On the second day of the Gymnich informal meeting of EU foreign ministers, key topics included the Russian aggression against Ukraine and transatlantic relations. The gathering in the Gymnich format was followed by a meeting involving countries aspiring to EU membership, held at the invitation of Minister Radosław Sikorski. Discussions focused on challenges to European foreign and security policy, particularly hybrid threats.

Russia’s aggression against Ukraine

The discussion on Ukraine took place at a critical moment as a peace deal hangs in the balance, the shape of which will determine not only the future of Ukraine but also the security and stability of all of Europe.

Most participants agreed that the lack of progress towards peace is due to Russia’s uncompromising stance, its actions confirming that it has no genuine intention to cease hostilities and seek diplomatic solutions to the conflict.

The ministers stressed that to achieve a ceasefire paving the way for a peace agreement, EU states must maintain robust support—military and economic—for Ukraine while increasing pressure on Moscow, primarily through sanctions.

“Contrary to popular belief, Europe is showing unity and strengthening sanctions against Russia, and those sanctions are working. It’s no coincidence that Russia demands they be lifted”, emphasised Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski.

The talks highlighted that Europe has a leading role to play. We are not only Ukraine’s neighbour but we also bear the primary burden of supporting it. 

“Sanctions must stay in place until Russia pays for the damages that they have caused. No negotiations about Ukraine without Ukraine and no negotiations about European security without Europe” – said EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas.

Another significant and measurable contribution will involve the building of the Coalition of the Willing, tasked with providing credibly security guarantees for Ukraine after a peace agreement is reached.

 

EU–US relations

The exchange of views on transatlantic relations centred on ensuring Europe’s security amid shifts in US foreign and security policy, including reduced global engagement.

The participants agreed that the pivot in American policy towards less focus on Europe and a more aggressive promotion of US interests strengthens the case for Europe to take greater responsibility for its own security and defence.

Most ministers shared the view that it is in the EU’s vital interest to persuade the US to adopt a European perspective on the Ukraine conflict. They stressed the need maintain sanctions pressure on Russia, in which the US could and should play a significant role, including with regard to the immobilised Russian assets.

The participants also expressed readiness to identify areas of cooperation with the United States in which the EU can take concerted action.

Regarding transatlantic trade relations, which are now at a difficult stage, the ministers agreed that the current situation benefits neither side. The EU remains a key trading partner for the US, which is why acting in unity strengthens Europe’s negotiating position.

Discussing security with EU aspirant countries

In their talks with candidate and potential candidate countries, the ministers primarily addressed hybrid attacks and campaigns targeting both EU members and aspirant countries. The participants exchanged views on how to better align and coordinate policies to counter hostile actions more effectively.

As a matter of fact, hybrid threats are among the main threats to the enlargement process, as they undermine public support for it within the Union and in partner countries.

There is no doubt that Russia is behind most of the hybrid measures as it is in its strategic interest to divide the EU and its partners. In this way, the Kremlin is seeking to destabilise the situation in the member states and those aspiring the join the EU, the latter being particularly sensitive to the negative impact of Russian subversion. In this context, foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) as well as disinformation play an especially negative role.

The ministers agreed that responding to such tactics should be not only more effective and in greater solidarity than before but also based on a more unconventional approach.

Photos: The Chancellery of the Prime Minister / PAP S.A