EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas stressed the importance of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz as she arrived for the informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Limassol.
Kallas said it is in everyone’s interest to respect freedom of navigation, warning that “everyone pays a very high price” when it comes under threat.
Middle East tensions discussed
Kallas said discussions at the meeting are focusing on the situation in the Middle East, its impact on Europe and ways EU member states can cooperate to address the challenges.
EU foreign ministers are also expected to discuss European priorities regarding Russia amid stalled peace negotiations over Ukraine.
Kallas said that once negotiations resume, the EU must clearly define its key demands and the issues it wants to raise. “Our interest is a long and sustainable peace,” she said, adding that accountability is an essential element of such peace.
EU role in Russia talks
Responding to questions about whether the EU should already discuss representation in potential negotiations, Kallas said this is not a matter of being “invited” to the table, as issues such as lifting sanctions against Russia are European decisions.
She clarified that matters concerning only Ukraine can be negotiated solely by Kyiv and Moscow, but stressed that many issues directly concern Europe.
Kallas warned that debates over who should speak with Russia represent a “trap” that Moscow is trying to set for Europe. “Let us not fall into this trap. Negotiations are always a team effort. Substance is far more important than who is speaking,” she said.
European security priorities
Kallas said European demands towards Russia include respect for international agreements, sovereignty and the territorial integrity of neighbouring states. She also argued that if military restrictions are requested from Ukraine, then similar restrictions should also apply to Russia.
The EU foreign policy chief referred to the presence of Russian troops in countries such as Georgia and Moldova, saying the issue directly concerns European security.
The agenda of the informal summit also includes discussions on Europe’s security strategy, with Kallas saying the aim is to record member states’ positions and determine the next steps.
Asked about calls by France and Italy to discuss sanctions against Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir following the treatment of activists from the Gaza flotilla, Kallas noted that such sanctions have already been under discussion for months alongside other proposals.
Today, 28 May, EU Ministers of Foreign Affairs will meet in Lemesos, Cyprus, for an informal Foreign Affairs Council meeting in "Gymnich" format.
— European External Action Service – EEAS 🇪🇺 (@eu_eeas) May 28, 2026
Watch HR/VP @kajakallas doorstep ahead of today's meeting: https://t.co/AWiZp0ldKT
Also read: Makarov case puts Canada’s Russia sanctions under the spotlight
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