Tag: European Council
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Malta’s first bilaterals: Moldova and Egypt
The government’s first bilateral meetings were held with Moldova and Egypt, yesterday, during the margins of the European Foreign Council. Foreign Affairs Minister Chris Fearne met with Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Cristina Gherasimov. Earlier this week, the EU Commission has approved EU ascension talks with Ukraine and Moldova and Malta is supporting…
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New sanctions against Russia approved by the EU Foreign Council: Malta’s Foreign Minister makes his first appearance
Today, the European Foreign Council in Luxembourg has approved new sanctions against individuals and several shipping entities, including Russian shadow fleet vessels with some of these entities registered in Turkey, Liberia and the United Arab Emirates apart from Russia. The Council meeting is ongoing. Earlier this morning Russia launched more than 600 drones and a…
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More sanctions against Russia incoming: EU to revisit red lines – Kaja Kallas
During today’s informal European Council meeting in Cyprus, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas said that the EU is now planning a 21st sanctions package against Russia that revisits previous red lines. The Vice-Commissioner President said that we have to make sure to send the message that Ukraine is more important for Europe than it is…
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EU Commission to come up with toolbox to address energy prices: Council condemns deteriorating situation in Gaza and the West Bank
The European Council met in Brussels yesterday to discuss the ongoing ramifications of the war in Iran and also to discuss Europe’s support for Ukraine. President Volodomymyr Zelensky was also present in Brussels for meetings with EU officials. There was however, no update over the EU €90 billion loan to Ukraine which was vetoed by…
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Foreign Minister Ian Borg says Malta requested EU Council to keep “risky ships” away from European shores
Speaking after a European Council meeting, Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Ian Borg announced that he has requested the EU Council to work to ensure that risky vessels are kept away from European shores. Referring to the Russian shadow fleet, with one of its vessels currently drifting offshore outside Maltese waters after…
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New Dutch Prime Minister calls for qualified-majority voting at the European Council in first visit to Brussels
In his first visit to Brussels, the new Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten has called for the introduction of a qualified-majority decision-making process for foreign policy in the European Council after Hungary vetoed Ukraine’s €90 billion loan. He also called on Hungary’s President Viktor Orban to respect the deal made by European leaders and stop…
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Radoslaw Sikorski says that Marco Rubio convinced Hungary to drop veto against Russian sanctions: Spain says Gaza Peace Board not bringing peace
Interviewed at the doorstep before today’s EU Foreign Council Meeting, Polish Foreign Affairs Minister Radosław Sikorski said that the Viktor Orban’s ruling-party in Hungary has used state media to create an atmosphere of hostility against Ukraine and is exploiting this atmosphere for the upcoming elections. Poland’s Foreign Minister also said that the the US Secretary…
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Malta against qualified-majority voting pushed by big EU member-states – Foreign Affairs Minister Ian Borg
Answering questions from The Maltese Herald, Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign-Affairs Minister Ian Borg said that Malta is not supporting the EU’s current push to introduce qualified-majority voting mechanism on all foreign affairs issues in the European Council and said that this would set a precedent that Malta would not accept. He also said…
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EU designates the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps as a terrorist organisation
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas started her remarks after the conclusion of the European Foreign Council meeting by once again stressing that Europe must remain united a become stronger and applauded the previous deal with India ins regard. The most significant decision at today’s Foreign Council meeting was that the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps of…
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Prime Minister Robert Abela took a pro-European turn at yesterday’s European Council
Times of Malta has reported earlier today that the Prime Minister took a pro-European position during the European Council held yesterday. The European Council meeting ended positively after President Donald Trump dropped his tariffs threats against Europe and ruled out an invasion of Greenland. During the European Council the Prime Minister supported Denmark’s position and…
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UPDATED: Deal over €90 billion loan to Ukraine: Belgium still opposing deal over frozen Russian assets
UPDATED: EU Council President Antonio Costa said that a €90 billion in funding for Ukraine has been reached. The discussions about the €90 billion were separate to the frozen Russian assets and involves an EU-backed loan. Ukraine will pay back the loan only after the frozen Russian assets become available. Ukraine’s urgent financing needs have…
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EU and Ukraine establish special commission to submit financial claims to the International Criminal Court
Yesterday at the World Forum of the Hague, the EU Council has organised the Diplomatic Conference for the Adoption of the Convention Establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was also present to the conference. The convention was signed by all EU member states including Malta. The aim of the new…