Kaja Kallas: We will discuss Georgia very briefly today, but I will propose an in-depth discussion in January

EU High Representative Kaja Kallas said ahead of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg that the ministers would briefly touch upon Georgia today, while proposing a more comprehensive debate on the country early next year.

“We will discuss Georgia very briefly today. But I will also propose that we have an in-depth discussion regarding Georgia in January,” HRVP Kallas told reporters.

The High Representative also outlined the main agenda items for today’s ministerial gathering, which include foreign interference, the ongoing war in Ukraine, the sham elections held in Russia, and the situation in the Middle East.

“So we have a full day ahead. We discuss foreign interference. We also discuss issues regarding different topics. But of course, the main topic is the war in Ukraine. We have now 1,600 listings that we are putting forward regarding the Russian military-industrial complex, but also the sham elections in Russia regarding the occupied territories of Ukraine,” Kallas said.

Addressing potential ceasefires, she added: “Then, of course, we welcome the energy ceasefire when it holds. We haven’t yet seen that Russia will stick to it. Of course, personally, I would also welcome that the ceasefire would include people not being killed—not only energy… We have Minister Sybiha here also joining us, giving really firsthand knowledge from Ukraine.”

On the Middle East, HRVP Kallas noted: “And then on the Middle East, we, of course, condemn the escalatory attacks by the Houthis on the airports and also express our condolences for the people who have lost their lives… Yesterday I also spoke to the Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal… And then we will also reach a decision regarding the mission in Lebanon. So we will establish a new mission in Lebanon. It has a civilian and military pillar.”