Minister Kajzer at the informal meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers

Informal meeting of EU foreign ministers. | Author EU Council

During the morning session, the ministers were joined by the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, the foreign ministers of Iceland, Canada, Norway and the United Kingdom, and the Swiss State Secretary to discuss Russian aggression against Ukraine. In light of the current situation, which has seen Russian air strikes escalate, causing numerous casualties and suffering amongst the civilian population as well as infrastructure destruction, the ministers agreed that it is crucial to continue coordinated efforts to assist Ukraine, to increase pressure on the aggressor and to explore all possible avenues to achieve a lasting and just peace. To this end, the high-level meetings taking place during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly this week should also be utilised. Particular attention was paid to Ukraine's most urgent needs, including air defence, grain exports (which affect food security and the situation in third countries such as India and Egypt) and providing the Ukrainian people with energy support ahead of winter. The ministers also condemned Russia's actions in other member states, expressing particular solidarity with Germany following its findings that Russia was behind the August drone incident near Leipzig Airport. Minister Kajzer supported discussions with partners and coordinated action in support of Ukraine in both the defence and humanitarian spheres. He joined the ministers from countries that had proposed developing a common strategy and unified response to Russia's hybrid activities intended to cause direct harm to EU member states.

The next item on the agenda was a discussion on ways to strengthen the effectiveness and impact of the EU's foreign policy in an ever-changing geopolitical landscape. The aim was to ensure a stronger, more coordinated response to international challenges. The need for a unified and responsive Common Foreign and Security Policy was emphasised, as this would strengthen the Union's global standing and safeguard its interests and values. The meeting also focused on multilateral action and opportunities to strengthen the EU's influence in this arena, including through enhanced coordination regarding candidatures for top UN system positions. Following the meeting, a joint statement was issued in support of effective multilateralism.

Minister Kajzer considered strengthening the EU's internal capacity in the areas of the economy, competitiveness, security and defence to be key to enhancing its global influence. Regarding decision-making, he reiterated Slovenia's position that decisions relating to the Common Foreign and Security Policy must be based on unanimity and consensus-building efforts. He believes that this is also essential for ensuring the involvement of all Member States in the decision-making process and the effective implementation of the decisions taken.

The meeting concluded with a discussion about the current situation in the wider Middle East region and the EU's response to it. The focus was on the conflict with Iran, as well as on ensuring maritime security and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. The ministers also discussed the implementation of the Gaza peace plan and the situation in the West Bank. Minister Kajzer expressed concern over the ongoing instability and uncertainty in the wider region. He supported the policy of containing Iran and called for negotiations between the US and Iran to continue. Regarding Gaza, he said that implementing the recent agreement to disarm Hamas and giving the EU an active role in the implementation of the peace plan were crucial. In this context, he welcomed Israel's decision to extend the mandates of the two EU civilian missions (EUBAM Rafah and EUPOL COPPS).