which steps taken by Georgia? Do you not like please tell us exactly? Can you could you name one example?

[00:21:45]>> Uh like I said today the majority of discussions will be on Armenia and Azaban. uh for the Georgian government we have been very clear uh that the path that are taking you know the repression of opposition the uh limitation of media all the laws that have been accepted uh are not acceptable to us. So we need to see uh really some progress uh there but as I have a press conference later on so I will leave this to my colleagues.

[00:22:14]Thank you.

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[00:30:00]>> How are you?

[00:30:02]>> Good. Yeah, not too bad.

[00:30:04]>> Minister, first of all, what is the government precisely looking for at today's council meeting in relation to the EU Israel association agreement?

[00:30:13]>> Look, really pleased to be in Oxburg here with colleagues um for a discussion. I've had a number of really important issues at a really important time. Firstly, our engagement with foreign minister Cibu from Russia. It's really important as an EU that we make progress on the 90 billion euro al loan that we make progress on the 20th package of sanctions and that we're able to exert as much pressure as possible on Russia within Ukraine with a number of colleagues in recent weeks and what's very clear is that we are at that breaking point where that loan is absolutely essential. But I also had the pleasure of speaking to my new foreign colleague in Hungary in the last few days. Foreign Minister Orbin and I welcome the position that they have taken and I hope that we will see the release of funds. But importantly as well the move to the 20th package of sanctioned sanctions are working. We need to keep that pressure on Russia. Uh in terms of the situation in the Middle East and specifically when it comes to the letter that myself and my Spanish and my Slovenian colleague have written to the high commissioner today, we are very clear. We need to as an EU uphold our fundamental values and we need to be clear for countries that we associate with where we have agreements with that they are upholding those fundamental values and laws. Israel has since our last meeting enacted a new law which essentially introduces the death penalty but in particular penalizes and specifically targets Palestinian people.

[00:31:30]It's completely unacceptable. And so we have asked for a a suspension of the Israeli agreement. um if not then a suspension on the trade elements of the Israeli agreement and we will be seeking to have this not just as a discussion here today at the council but that there would be some clear actions uh at the next council meeting. What's very clear and our position in Ireland has been consistent uh for many years now. We need to move in unison. Uh we believe that where the EU moves together that we have a greater impact and that's why I'll be calling on all of our colleagues today to support our call for the suspension of the overall agreement. uh but at the very least if we can't reach that uh full agreement that we would have suspension of the overall trade elements of it we are witnessing and experiencing an an unprecedented and an unacceptable escalation of violence in the West Bank 34 new settlements that have been agreed to in recent weeks with the introduction of the death penalty.

[00:32:22]We have an increase in violence across the region with a very clear determination by the Israeli government to separate into two um the West Bank.

[00:32:29]We also now have uh what can be only seen as unacceptable um decrease in humanitarian aid into Gaza as well. So we need to act. We need to make sure that our fundamental values are protected and we need to make sure that any agreement that we have with any other country that that country is fulfilling and upholding their obligations to.

[00:32:48]>> Do you detect any shift in sentiment among some of those countries that have uh tenaciously supported Israel in recent years? And how significant do you think the Hungarian election has been in that regard?

[00:33:02]>> Look, I think it's very clear that there has been a shift. Uh I think we've heard from EU leaders uh in recent weeks a very clear dissatisfaction and annoyance um at the actions that Israel have taken. Uh you'll see from other colleagues outside of uh Ireland, Slovenia, and uh Spain proposals by other member states as to how we can respond particularly in the West Bank.

[00:33:22]So I think we need to today be decisive in our desire to take action against a country that is very clearly violating human rights that is very clearly taking measures that are targeting specifically innocent civilians and Palestinians and we need to be clear in making sure that there is an agreement to move forward on this. Ireland has consistently said we would be far better if we move in unison if we move collectively together and that's what I hope we can achieve today in terms of the elections in Hungary.

[00:33:50]Look, I think the the the soundings, if not the soundings, the actual communication from uh the incoming government has been very clear. Uh they want to work with the EU and that's certainly the feeling and the sentiment that I got speaking to the new foreign minister Orbin. They also are very clear that the agreement that was reached on the 90 billion euro loan that was already agreed by foreign ministers by EU leaders and we need to be able to move on that as quickly as possible. my uh my engagement with the foreign minister Civia with President Zilinski in Ukraine in recent weeks really it just highlighted the perilous situation they are in the need for this 90 billion euro loan not just from a defense perspective but to invest in critical infrastructure that is consistently been damaged by Russia where they are completely um putting aside any respect for for fundamental human rights >> um on the Israel situation Is it conceivable we could get a decision today perhaps on excluding Israel from the Horizon funding program?

[00:34:52]>> Look, I'm not sure whether we'll reach agreement um on certain specific issues today, but I really do hope that we can uh make sure that at the next agenda there are some clear actionable uh items on our agenda. uh whether it's horizon funding, whether it's the uh suspension of the Israeli EU association agreement, whether it's specific to trade or otherwise, or whether we can focus on banning goods full stop in uh the West Bank. So, I hope that we will get to a point where there was an agreement to take action uh and to respond to what have been completely unacceptable uh actions. If I could also h say that I really welcome the fact that we will have the Lebanese prime minister today.

[00:35:29]Um I think Irish people will be well aware of the importance that Ireland places on the need for a sustainable peace in the Lebanon. Our troops have been there for many decades and have contributed uh to that peace and what we've seen in recent weeks uh because of the actions of Israel but Hezbollah of course as well uh it's a setback of many many decades. And so I welcome the current ceasefire. I welcome the fact that we are hopefully going to see further talks between Israel and Lebanon. But it's really important for me that we as an EU express our solidarity and our support with the Lebanese government and for their right uh to their sovereignty and to protect their country and their civilians, many of whom uh have been unfairly targeted, have been killed in recent weeks and have been displaced in the millions. Uh just in light of the under reporting of US uh military overflights in Ireland, is there any prospect that the government could seek prior uh approval from the government to the US military if those flights are indeed linked to uh the Gulf War?

[00:36:27]>> Look, we have a long-standing position in the Department of Foreign Affairs of publishing statistics that has been the case for many, many years and unfortunately due to uh an administrative error that has not happened um for certain flights. Once this was brought to my attention, it's been immediately rectified and and the statistics have been published. We have again a very clear position and it's been I think well understood by everybody including the US for many decades now. Uh and that position has not changed. So any flight that is due to fly overhead that's due to land where there are ammunitions where there are personnel where there is any engagement any type of conflict it's simply not allowed. It's simply not accepted and that's something that is known widely by all countries and it's not going to change. But a 56% increase in the number of flights over Ireland since the war began. It's hardly conceivable that that had nothing those flights had nothing to do with the military action in the Gulf.

[00:37:20]>> Our position is very well known by the US by every country. Uh and indeed we've taken and have had in place for many decades a similar position that's now been taken by Spain and other countries as well. So we are very clear if you are flying overhead if there is any type of landing it is not possible and it's not within our rules and our guidelines uh that you can have military personnel that you're engaged in any type of conflict and we restate that position but I do believe it's very well known by the US and by other countries as well.

[00:37:47]>> Has that been specifically communicated to the US in recent days or or weeks?

[00:37:51]>> This has been the case for many decades.

[00:37:53]This is something that has been communicated over those decades and it's well known and well understood and we expect that it is uh accepted but also that it is followed through and it's adhered to by all countries including the US.

[00:38:06]>> Minister can I ask a question from about Georgia today where we also discuss Georgia situation in Georgia. What will be your message to people also who are standing on the streets and fighting for European future? Look, I think it's really important that we have this on the agenda today. Um, it's really important that we continue to work with our colleagues in Georgia and within the wider region and that we continue to support that path towards the European Union. Uh, we have many Georgian citizens in Ireland as well. Uh, and we work closely with the community. But we need to make sure uh that we are engaged and where there are challenges that are very clearly emerging that we're working with the government uh and that we are remain focused and making sure that the reforms and the changes that need to happen that that is prioritized within the government as well.

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[00:47:34]Good morning. Friday. I joined his majesty the king on a trip to Leiv and to meet with President Silinski. It was the first visit by a crown monarch uh in Ukraine since the full-scale invasion.

[00:47:49]This says a lot about the ties between the Ukrainians and the Swedes and about the support from Sweden which is strong.

[00:47:56]It's broad and it will continue. The EU must step up, speed up and scale up its support to Ukraine and also increase the pressure on Russia. I am quite optimistic after the Hungarian obstacle is gone, so to speak, that we will now be able to deliver on the promise that we have made to the Ukrainians on on the 19 billion euro loan and that we will be able to move forward with a 20th sanctions package, but also with a 21st sanctions package that we need to adopt before the summer. Now on the Middle East, I am very worried about the developments. Um the instability is a threat to the region but also to Europe and I hope that the talks that will be held in Pakistan will bear fruit and that the uh ceasefire can be prolonged.

[00:48:47]It is absolutely necessary that uh all parties um deescalate.

[00:48:54]Sweden is very worried about the developments uh in the West Bank and the uh settlement expansions and therefore together with France we have uh presented a non-paper with proposals to limit trade with settlements and I very much look forward to the discussions on this today. Thank you. Hey Fore hopeful.

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[00:56:07]>> So today we will discuss two important topics from my portfolio. First is Ukraine and second is the South Kazus.

[00:56:15]The uh result of the elections in Hungary will have a positive effect on the enlargement process. And in the connection with Ukraine, I have three positive messages. The first is that uh if uh in the next days the oil will run through the DUBA pipeline, we could start very early dispersing the 90 billion uh euro loan for Ukraine. The second positive message is that Ukraine and Muldova are ready to formally open all six clusters and we are ready to. So I hope that the council will act swiftly. And the third positive message is that Ukraine has delivered a lot of reforms in the latest weeks. Uh that's why we will be able to disperse 2 up to€ 2.7 billion euro uh for their uh budget and ensure the liquidity.

[00:57:08]The second part will be about the South Kazos. uh today we see how important uh and the right decision has been that uh the European Commission has uh uh started the new Black Sea strategy. One of this uh part of the strategy is uh connectivity agenda. Through the connectivity agenda we are evolving in Armenia, Aabajan in Turkey to better connect Europe with the Central Asia. It is about trade, it is about uh energy.

[00:57:39]We see how vulnerable we are today when the trade routes in the north are disrupted through Russia. When the trade routes in the south because of war in Iran are disrupted. So the way which is now available there is exactly what we do in the connectivity agenda. So today we will discuss how to engage better with the countries in the south kaukazus especially with those three countries I have mentioned before Armenia, Azabajan and Turkey where we already have some concrete projects where we could start.

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[01:05:43]>> Hello, good morning. um very many uh topical items today and uh what I want to start with is that there won't be a Russian empire. Uh the the time for for that is is over. Uh and certainly the Russians know that themselves because uh the economy is in shambles. The population is aging and certainly the workforce is shrinking. Uh and there's no future uh for the business model as Russia stands uh now. Also, um the Russian leadership certainly and quite evidently can't cater even for its own people as as we speak uh with poverty uh enlarging throughout the region regions.

[01:06:25]So, uh now would be the time for the Russian population to say that this military operation is over and now it's time to uh concentrate on the well-being uh of their own people.

[01:06:40]And we will today discuss uh further sanctioning Russia in order to uh keep the ball moving in that regard. So the 20th sanctions package should come out as soon as possible. Also we are looking at other means on how to support Ukraine. The Ukrainian people have been fighting for their liberty and they actually doing quite a good job and they have uh on the front lines they have solidified uh their positions over the course of the past weeks and uh it's quite certain um that uh Ukraine will prevail. It's not [music] easy as Russia is targeting the civilian population as well which is uh is a clear war crime.

[01:07:20]uh but at the same time the population in Ukraine is resilient and they certainly certainly uh deserve a future in in both Europe and in NATO.

[01:07:30]When it comes to uh the Middle East, uh it is good uh that there's a ceasefire both regarding Iran and Lebanon. And we hope that both ceasefires are extended for as long as needed for the peace negotiations to lead to um robust results which will um well secure the region also for the longer future. and Finland has offered uh her help in facilitating discussions on a larger security architecture for the region which would be needed to um have uh uh a future with uh less war and more prosperity and stability. And finally uh we do condemn um the actions by the violent settlers in the West Bank and we hope that there was progress regarding Gaza also as soon as possible. The people are suffering. At the same time, we can't have any of Iran's proxy groups targeting Israel or threatening uh the people of Israel in any sort. Thank you so much.

[01:08:40]uh new displaced uh we are meeting good morning everyone is deputy foreign minister from Latia uh there's one specific issue of Latia is rising on today's agenda under uh any other business section is the Russia's participation in the vibe via this year uh Russia is killing Ukrainian civilians every every day and actually is destroying the European cultural heritage which is there so we believe that collective action is needed and we will ask our friends to support uh we need to have a joint position of banning Russia from participating in minist. They are not ready to end the war and this is definitely not the time to give them international credibility and this is one of the ways how they are trying to influence our thinking here in Europe on the uh Russian war in Ukraine.

[01:09:29]Uh well of course the situation is stabilizing but uh we see clear uh that Russia is not willing to agree to a ceasefire. they try to do it on Easter unsuccessfully. Uh so what that means is that our policy should be the same continuous pressure and enhanced pressure and now after the elections uh in Hungary there is actually a very great window opportunity. We need to get back to unblocking the loan. We need to get back to 26 package. We need to actually work on 21st cent package. We have already a list of things that should be added there and we expect our partners to act swiftly and decisively on that very broad agenda. I will not go into details on every single point. I'll just uh pick two of them on the Armenian as a bajan peace process. This is one of the processes which is actually going really well and latan president is visiting both of the countries in the upcoming weeks. uh we now have a chance to enhance economic cooperation with these countries and we need them to get closer to Europe. Uh we need to show them opportunities and actually show opportunities for European businesses as well. And uh on Lebanon, we are really concerned about the D situation over there. Uh very very worrying development since more than u million people have been displaced. uh and we are meeting the prime minister today and we hope that we reassure our support and also reassure our support to unify peacekeeping mission which is over there. I'm sorry I will not take questions. We have a line of ministers over there. That's that's a one for >> uh we've discussed with colleagues actually in the morning with the countries. Uh we hope that uh the real movement of funds will actually happen already in May. We hope that it will be real. Thank you.

[01:11:18]>> Sorry.

[01:11:21]>> Uh there's there's speculation actually on that. We we'll hear from Mr. Sibho on that. How's the process? But this is of course one of the parts of that deal.

[01:11:28]But that's that's let's let's give the floor to others.

[01:11:33]>> Good morning. It's very cool as in Estonia will be very short. Uh the elections in uh Hungary I do hope that it changed the picture what uh we had in in a council during the last couple of years. So I do hope that uh very short period we will release 90 billion uh euros fund for Ukraine. Also the 20th package must be adopted and and implemented. It's very crucial to put more pressure on Russia. But most important question this year is about enlargement and I do hope that we'll find a way how to open the first uh uh clusters and chapters and but also it is a historical momentum that Europe must understand that there cannot be any grays or neutrality zones between European Union, NATO and Russia. So we are talking about longlasting peace and I do hope that uh these political changes what has happened in Europe now they're giving the way uh to establish the long-term peace but unfortunately of course we don't see that Russia would like to have any peace. I think that this peace process is not uh uh progressing right now. So it means that Europe must take more responsibility uh to do more as well. I'm happy that uh uh the commission is now dealing with this uh Russian combatants issue. We'll give uh uh GA will give us the overview what we do because we must prepare for the peace and Russia will send hundreds of thousands of excombatants to Europe and of course the situation in the Middle East very complex every hour something is changing. So we discuss it today and [clears throat] of course Armenia Aarajan I was in Armenia just uh more than a week ago and I think that this peace process in on good track. So thank you very much and I let the others okay which steps taken by Georgia do you not like please tell us exactly what can you say about sanction don't you think now talk about the European Union should as well to put sanctions a personal sanctions on Georgian regime and also these persons who are really violating democracy Estonia we have been doing that person okay I let >> change can change Hello everyone. I hope that I I will answer the questions that that Margus left here. So first of all, it's a great developments in in Europe with the election results in in Hungary. Uh we are now really looking forward to use this momentum. Uh now we won't have the throwing horse in our castle in our room and it's a good thing. On the other hand, what was done before should not be forgotten. So those those allegations and that information that information from our room was shared with with Russian side has to be investigated thoroughly. Uh we cannot allow that those kind of breaches will be left without without investigation. This is important uh on Ukraine using this momentum we have to release the support loan to Ukraine 90 billion that is that is important to move fast and then to have the first payment already next month. The second that's the opening of the accession, opening the clusters as we as you know we frontloaded them all.

[01:14:44]Now we have to go formally if there are no no obstacles uh putting sanctions on Russia 20th package is already prepared.

[01:14:51]We have to move forward because this is the real instrument how we would put pressure on on Russia and get get closer to the just and and long-lasting peace on Middle East. uh we really support the ongoing diplomatic efforts to find the solution uh in in in in this conflict.

[01:15:08]This is the core interest of Europe also to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapon program and also to stop Iran from developing missile program. So we have to be active in it. Lithuania supports initiative of United Kingdom and France to take more responsibility in safe safe uh safeguarding the free navigation in Hormus straits uh straight. This is also uh our responsibility to play a part in it and we should be open. Finally on Beleros uh once again you know with with each with each phase Lucenko is increasing tension on on on the borders. Now recently they announced the European humanities university as the extremist organization. This is a university that is functioning in exile in in villos. It means that the faculty, the students and their families are now once again targeted by Bellar Russian regime and we have to address it and how we can address it put the pressure on on the regime and deny the possibility for them to exploit all the global developments in in purpose to increase in security for us.

[01:16:11]>> Minister changes in Hungary sanctions issue regarding Georgia. What do you think? And for example, will we propose this?

[01:16:20]>> We are late. We are late already. More than one year ago, Lithuina proposed the sanctions as we did nationally to to impose them at EU level and that would be the right thing to do. And looking now into the situation one year after when the democracy is even more backsliding in Georgia, that is the result. We were too late and we're too slow. This is this is what what's the outcome. So we should proceed now.

[01:16:43]>> Talking about sanctions was the relations between Georgia and European Union or situation.

[01:16:50]Georgia is a candidate country. they took obligations to follow the democratic standard and it's it's on their side to fulfill it. If they if they are not ready to do this then we have to raise the question of association agreement of the candidate status. Then let's finish with this and we will we will be in a different page then thank you all this year aid.

[01:17:17]>> Good morning. Thank you for being here today. Romania comes today in Luxembourg with a clear message. We need to continue to increase the pressure or Russia increase the sanctions. Romania has also been targeted in terms of cyber attacks by pro-Russian hackers. We have had throughout March and the beginning of April more than 8,800 uh attack points in essential websites and IT infrastructure such as of the parliament of the stock exchange transportation ministry and also our own ministry of foreign affairs on the visa application platform. So we're going to advance in line with potential sanctions against hybrid attacks. We have also decided to host in Bucharest the NATO seminar on um hybrid threats to be able to have a better coordination as well as with NATO and in the European Union on how we analyze, coordinate and respond to such type of hybrid uh interferences.

[01:18:14]Obviously, now we're at the moment in time where we all hope we're going to move from a European Union of 26 plus one to a European Union of 27. And we think it's very important now that we accelerate the progress and we have a final decision on opening the cluster one for Republic of Moldova and Ukraine.

[01:18:30]We believe this to be our best defense.

[01:18:32]We have already lost too much time on this and any delay in key decisions of the European Union actually have a geopolitical cost in our influence in the region have a direct cost in how the citizens of those regions are connected to the European path and the European plans. I welcome the presence of um Lebanon prime minister today. I have spoken with the minister of foreign affairs of Pakistan on how the conversations um are going. We welcome the current ceasefires. Uh Romania has joined the coalition and the conversations initiated by France and uh UK in terms of opening the straight of we believe it is very clear now to the international community that the strait of is not a private lake of ERGC. It's an essential artery of the global commerce. Our citizens feel that directly in their pockets in terms of increase on the energy prices and we want to make sure together that we have the common diplomatic instruments to the uh escalate that. In terms of Lebanon, we have already sent our first batch of humanitarian aid in partnership with Jordan and we will continue to do that through the European uh mechanism as well with countries that want to participate um alongside us. In terms of the south caucus, I have had conversations with the ministers of foreign affairs of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia. Um, in terms of Georgia, I have conveyed a very clear message on the Romanian and the European side in terms of the need for reforms on the judicial system of protection of accurate democratic processes. But we need to also continue to create an alternative to the pro-Russian influence there. an alternative that is very clear in terms of economic growth in terms of connectivity especially for us at the Black Sea that's even more um important which are there by Johnny the message that I'm going to convey today to um my colleagues is also connected to the key role they play in the energy infrastructure and uh connectivity as well as um Armenia connectivity is a key factor uh to our relationship with the region and of course the path towards Europe European future towards the European Union is connected to the decisions we are taking now uh that are felt directly by citizens there in terms of economic um benefits.

[01:20:48]>> I'm sorry, there was a question there before.

[01:20:50]>> Minister, you already mentioned that you had a conversation with with Georgia.

[01:20:55]Can you tell us more details what was told from this side of Georgia and what will be today your message uh in the meeting room regarding Georgia and Georgia's people's needs and want to be became a European family member.

[01:21:13]>> Sure. I have said this many times and it is exactly the same message I have told to the minister of foreign affairs that we believe the Georgian people are connected to the European dream. We have stated and I have stated again the need for that dialogue to restart for that path to restart but also that reforms are needed in order for that to happen.

[01:21:32]That uh leaders of opposition that have been thrown in jailed uh actually need to be facing an actual justice uh system not to use the justice system as an instrument to interfere with democratic processes. Uh but we have also talked about security. This has been the main perspective of my colleague in the conversation and about the fact that connectivity and an open dialogue our ability to create an alternative a pro- European alternative to the pro-Russian influence is uh the way forward >> on Iran and so you just said that the straight form cannot be blocked by Iran and that you would be part of an initiative but that would be after the ceasefire right now we don't really know the ceasefire will prolong so the situation is very very dire and volatile what can the Europeans do right now than just sitting on the sidelines?

[01:22:20]>> Just to be clear, I didn't say Iran cannot block the straight of form because obviously we see uh they can partially block it. It's almost like the shreddinger cat. It's both open and closed in the same time. Uh but that being said, it doesn't have the right to to block the straight of Hormuz because it is not a private lake. It is uh an absolute essential artery to the global trade. And I'm not speaking here just in terms of energy, but also in terms of agriculture, fertilizers. And here we're coordinating on uh the area of sanctions that are going to be able to increase the pressure for that to happen. Uh but also there's a coordination happening in terms of what are the capabilities that we can put together after the cease uh fire continues after we have an agreement uh to be able to assist for example a shift towards the the straight of now I'm not speaking on behalf of Romania and our ships. I'm speaking on behalf of the coalition to support the opening of the straight of hormuz where each of the country is now discussing how um we can contribute at the diplomatic level and also on this side.

[01:23:24]Now uh the key conclusion from the conversations I've had with the ministers in the region and what I'm going to convey today is that it is absolutely essential that conversations continue between United States and Iran and this has been uh the the key message and the conclusion with the conversation with the minister of foreign affairs of Pakistani as well that has hosted uh the Islamabad talks. Madame Minister, I want to ask you also about Georgia. Uh don't you think that uh talking about sanctions further worsens the relations between Georgia and the European Union?

[01:23:55]What can you say about? So first of all, I think Georgia needs to revise their own decision in terms of continuing with the negotiations and the dialogue with the European Union and it is very important to understand that although we are committed to the European future of the citizens of Georgia and also as a neighbor at the Black Sea, we are committed to increase the connectivity to be able to build up an alternative, a pro- European alternative. We also believe that democracy functions when there is an opposition.

[01:24:20]>> Do you suspending the um association agreements with Israel? We have had conversations around this. What I think is now the priority in terms of my citizens as well is to be able to lower the pressure on the energy prices. So I believe the current priority of the global community and of the diplomatic community is the escalation of conflicts in the region and for that matter this is going to be the focus with the prime minister of Lebanon as well and the focus of the conversations with Israel in these days. Separate from that, I have been very clear about the fact that what we have seen in the Gaza Strip, part of what we are seeing in the West Bank, part of what we are seeing in Lebanon are not within what we consider part of the right of self-defense of Israel. The right of self-defense of Israel is very important, of course, against Hezbollah, against Hamas. We have been very clear on this. Romania has also been um a strong supporter of sanctions on on that side. But civilian lives need to be protected. civilian lives need to be protecting including but those that have the right to self-defense because that does not extend to uh civilian infrastructure.

[01:25:25]>> Are you expecting that Ukraine is reopening the Russa pipeline soon maybe today to help to release the 98 billion package?

[01:25:32]>> We believe that the pipeline should be released as fast as is logistically possible and also uh that has been part of clear demands from the countries that are affected by that in terms of their energy supply. Thank you.

[01:25:51]Good morning.

[01:25:53]Um Absolut.

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[01:31:26]Fore peace on the Middle East. Um I will just maybe Slovenia is Yes.

[01:32:34]to these days in English current very demanding geopolitical situation. I can say that I do expect a challenging discussion today. I will remind my colleagues in the EU that Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia send a joint letter that we should seriously tackle the violations of international law, violations of international humanitarian law by Israel, in Gaza, in West Bank, and we should really seriously consider to temporarily frozen the association agreement between the EU and Israel.

[01:33:21]that has been long on the table and we are still despite the very fragile ceasefire seeing the violations of international law and we should really decisively act as the European Union not just to observe what is happening in the light of other situation in Iran in Lebanon. I'm also looking forward to see the discussion with the prime minister from Lebanon to see what is the situation on the ground. We really wish that um we have a ceasefire, no violation of territorial integrity and sovereignity and Slovenia stands firmly um at the site of Lebanon government. We will support only this year with more than 1 million humanitarian aid to Lebanon. Discussion on Ukraine, it's of course always on the table Russian aggression, brutal aggression in Ukraine. I wish to see that you would soon reach an agreement on release the loan 90 billion loan to Ukraine and the necessary 20th package of sanctions. We need to continue global outreach to truly uh make a pressure on Moscow to stop this war and start meaningful negotiations for just and lasting peace for Ukraine forever. So we're going to pass in line with potential sanctions against hybrid attacks. We have also decided to host Foreign speech. Foreign speech.

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[01:44:18]>> Well, I mean the the the [groaning] right to free movement on on the international in the international sea is is crucial. Uh and the whole global economy is dependent on that. Um same goes for Denmark. We're a small nation but a big shipping nation. So we call for deescalation uh and we call for opening up the Hormus the straight of Hormus. And uh I really hope that there will be talks in Islamabad today. I'm not certain about that, but I hope there will be talks and I hope that the ceasefire uh will be prolonged and everybody could agree that there should be right to uh to free navigation in the straight of >> Hus.

[01:45:04]Are you saying you're optimistic that there will be talks and I'm optimistic that the talks will lead somewhere or what's your stats? Honest honestly speaking I I can't claim that I'm optimistic but nether I'm not you know pessimistic I I have a realistic approach and right now it is purely uncertainty so we have to wait and see and in the meanwhile as we are viewing what's going on we have to prepare ourselves uh I really want to commend France and UK for starting talks and creating a coalition of willing we participate in those talks And we should of course stand ready when the situation is uh is prepared for that.

[01:45:52]>> Hello. Good morning. I think that it will be a very timely uh foreign affairs council. Um hopefully uh the negotiation for uh a peace deal will resume in Islamabad between uh Americans and Iranians today. The ceasefire is ending very soon potentially as well. So it is time to see uh diplomacy in action. We need a political solution. No more war, no more bludge, no more schools, hospitals uh being targeted and no more people fleeing uh their house. Um so as a commissioner for humanitarian aid, I will inform uh the minister and the council of the humanitarian situation.

[01:46:46]Um the whole Middle East is on fire from Lebanon to uh Iran from Gaza to uh West Bank. So it is our common responsibility today uh to find a political solution to put uh diplomatic pressure on all sides and of course for that uh the member states must speak with one voice. who as commissioner for humanitarian aid, I will inform them uh on the situation. Um the suffering is immense uh in the whole region. Uh we will hear also about uh from the prime minister, the Libanese prime minister um himself. Uh I will be there as well to to to meet him and um I will um yeah convey one main message to the Libanese people and to Lebanon.

[01:47:46][music] The EU stands uh with uh Lebanon. From day one we have been um uh committed we have stepping up our humanitarian contribution 100 million.

[01:48:00]Um the fifth flight airbridge uh for with humanitarian supply is reaching uh Beirut tomorrow and another a sixth one is planned uh in uh 10 days and I will be myself in Beirut while uh it will uh reach Beirut and um yes again my plea is to have uh a diplomatic uh political solution because yes we can be committed. We can be uh uh present in Lebanon, in uh the Middle East, but what is more likely to alleviate uh in the longer term the suffering of the population is a peace. Um I will also inform um the minister from the outcome of the conference on humanitarian situation in um Sudan. The conference on Sudan in Berlin which was very successful mainly for two reason. The first is that uh because the EU pledge was uh very important much more than uh last year and so our EU pledge with the member state was about 800 million. It's more than half uh of the global pledge of 1.5 billion. And the second reason is that because for the first time uh the Sudanese civil society gather together in uh Berlin and succeed uh to uh publish uh a call a common call for ending this brutal war. So I think that we are closer a little bit closer to maybe an agreement. I hope so. Thank you.

[01:50:00]position.

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[01:52:47]Heat. Heat.