Participants at the Informal Meeting of EU Foreign Ministers (Gymnich) that took place on Thursday in Limassol expressed different approaches regarding the European Union’s possible role in future negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, as well as strong support for continuing pressure on Moscow through new sanctions.
The Informal Council took place 27 and 28 May under the Presidency of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus Constantinos Kombos and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kalas.
Discussions also focused on developments in the Middle East, security in the Strait of Hormuz region, the resilience of supply chains and Europe’s future security architecture.
According to diplomatic sources, during the discussion on the Russia-Ukraine war, different assessments were recorded regarding the EU’s role in a future negotiation process.
According to the same sources, several member states expressed the view that it was not yet the right time for negotiations with Russia, deeming that Moscow was not in a strong position and that continued pressure through sanctions is still necessary.
Diplomatic sources also noted that reservations were expressed regarding a premature discussion on a possible European mediation role, if there was no clear common European position on the terms, framework and objectives of a future process.
The Cypriot Presidency also expressed its readiness to start discussions on a 21st package of sanctions against Russia, a process that should be initiated by the relevant EU committee.
It is recalled that during the Cyprus Presidency, the 20th package of sanctions was approved.
During the discussions, they examined the need to further strengthen European strategic autonomy, particularly in matters of defence, energy security and the protection of critical supply chains.
Particular emphasis was placed on the impact of the crisis in the Middle East on shipping and the global energy market. European diplomatic sources expressed concern about the increased cost of insuring ships in the Strait of Hormuz region and the possible consequences for the European economy.
According to the same sources, concerns were expressed that even in the event of a de-escalation of the crisis, any normalization in maritime transport and insurance coverage may require a long period of time.
During the discussion, issues related to possible impacts on global food and fertilizer chains were raised, as well as the risk of new migratory pressures due to broader destabilization in the region.
In addition, the same sources said that in Gymnich participants discussed the possibility of imposing sanctions against Israel. According to diplomatic sources, two main approaches were formulated. Imposing an embargo on products originating from Israeli settlements in the West Bank and imposing sanctions on specific Israeli political figures.
According to the same sources, it was deemed that the second measure could be implemented more easily, while the first presents significant legal and technical difficulties.
The Cyprus Presidency considers the organisation of the Informal Summit, as particularly successful, and that it was held in Limassol for symbolic reasons.
Moreover, it considers the participation of the Foreign Ministers of India and Saudi Arabia to be particularly important, in the context of the effort of the Republic of Cyprus and the EU to strengthen their relations with important regional and global powers.