EU High Representative Kaja Kallas announced that the EU will be cutting off its funding to the Venice Biennale after the event’s organisers welcomed Russia back to the event following a four-year absence. Russia’s return to the Venice Biennale was condemned by the EU’s Commissioner for Culture and Sport, Glenn Micallef.
The press conference followed a Foreign Council meeting in Luxembourg with the conflicts in the Near East being the focus of discussions. Among the decisions and positions that have been concluded include the EU’s support of the Lebanese government to assert control over Hezbollah. The has also pledged up to €100 million in humanitarian assistance to ease the suffering of the Lebanese people brought by the war.
As expected, some-member states opposed Spain’s proposal to end the EU’s trade agreement with Israel with the proposal being strongly opposed by Germany.
The EU Foreign Council has also decided to imitate sanctions against Iran for blocking the Strait of Hormuz. This position was initially proposed in a meeting with the UK government.
The EU High Representative also said that the Druzhba pipeline will be opened soon, paving the way for Hungary to drop its veto against the EU’s loan to Ukraine. Separately, EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said that the disbursement of the loan to Ukraine may start within the coming days.
Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ian Borg was also present to the meeting and said that “Malta continues to stress the importance of meaningful dialogue as a necessary step towards de-escalation and a more sustainable path for lasting security in Lebanon, Israel and the wider region.”
You can also read the press transcript here.
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