The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaya Kallas, said that the EU has reached a "common understanding" with Israel to improve the humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip, stressing that "the challenge now is actual implementation on the ground, not just paper agreements."
اضافة اعلان
Kallas added, in remarks upon her arrival at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels, that the EU has observed positive signs represented by the reopening of some crossings, repairing power lines, and increasing the entry of aid trucks. However, she emphasized the need for "more concrete measures to achieve a real improvement for the residents of the Strip."
She explained that the ministers will also discuss the Iranian file, with deadlines approaching for the "snap-back" mechanism linked to the nuclear deal, confirming Brussels’ readiness to return to the diplomatic track to preserve regional security.
Regarding Ukraine, Kallas welcomed the announcement by the United States to provide new weapons to Kyiv and revealed that the EU is "very close" to adopting the eighteenth package of sanctions against Moscow, expecting its approval "today or tomorrow."
She added that European efforts "always require negotiation and broad partnerships," affirming that the EU will continue to pressure Russia through sanctions and the oil price cap, even if G7 countries proceed without Washington on this matter.
The new round of sanctions related to the war in Ukraine stalled for weeks due to a dispute with Slovakia over separate plans for a gradual halt to Russian gas imports and Malta’s refusal to set a price cap.
Slovak President Robert Fico, who is close to Russia, hinted at the possibility of abandoning his opposition after talks with Brussels regarding plans to cut Russian gas imports by the end of 2027.
Officials said the EU is also nearing agreement on a plan to lower the price cap for Russian oil exports to third countries worldwide.
Kallas told reporters that the plan "is still on the table."
This comes despite the failure of EU allies to convince US President Donald Trump to approve the plan.
The price cap is a G7 initiative aimed at limiting the revenues Russia earns from exporting oil to countries around the world.
The oil price cap set by the G7 at $60 in 2022 aims to limit the price at which Moscow can sell oil globally by preventing shipping and insurance companies dealing with Russia from exporting above this price.
Under the EU’s new plan, which is expected to be supported by G7 countries such as the UK and Canada, the EU will set a new flexible price below the market value.
This price currently equals $47.6 according to internal EU discussions seen by AFP.
AFP
