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EU foreign ministers meet to discuss Ukraine, Russia and the Middle East – Europe live
TL;DR
EU foreign ministers are meeting in Luxembourg to discuss Ukraine, Russia, and the Middle East. They expect updates on the Druzbha pipeline, which may soon resume oil flow to Hungary and Slovakia.
Key points
- EU foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg
- Discussion includes Ukraine, Russia, and the Middle East
- Update awaited on Druzbha pipeline for Russian oil
- Hungary may lift veto on EU loan for Ukraine
- Oil flow to Hungary and Slovakia could resume soon
Mentioned in this story
EUViktor OrbánHungarySlovakia
Druzbha pipelineUkraineRussia
EU foreign ministers are meeting in Luxembourg this morning to discuss the latest on Ukraine, Russia and the Middle East.
EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas at a press conference in Brussels, Belgium. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images
The ministers are awaiting an update on the Druzbha pipeline carrying Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia, which is understood to be close to being operational against after months of bitter disputes between Ukraine and the two countries.
Hungary’s outgoing prime minister Viktor Orbán suggested he would drop his country’s veto on the EU’s €90bn loan for Ukraine as soon as the oil starts flowing, which could happen this week. Slovakia is understood to be in the same position.
The issue is currently expected to be discussed by EU ambassadors on Wednesday, but could come up earlier. One to watch.
But the discussions will also focus on the situation in the Middle East, with the Lebanese prime minister, Nawaf Salam, joining the ministers to give an update on the regional security situation.
Spain, Ireland and Slovenia are among countries calling for closer scrutiny of Israel’s actions, including a more radical step of suspending the association agreement with the EU and imposing sanctions on violent Israeli settlers.
While substantial progress is unlikely to be made on this today as Orbán’s Hungary, a close Israel ally, continues to oppose any such move, the ministers will probably be looking at what could be possible at their next meeting once the government in Budapest changes.
EU foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, hinted yesterday that the position of Magyar’s government could be different, saying – without naming Hungary specifically – that there could be “a new approach” to the issue:
“Now this country [has recently] had the elections and will [soon] have a new government. I will not speak for the new government, but definitely I think we can look into all these policies and see whether they have a new approach.”
Q&A
What is the significance of the Druzbha pipeline for Hungary and Slovakia?
The Druzbha pipeline is crucial as it carries Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia, and its operational status could influence Hungary's decision to lift its veto on EU financial aid for Ukraine.
What updates are EU foreign ministers expecting regarding Ukraine?
The ministers are awaiting updates on the operational status of the Druzbha pipeline, which has been a point of contention between Ukraine and the two countries.
How might Hungary's veto on EU loans for Ukraine change?
Hungary's outgoing prime minister Viktor Orbán indicated he would drop the veto on the EU's €90bn loan for Ukraine once the Druzbha pipeline begins oil flow, potentially happening this week.
