Minister Fajon: Advocating for a peace acceptable to Ukraine and grounded in the UN Charter

SLOVENIA, November 18 - Regarding the Russian aggression against Ukraine, ministers discussed full support for Ukraine, steps towards the next peace summit and possible further sanctions against Russia. In her intervention, Minister Fajon recalled that the day after the meeting, 19 November 2024, will mark one thousand days since the start of Russian aggression against Ukraine. "As we mark this grim anniversary tomorrow, we must remember the extraordinary courage of the Ukrainian people and their determination to fight for sovereignty, freedom and the values of a democratic world. This anniversary should also serve as a reminder that our continued assistance and support for Ukraine is our duty." She added that Russia is escalating its attacks and that we must continue to help Ukraine defend itself. "I reiterate the need for a renewed call for peace - a peace that Ukraine will accept."

Ministers devoted much of their discussion to the current situation in the Middle East. In her address, Minister Fajon drew attention to the alarming situation in Gaza and stressed the importance of respect for international law and international humanitarian law, support for UNRWA, which saves civilian lives, and the strengthening of sanctions against Israeli settlers in the West Bank. "Thank you, High Representative Borrell, for your proposal to suspend the political dialogue with Israel under the EU-Israel Association Agreement. We are ready to discuss this and, in this context, we support the Spanish-Irish initiative calling on the European Commission to review the EU's relations with Israel as regards the guaranteeing of human rights. Slovenia also supports an embargo on labelled products from the occupied territories and sanctions against political leaders who support such violence," Minister Fajon said in the debate. She also reiterated her call for an immediate ceasefire, the protection of civilians, the provision of sufficient humanitarian aid, respect for international law and restraint on all sides.

In the first debate on EU-US relations since the presidential elections, ministers discussed future relations and ways of working with the new US administration. Stressing the importance of a strategic partnership with the US, Minister Fajon said that neither the EU nor the US can tackle the current geopolitical challenges alone, adding that "the EU must stand united for peace in Ukraine, the Middle East and the Western Balkans".

On the situation in the wider Horn of Africa, Minister Fajon briefed ministers on her recent visit to African countries. "I am pleased that today's meeting has opened a debate on the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in the region, which I was able to witness on the ground. I received very clear messages from my hosts in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia - the EU must strengthen its partnerships with African countries and support all efforts towards regional dialogue."

In the debate on Georgia, ministers called for an independent investigation into the parliamentary elections. Slovenia supports the European aspirations of the Georgian people and looks forward to a return to reform processes within the framework of EU integration.

During the EU Foreign Affairs Council, Minister Fajon held a separate meeting with the future High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, to discuss the importance of EU enlargement to the Western Balkans, the situation in the Middle East and Ukraine. Minister Fajon also briefed Kallas on the situation in the Horn of Africa following her recent visit to Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia, and expressed her satisfaction with the future cooperation within the EU Foreign Affairs Council.

Before the meeting began, ministers met with the Moldovan Foreign Minister, Mihai Popșoi. Minister Fajon congratulated him on the outcome of the elections despite the extremely difficult circumstances and much disinformation, and praised the progress of reform efforts and EU accession ambitions: "EU enlargement is a geostrategic imperative. We need a strong, enlarged and united Europe. In the next mandate of the European Commission, we must take important steps in this direction."

On the sidelines of the informal dinner of EU foreign ministers with former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and former Palestinian Foreign Minister Nasser Al Kidwa, Minister Fajon commended their joint efforts to bring an immediate end to the war in Gaza and to pave the way for peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians.