EU foreign ministers to discuss Syria sanctions, Ukraine, Baltic tensions

BRUSSELS

EU foreign ministers gathered on Monday in Brussels for their first meeting of the year, chaired by the bloc's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

The agenda includes discussions on easing sanctions against Syria, tensions with Russia in the Baltic Sea, and support for Ukraine.

Baltic Sea tensions

The meeting will begin with a focus on recent incidents in the Baltic Sea, including damage to undersea cables.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Kallas emphasized the need to deter "hybrid threats" emanating from Russia, and that it would be a key topic during the discussions.

Support for Ukraine, sanctions on Russia

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha will join the meeting via videoconference to provide updates on the situation on the ground and outline Ukraine’s needs.

Ministers also will review the proposed 16th sanctions package against Russia. Discussions would include how frozen Russian assets could be redirected to support Ukraine’s defense production.

Syria Sanctions and Reconstruction

Another topic is the potential easing of sanctions on Syria, where a new administration is in place after the fall of the Assad regime last month.

At the doorstep, Kallas expressed hope for a political decision and a roadmap to lift restrictions on sectors critical for Syria's reconstruction, such as transportation and energy.

“It is a step for step approach. So if they are doing the right steps, then we are willing to do the steps on our behalf as well,” Kallas said.

"We are working closely together with the regional actors as well as the international actors, to keep an eye what is happening. We are also ready to open the embassy there, the EU delegation in full in Damascus, to really have our eyes and ears on the ground. So like I say, Syria's future is fragile but hopeful. We need to also give a space to make the right steps."

"But of course, we need to see the right steps as well. Right now they're saying all the right words. Are they doing also the right things? And therefore we have this step for step approach. If they make the steps, then we are willing to make the steps as well," she added.

Middle East, Lebanon

Ministers will also discuss the situation in Lebanon, focusing on the November 2024 ceasefire agreement with Israel.

The EU recently announced a €60 million aid package for the Lebanese Armed Forces, underlining its commitment to stability in the region.

Georgia, Moldova developments

The meeting will address concerns about Georgia, where the government’s crackdown on protests has drawn criticism. The EU is considering sanctions, including suspending visa-free travel for Georgian diplomats.

In Moldova, the focus is on managing the energy crisis triggered by Russia's cessation of gas supplies on Jan. 1.