Ukraine, Gaza and frozen Russian assets top EU ministers' agenda

European Union defence and foreign ministers are gathering in Wicklow, south of Dublin, for talks focused on the war in Ukraine and developments in the Middle East.

Following an informal dinner on Monday, EU defence ministers are due to hold discussions on Tuesday morning, September 1, on the bloc's military and financial support for Ukraine, as per dpa.

A central issue is expected to be the implementation of the EU's €90 billion ($104 billion) aid loan for Kyiv, along with additional assistance for the Ukrainian armed forces. Ministers are also expected to examine closer cooperation between Ukraine's defence industry and those of EU member states.

The defence ministers' agenda will also include the growing role of space in modern defence and developments in the Middle East, with particular attention to Lebanon and maritime security.

EU foreign ministers are expected to arrive in Wicklow on Tuesday evening before holding their own discussions on Wednesday, including further support for Ukraine.

As Kyiv's financial requirements continue to grow, ministers are expected to revisit the issue of roughly €210 billion in Russian central bank assets that have been frozen within the EU under sanctions.

The foreign ministers are also expected to consider additional sanctions against Moscow over its war in Ukraine.

Discussions on the Middle East are expected to cover the wider regional situation and the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. Ministers are also likely to address whether the EU should impose sanctions in response to Israel's treatment of Palestinians.

By Tamilla Hasanova