Following the meeting of European Union foreign ministers in Luxembourg today, 21 April, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that a political breakthrough is expected in the coming days to adopt the long-blocked 20th EU sanctions package and to approve a €90 billion loan for Ukraine.
According to Tsahkna, the recent elections in Hungary have created an opportunity within the EU to move forward on issues that had long been blocked largely due to Hungary’s opposition, but which are crucial for ending Russia’s aggression and strengthening European security.
“As things stand, the European Union should adopt the 20th sanctions package in the coming days to increase pressure on Russia, and secure the provision of a €90 billion loan to Ukraine,” Tsahkna said. “Estonia expects that work on the 21st sanctions package will begin immediately thereafter, and we also consider it important to make quick progress with EU enlargement.”
“For Europe’s long-term security, the most important objective remains to bring about a just and lasting end to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Increasing pressure on Russia and supporting Ukraine are the steps that will lead us there,” the foreign minister added.
Tsahkna also discussed these issues today in a telephone call with Hungary’s prospective new foreign minister Anita Orbán. Matters related to EU enlargement were addressed separately at a meeting of Nordic and Baltic foreign ministers organised by Estonia with Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha provided foreign ministers with a direct update on the situation in Ukraine via video link.
The foreign ministers also discussed developments in the Middle East.
“Today’s discussions showed that European countries are not bystanders but are actively working towards solutions, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz,” Tsahkna said. “Estonia and several other EU member states are participating in discussions led by the United Kingdom and France on diplomatic and military measures to ensure freedom of navigation.”
“Rising oil prices and disruptions to energy supplies from the Middle East, as well as continued instability, play into Russia’s hands. It is therefore important that the situation in the Middle East is resolved and that freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is restored,” Tsahkna added.
The foreign ministers also met with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.
Speaking about the situation in the South Caucasus, Tsahkna referred to his recent visit to Armenia, during which he opened Estonia’s embassy in Yerevan, as well as his visit to Azerbaijan last autumn.
“The peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan is also important for Europe, not least in terms of new economic opportunities,” Tsahkna said.
The foreign ministers also discussed the situation in Sudan. Tsahkna noted that, in light of the fourth year of ongoing conflict, Estonia is contributing €80,000 in humanitarian aid to help alleviate the suffering of civilians.
Additional information:
Communication Department
[email protected]
www.vm.ee | @MFAestonia