Kaja Kallas: All sides need to take a step back

“Iran has been a threat for decades, and the EU has always said that it should not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons, as it would pose a threat to international security. But military actions are always fraught with risks and uncertainties. What matters now is minimizing the risk of further escalation,” said the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, in the interview that followed the conclusion of the Foreign Affairs Council.

As Ms. Kallas emphasized regarding the situation in the Middle East, the foreign ministers from Brussels “call on all parties to take a step back, return to the negotiating table, and prevent further escalation. The prolongation of the war benefits no one.”

A 5-point plan for the Middle East so that Europe is present, proposed by G. Gerapetritis at the EU Foreign Affairs Council

“Today there was a broad consensus among European countries that we must continue these discussions, as diplomacy is the way to achieve a long-term agreement with Iran to prevent it from having nuclear weapons.” She also referred to the role of the USA, emphasizing that “no one benefits from this war. It is a global problem.” She was asked about her statement that the USA and Iran must sit at the table and whether this is feasible, saying it can be achieved “through diplomacy.”

– New sanctions against Russia –

Regarding the issue of Ukraine discussed by the EU foreign ministers in the presence of Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, she stated that “we all support efforts to achieve a ceasefire, but Russia is escalating the frequency and intensity of its attacks.” As she said, by the end of the week, the 18th package of sanctions against Russia will be approved, while she announced military support for Ukraine. “I am pleased to announce that 80% of the commitments required for this initiative have already been made for this year.” She also referred to “the sabotage and hybrid warfare” of Russia, which pose “an immediate threat to Europe.”

– The situation in Gaza –

Regarding Gaza, Kaja Kallas stated that “the priorities of the European Union are clear and concern full humanitarian access and the release of all hostages.” As she made known, she is in regular contact with her Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa’ar and “in our talks, I clarify that the blockade of food and medicine does not protect Israel. On the contrary, it causes more suffering.”

She made known that today the EU foreign ministers discussed the review of Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which has been drafted by legal experts. “Our primary goal is to change the situation on the ground and help humanitarian aid reach and assist the people. Today was the beginning of the discussion, not the end,” she stated.

The ministers, as the High Representative made known, also discussed the increasing repression in Georgia, including attacks on opposition leaders and the media. Finally, she referred to the EU’s relations with Canada, announcing that “the EU will take a significant step in its relations with Canada, among other things with the new security and defense partnership.” (23/6/25)