EU top diplomat says bloc wants to ‘upgrade’ Syria partnership
EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas said on Sept. 29 in Damascus that the European Union wanted to “upgrade” its partnership with Syria and help boost its recovery but called for further domestic reform.
EU Needs More Ships for Red Sea; European Navies Adjust Hormuz Deployments
The European Union is asking its members to increase the number of ships deployed with European Naval Force Aspides, which is tasked with accompanying merchant ships in the Red Sea to protect them from Houthi attacks. “We need more vessels because literally there are commercial ships that are waiting in the queue to receive the escort that we do not have enough frigates that can do that,” EU High Representative Kaja Kallas said Monday, according to a transcript following a meeting of EU Defense Ministers held in Brussels, Belgium. Aspides was launched in February 2024 to protect merchant shipping from
Five EU countries to modernise several training centres for Ukrainian troops
The Netherlands, Germany, Ireland, Denmark and Luxembourg will finance upgrading two training centres for Ukrainian troops in Ukraine, Kaja Kallas says.
Kallas: Europe must rearm faster to hit 2030 target
European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas stressed during a press conference on Monday that in order to reach its 2030 target, Europe must be quicker and more effective in rearming itself.
EU extends EUMAM training mission for Ukrainian troops by two years
The EU has extended the EUMAM military training mission for Ukraine by two years and will set up a coordination cell in Kyiv, Kaja Kallas has said.
EU foreign policy chief on Oleshky: "It clearly shows what happens to people under occupation"
Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has said the humanitarian disaster in Russian-occupied Oleshky demonstrates why Ukraine continues to fight and does not want to surrender its territories to Russia.
Kallas Says Russia's Mockery Of UN Meeting Shows It's Not Interested In Ending Ukraine War
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on September 28 that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov's treatment of his German counterpart, Johann Wadephul, after their recent UN meeting demonstrates that Russia is not interested in peace in Ukraine.
Kallas Says Russia's Mockery Of UN Meeting Shows It's Not Interested In Ending Ukraine WarEU defense ministers fail to agree on Patriot missile transfers to Kiev
"Member states and partners could supply missiles from their own stocks "in exchange for later replacement", EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said
EU extends its military training mission for Ukraine until 2028 — Kallas
The EU foreign policy chief said Brussels planned to modernize two training centers in Ukraine to speed up training of new soldiers
- Güvenlik28 Eyl
EU's Kallas pushes to reinforce Operation Aspides in the Red Sea amid Houthis attacks
The EU defense ministries are expected to discuss this issue on Monday. Another meeting is scheduled for October 12.
Israel wants US-led force to disarm Lebanon's Hezbollah
Fearing a security vacuum if UN peacekeepers leave southern Lebanon when their mandate expires December 31, the Lebanese government is desperately seeking an extension of the United Nations Interim Force (UNIFIL) or the creation of a European-led multinational force to take its place. Israel, which has occupied dozens of villages south of the Litani River since its latest invasion of the country earlier this year can't wait for the Blue Helmets to leave. It has long lobbied against UNIFIL’s extension, deeming it ineffective in taming and disarming Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militia. But Tel Aviv hasn't opposed an international force once UNIFIL leaves; it just doesn’t want one tied to the UN. Israel is lobbying for a U.S.-led force, while the Lebanese government prefers a European-led mission to aid the Lebanese army if UNIFIL’s mandate is not renewed or extended. An even bigger question is how exactly any such force can subdue battle-hardened Hezbollah, the country’s most powerful armed force. The group has long enjoyed widespread support in the Shiite community, which makes up about a third of the country’s total population. Days before the UN General Assembly meeting in New York this week, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun visited Paris where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron and Jordan's King Abdullah. They discussed the need for the continued presence of foreign troops and the importance of making that clear to President Donald Trump. Israel occupied five key points in Southern Lebanon after Hezbollah joined the war between Israel and Hamas in 2023. Israel rained bombs on a region inhabited mostly by Shiite Lebanese and forced them to flee to other parts of the country. A ceasefire was inked first in November last year although Israel never fully stopped bombing. Clashes broke out again in March after U.S. and Iran assassinated Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and Hezbollah attacked Israel, offering it an excuse it needed to keep the war going and a justification to hold the occupied territory. The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) are ill-equipped to push back against the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in the south. Residents there fear that UNIFIL's withdrawal could leave them vulnerable to a prolonged or even permanent Israeli presence. UNIFIL's exit would also mean losing a neutral party and "the world's eyes and ears" in a region where misunderstandings can quickly escalate into armed conflict. Roughly 7,500 troops from 46 countries have monitored airspace violations and land incursions, offering a vital de-escalation liaison since the 2006 Israeli-Hezbollah war. Moreover, UNIFIL troops have served as a lifeline for people in Lebanese villages who refused to leave their homes after the Israelis arrived and established their “security zone.” For instance, UN troops navigate Israeli checkpoints to deliver humanitarian aid, medicine, and food convoys to the residents of a Christian town called Rmeich. Their departure could halt the delivery of supplies and sever the link between these villages and the rest of the country. Considering the circumstances, an extension of six months to a year appears to be a reasonable ask. But Israel is preoccupied with disarming Hezbollah and seemingly unconcerned about Lebanon’s internal political dynamics. It has long derided UNIFIL as ineffective and has been waiting for it to leave. It got its wish last year, when, under U.S. pressure, the UN Security Council extended UNIFIL's mandate only until the end of this year. Since it was created in 1978 after the first Israeli invasion of Lebanon, UNIFIL has always been an irritant for Israel. It was reinforced after the 2006 war under UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which called for the area between the Blue Line — the de facto Israel-Lebanon border — and the Litani River to be completely demilitarized apart from deployments there by the LAF and UNIFIL. Israel, which was supposed to withdraw its forces from the area as the LAF and UNIFIL deployed there insists that the peacekeepers never fully enforced the resolution, while UNIFIL argues it was never tasked with forcibly disarming Hezbollah. This has been a source of major tension between Israel and the UN, and, by extension, with Lebanon. Now, Israel wants a force empowered to disarm Hezbollah, militarily if necessary, and prefers a U.S.-led mechanism to carry that out. A problem with that plan, however, lies in Washington’s unwillingness to deploy its own troops. Europeans, on the other hand, are willing to provide troops, as they have in the past, but prefer to deploy them under a UN mandate. However, if Israel manages to convince Washington to keep the UN out – which Washington can do by virtue of its veto power on the Security Council – the Europeans will likely resort to a “coalition of the willing” model – mustering a group of countries willing to deploy troops and aid the LAF on a multilateral basis. Several European countries have already established an Italian-led technical military support group to aid the LAF and enhance its capacity. The European Union (EU) has said that more than 10 countries are ready to contribute troops to a post-UNIFIL international force. The UN itself has tabled three options with varying numbers of uniformed soldiers constituting the actual force who would also be accompanied by armed soldiers for force protection. It has also listed requirements for monitoring equipment such as radars, helicopters, and satellite imagery. The proposal calls for a deployment that ranges from 2000 to 5000 troops, depending on the plan. Under the first option, UN troops could potentially conduct joint operations with the LAF even north of the Litani River, closer to Beirut. The second option proposes "some" joint operational activities with the LAF, only south of the Litani, although it also offers verification of any violations of UNSCR Resolution 1701 north of the river "on a limited basis." The third would have more limited means, and limited capacity to coordinate between the IDF and the LAF. The key question, however, remains unanswered: What kind of joint operations are European nations willing to carry out alongside the LAF? Israel does not trust the LAF’s willingness or ability to disarm Hezbollah and wants an international force capable of carrying out a door-to-door search and seizure of Hezbollah's weapons. That is a risky undertaking for any international forces, however. EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas said the objective of such a force is to "strengthen the Lebanese armed forces and the ability of the Lebanese state to provide security across its territory." That presumably covers less dangerous tasks, such as training and providing key equipment. There is no clarity on what an international post-UNIFIL force would eventually look like. But several plans could potentially merge: the U.S. could join a UN-led mission composed of European forces. Israel hopes that Washington will at least provide its state-of-the-art satellite surveillance systems to ensure Hezbollah’s adherence to UNSCR 1701. And it demands that any post-UNIFIL force operate with a much stronger mandate and more teeth than either the EU or the UN have so far proposed. But the kind of force Israel wants – one that will go door to door to disarm Hezbollah – is a nightmare for the Lebanese government which is worried. A large number of Shiites in the country support Hezbollah. Any such force may have to confront Hezbollah’s supporters and that may lead to civilian casualties, even a civil war. Moreover, Shiites are a part of the LAF, a coercive disarmament could lead to mutiny. And if Israel’s plan is to occupy southern Lebanon indefinitely, as some top Israeli officials have suggested, Tel Aviv risks strengthening Hezbollah and its calls for resistance, while weakening the state authorities. Improving ties with Beirut is Tel Aviv's best shot at achieving a mutually acceptable arrangement that ushers in a functioning peace. Disarming Hezbollah is not solely a military endeavor; it will require a painstaking intra-Lebanese political process that eases concerns among the Shiites about their standing in a deeply sectarian society. Regional actors, such as Turkey and Saudi Arabia, will also want a say. And the elephant in the room will have to be addressed at some point. Iran will not just walk away and abandon Hezbollah, an ally, especially not when it appears to be winning the war started by the US and Israel.
Israel wants US-led force to disarm Lebanon's HezbollahKallas: EU states agree to release €6.6B for Ukraine
European Union Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas said on Friday that member states "agreed on the terms for releasing €6.6 billion from the European Peace Facility for Ukraine."
EU approves allocation of €6.6 bln for Ukraine — KallasEU releases €6.6 billion for members arming Ukraine as five killed in Kyiv
European Union countries have agreed to release €6.6 billion from a fund meant to reimburse member states that have provided arms to Ukraine, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Friday. At least five people were killed in Russian strikes on Kyiv earlier in the day, according to local authorities.
EU to release US$7.5 billion linked to Ukraine military aidAB Ukrayna için 6,6 milyar euroluk fonu serbest bırakıyor. Anlaşma sağlandı
Avrupa Birliği (AB) üyesi ülkeler, Ukrayna'ya yönelik askeri destek için Avrupa Barış Fonu (EPF) kapsamında 6,6 milyar euronun serbest bırakılmasına ilişkin koşullarda anlaşmaya vardı. AB Dış İlişkiler ve Güvenlik Politikası Yüksek Temsilcisi Kaja Kallas, ABD merkezli X şirketinin sosyal medya platformundaki hesabından yaptığı açıklamada, üye ülkelerin EPF'den 6,6 milyar euronun serbest bırakılmasına ilişkin koşullarda anlaşmaya vardığını duyurdu. Kallas, 6,6 milyar euronun 900 milyon eurosunun AB'nin Ukrayna Askeri Yardım Misyonu için ayrıldığını, 1 milyar avronun ise yeni ortak askeri ekipman tedariklerini finanse etmek amacıyla kullanılacağını bildirdi. Kalan 4,7 milyar euronun da daha önce Ukrayna'ya askeri destek sağlayan AB üyesi ülkelere geri ödeme amacıyla kullanılacağını belirten Kallas, bazı üye ülkelerin kendilerine geri ödenecek kaynakları yeniden Ukrayna'ya yönlendireceklerini ifade etti. AB Komisyonu Başkanı Ursula von der Leyen de Kallas'ın açıklamasını paylaşarak, 6,6 milyar euronun serbest bırakılmasına yönelik anlaşmanın Ukrayna'nın savunmasına eğitimden askeri ekipmana kadar daha fazla destek sağlanması anlamına geldiğini belirtti. Von der Leyen, bu kaynağın AB'nin Ukrayna'ya yönelik diğer destek paketlerini tamamlayacağını ifade ederek, Birliğin Ukrayna'ya yönelik yeni destek adımları üzerinde de çalıştığını bildirdi. Kallas, eylül başında yaptığı açıklamada, EPF kapsamında Ukrayna için ayrılan 6,6 milyar euronun bloke durumda olduğunu ve üye ülkeler arasında fonların nasıl kullanılacağı konusunda görüşmelerin sürdüğünü söylemişti. EPF, AB bütçesi dışında faaliyet gösteren ve üçüncü ülkelere askeri alan ve savunma alanında destek sağlanmasına imkan tanıyan istisnai bir finansman mekanizması olarak kullanılıyor. Mekanizma kapsamında mühimmat, füze, radar ve zırhlı araç gibi askeri ekipmanın yanı sıra eğitim, teknik ve lojistik destek de sağlanabiliyor. Söz konusu 6,6 milyar euroluk kaynak, Macaristan'ın vetosu ve fonların nasıl kullanılacağı konusunda üye ülkeler arasındaki görüş ayrılıkları nedeniyle uzun süredir bloke durumdaydı. Bazı ülkeler kaynağın geçmişte yapılan silah teslimatlarının geri ödemesinde kullanılmasını isterken, bazıları yeni askeri alımlar ve Ukrayna'nın gelecekteki ihtiyaçlarına yönlendirilmesini savunuyordu. AB verilerine göre, EPF aracılığıyla bugüne kadar Ukrayna'ya 6 milyar euronun üzerinde destek sağlandı.
AB Ukrayna için 6,6 milyar euroluk fonu serbest bırakıyor. Anlaşma sağlandıEU countries agree conditions for allocating €6.6bn to Ukraine from Peace Facility
EU member states have agreed on allocating €6.6 billion to Ukraine from the Peace Facility, including €900 million for the EU Military Assistance Mission, Kallas says.
EU to release US$7.5 billion linked to Ukraine military aidEU agrees to terms to release $7.5B in Peace Facility funds for Ukraine
Kallas says $1B will support EU military assistance mission, $1.2B joint equipment purchases
EU approves allocation of €6.6 bln for Ukraine — Kallas
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy said that €900 million will be spent for the EU’s Military Assistance Mission for Ukraine
EU approves allocation of €6.6 bln for Ukraine — KallasEU to release US$7.5 billion linked to Ukraine military aid
European Union member countries have agreed a deal to release €6.6 billion (US$7.5 billion) in EU funds linked to military aid for Ukraine, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Friday. The money will come from the European Peace Facility, a fund used by EU members to finance military aid to countries outside the bloc. It also refunds EU governments for military aid they have provided. Of the released funds, €900 million will go to the EU’s military assistance mission for Ukraine and...
EU to release US$7.5 billion linked to Ukraine military aidPress statement by co-hosts of the UNGA Foreign Ministers Dialogue on Climate Change and Ecosystem Degradation as National Security Risks
Press statement by the co-hosts UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas, and Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet…
In meeting with top EU officials, PM Shehbaz reiterates commitment to continued engagement under GSP+
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to continued engagement with the GSP+ of the European Union (EU), the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said on Thursday. The prime minister made the remarks during a meeting with European Council President António Luís Santos da Costa and European Commission President Ursula Gertrud von der Leyen on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. During the meeting, the leaders reviewed the full spectrum of Pakistan-EU relations and expressed satisfaction at the growing momentum in high-level exchanges and engagement between Pakistan and the EU, according to the PMO. PM Shehbaz underscored the importance of “sustained leadership-level engagement” in providing greater direction and momentum to the relationship. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening its “broad-based partnership” with the European Union and the full implementation of the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan, the PMO said. The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments and reaffirmed the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, international law and the “peaceful resolution of disputes”. Prime minister also reiterated his invitation to the presidents of the European Council and European Commission to visit Pakistan and expressed his desire to continue working closely with them to “further deepen the mutually beneficial partnership”. PM Shehbaz’s remarks came as Pakistan and the EU on Monday signed €65 million (about $75m) in financing agreements to support Global Gateway investments, strengthen the rule of law and business environment, and enhance energy and environmental resilience. Meanwhile, in a post on X, Von der Leyen described the meeting with PM Shehbaz as “very good” and said the EU valued its partnership with Pakistan. She said the EU and Pakistan had discussed how to take their partnership forward, “from trade to addressing illegal migration”. She also thanked the prime minister for his initiative to mediate in the conflict between the United States and Iran, adding that Pakistan was playing an “important role” in support of de-escalation, dialogue and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. Earlier this week, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, where he stressed the significance of GSP+ for Pakistan’s trade relations with the EU. The meetings take place against the backdrop of an intense engagement between Islamabad and Brussels over the trading scheme and its future. The current EU GSP+ framework is set to expire at the end of this year, and Pakistan is required to seek inclusion in the successor regime, which would carry more stringent requirements. Though the new trading framework will take effect with the turn of the year, Pakistan and other existing beneficiaries will continue to receive preferences during a two-year transition period ending on Dec 31, 2028. But the transition does not amount to an automatic continuation of the facility for the two years or a roll over into the new scheme. A European Commission assessment covering the years 2023-25, released in July this year, concluded that Pakistan had faced compliance issues with its obligations, regressed in several areas and made limited positive change. It should be mentioned that the EU’s GSP+ regime is tied to compliance with international conventions on human rights, labour rights, environmental protection and good governance. The report had identified significant concerns relating to enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, freedom of expression, journalists’ and minority rights, judicial independence, access to justice and forced labour. Earlier this month, the European Union’s ambassador to Pakistan, Raimundas Karoblis, had also cautioned that GSP+ benefits could not be taken for granted.
PM Shehbaz reaches London before heading to New York for UNGA session51 countries back Ukraine in joint statement calling for Black Sea initiative as world gathers for UN General Assembly
"Russia is trying to choke off Ukrainian grain exports, thus jeopardizing global food security. We therefore support efforts towards an arrangement in the Black Sea to safeguard freedom of navigation," the EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, said.
"Grain from Ukraine feeds people all over the world": EU urges Russia to stop attacks on Ukrainian food exportsUS chooses not to join anti-Russian statement on Ukraine at UN
The statement was read out by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga
"Grain from Ukraine feeds people all over the world": EU urges Russia to stop attacks on Ukrainian food exports
Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has urged Russia to stop attacks on Ukrainian grain in the Black Sea to restore grain exports and prevent a global food crisis.
"Grain from Ukraine feeds people all over the world": EU urges Russia to stop attacks on Ukrainian food exportsEurope must mount pressure against Russia, Kallas says as EU sanctions deadline looms
Kallas' comments came as EU ambassadors failed to finalize a deal on renewing sanctions against nearly 3,000 Russia-linked individuals and entities, with negotiations set to continue just hours before the measures are due to expire.
EU's Kallas says Red Sea mission needs more than 10 warships
NEW YORK, Sept 21 - The European Union's naval mission to protect shipping in the Red Sea would need to boost its numbers to more than 10 warships, its foreign policy chief said on Monday, adding that for now there were not that many in the area.
EU's Kallas says Red Sea naval mission needs more than 10 shipsEU foreign policy chief calls for continued sanctions on Russia
Kaja Kallas said sanctions were central to the EU’s response to Russia’s war, aimed at depriving Moscow of funding.
EU's Kallas says Red Sea naval mission needs more than 10 ships
NEW YORK, Sept 21 (Reuters) - The European Union's naval mission in the Red Sea would need more than 10 warships, its foreign policy chief said on Monday, adding that for now there weren’t that many in the area. "When Aspides (the EU military operation) was put in place, then the indication was that it needs at least 10 ships. The situation, I think, is even more grave right now," she told reporters on the sidelines of the annual gathering of world leaders at the United Nations.
EU's Kallas says Red Sea naval mission needs more than 10 shipsPM Shehbaz arrives in New York to present Pakistan's position on regional, global security at UNGA
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in the United States on Monday to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, his office said. The premier was received at the airport by Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad. PM Shehbaz is slated to address the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly on Sept 25, where the Gulf conflict is expected to overshadow much of the high-level debate. The official theme of the 81st session is ‘Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All’, and the UNGA debate is expected to run from Sept 22 to 26, with a final sitting on Sept 28. However, ongoing fighting between Washington and Tehran is expected to feature prominently in discussions among world leaders, particularly over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, regional stability and the possibility of finding a diplomatic way out of the confrontation. “In his address, the prime minister will present Pakistan’s position on the changing situation regarding regional and global security, emphasising the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, and peaceful resolution of conflicts,” the statement by the Prime Minister’s Office said. It added that the premier would highlight Pakistan’s “active diplomatic and mediation efforts for eliminating tensions in the region and promoting peace and stability, while also presenting Pakistan’s priorities on key global issues, including sustainable development, climate change, the fight against terrorism, Islamophobia, and global economic challenges”. The prime minister would also draw the attention of the international community to the long-standing issues of “occupation and denial” of the right to self-determination in India-occupied Kashmir and Palestine, the statement said. He would participate in several high-level meetings related to development, climate action, and other important matters during the UNGA session and present Pakistan’s position, it said, adding that the premier would hold bilateral meetings with various world leaders present at the session, as well as and the UN secretary general. The premier had on Thursday reached London for a two-day stopover before proceeding to the United States. Dar’s bilateral meetings Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in New York ahead of the premier on Monday to participate in the UNGA session, the Foreign Office (FO) said. On the sidelines of the session, the deputy premier met with France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, and the two reviewed Pakistan-France bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and global developments. According to a statement by the FO, Dar “reiterated Pakistan’s desire to further strengthen bilateral ties, including through enhanced political engagement, trade and investment, educational linkages and people-to-people exchanges”. The two also discussed Palestine, stressing that the issue must remain “high on the international agenda”. The deputy prime minister appreciated France’s efforts to support the two-state solution. Barrot, meanwhile, appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for peace and stability in the region. On the topic of Iran, “both sides exchanged views on the importance of continued diplomatic engagement and regional efforts to address the crisis, and highlighted the importance of implementing the Islamabad MoU,” the statement said. They also stressed the need to ensure the “safety and free flow” of maritime traffic and uninterrupted energy supplies. The French foreign minister agreed on the importance of utilising regional forums to address regional challenges and promote dialogue, the FO statement added. Separately, DPM Dar also met with Egyptian foreign minister Badr Abdelatty. The two ministers reaffirmed the longstanding fraternal ties between Pakistan and Egypt and expressed commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation in “diverse areas, including trade and investment, economic cooperation, education, cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts”, the FO said. They also discussed regional and international developments, including the situation in the Middle East. They reaffirmed the importance of continued consultations under the Regional Four (R4) framework and agreed to further deepen coordination on issues of common interest, the statement added. The minister also met with the Permanent Observer of Palestine to the United Nations, Ambassador Riyad Mansour, at the UN Headquarters. During the meeting, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s “unwavering support” for the Palestinian cause and people, including their “inalienable right to self-determination and an independent, contiguous and sovereign Palestinian State”. “Pakistan will continue to strongly raise the issue during UNGA and at all relevant forums … and advance international efforts for an immediate end to the suffering in Gaza and a just and lasting peace,” the FO reported Dar as saying. He also met European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas and stressed the significance of GSP+ status for Pakistan’s trade relations with the EU. In a post on social media platform X, the FO said DPM Dar had a “full programme” of high-level engagements in the week. “He will participate in ministerial forums and deliver Pakistan’s statements and interventions on key issues of importance to Pakistan, including bilateral, regional and international priorities across the UN agenda,” the FO said. Alongside accompanying Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif — who is due to arrive in New York later this week — DPM Dar will hold a series of bilateral meetings with his counterparts and participate in a range of high-level engagements on the sidelines of the UNGA, it added. Upon arriving in New York on Monday, Dar was received by Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Ambassador to the US Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, Pakistan Consul General in New York Aamer Ahmad Atozai, and officers of Pakistan’s Mission to the UN and Consulate in New York. In a curtain raiser posted on X on Sunday, the FO said that during the visit, Dar will attend the meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir, where he will highlight Pakistan’s “unwavering support” for the right to self-determination for Kashmiris. DPM Dar will also attend several high-level meetings on the Palestine issue, including a meeting of the eight Arab-Islamic countries and a high-level ministerial meeting of the global alliance for the implementation of the two-state solution, among others. According to the FO, DPM Dar is also expected to deliver a statement during the UN Security Council high-level briefing on artificial intelligence. He will also chair a meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organisation’s Council of Ministers. The Pakistani delegation at the UNGA has been significantly streamlined as part of the government’s austerity measures. Dar and senior foreign-policy adviser Tariq Fatemi form the core of the prime minister’s delegation. Several federal ministers who were initially expected to travel were dropped from the trip, according to sources at the country’s UN mission.
PM Shehbaz reaches London before heading to New York for UNGA sessionDar meets EU foreign policy chief, stresses importance of GSP+ status for Pakistan's trade ties with the bloc
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stressed the significance of GSP+ status for Pakistan’s trade relations with the European Union in a meeting with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas on Monday, according to a statement by the Foreign Office (FO). The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, which will be held from Sep 21-25. The deputy premier highlighted “the importance Pakistan attaches to its partnership with the European Union, particularly in trade and economic cooperation”. He stressed the significance of GSP+ for Pakistan’s trade relations with the EU, the FO said. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global developments, with DPM Dar appreciating the EU’s constructive engagement with Pakistan during recent regional developments, as well as its recognition of Pakistan’s efforts towards de-escalation and dialogue. He called for a return to “the path of dialogue and diplomacy” and full implementation “by all parties” of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed between the US and Iran earlier this year, according to the statement. “Both sides agreed to maintain close engagement on matters of mutual interest,” the FO added. The meeting took place against the backdrop of an intense engagement between Islamabad and Brussels over a trading scheme and its future. The current EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences framework is set to expire at the end of this year, and Pakistan is required to seek inclusion in the successor regime, which would carry more stringent requirements. Though the new trading framework will take effect with the turn of the year, Pakistan and other existing beneficiaries will continue to receive preferences during a two-year transition period ending on Dec 31, 2028. But the transition does not amount to an automatic continuation of the facility for the two-year period, or a roll over into the new scheme. A European Commission assessment covering the years 2023-25, released in July this year, concluded that Pakistan had faced compliance issues with its obligations, regressed in a number of areas and made limited positive change. Moreover, while acknowledging legislative and administrative measures, it noted that much of the progress had yet to translate into improvements on the ground. The report had identified significant concerns relating to enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, freedom of expression, journalists’ and minority rights, judicial independence, access to justice and forced labour. Diplomatic discussions between Pakistan and the EU suggest that Islamabad is aware of the gravity of the situation, though questions remain over whether it has yet moved decisively towards addressing the concerns that Brussels has repeatedly raised. Earlier this month, the European Union’s ambassador to Pakistan had cautioned that GSP+ benefits could not be taken for granted. EU imports from Pakistan reached €9.4 billion in 2022 before declining to €7.9bn in 2023 because of weaker European demand and recovering to €8.3bn in 2024. The EU has remained Pakistan’s largest export destination, accounting for 28 per cent of its total exports, while textiles and clothing constituted around 70 to 76pc of Pakistani exports to the European market. About 90pc of Pakistan’s exports to the EU remained eligible for GSP+ preferences during 2022-2024, with utilisation averaging 93pc and recovering to 95pc in 2024. According to the European Commission, Pakistan benefitted from approximately €732 million in tariff exemptions last year alone, equivalent to around 9pc of its exports to the European Union.
PM Shehbaz reaches London before heading to New York for UNGA sessionDar meets EU foreign policy chief, stresses importance of GSP+ for Pakistan's trade ties with the bloc
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stressed the significance of GSP+ for Pakistan’s trade relations with the European Union in a meeting with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas on Monday, according to a statement by the Foreign Office (FO). The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, which will be held from Sep 21-25. The deputy premier highlighted “the importance Pakistan attaches to its partnership with the European Union, particularly in trade and economic cooperation”. He stressed the significance of GSP+ for Pakistan’s trade relations with the EU, the FO said. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global developments, with DPM Dar appreciating the EU’s constructive engagement with Pakistan during recent regional developments, as well as its recognition of Pakistan’s efforts towards de-escalation and dialogue. He called for a return to “the path of dialogue and diplomacy” and full implementation “by all parties” of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed between the US and Iran earlier this year, according to the statement. “Both sides agreed to maintain close engagement on matters of mutual interest,” the FO added. Earlier this month, the European Union’s ambassador cautioned that GSP+ benefits could not be taken for granted. The current EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences framework is set to expire at the end of this year, and Pakistan is required to seek inclusion in the successor regime, which would carry more stringent requirements. A European Commission assessment covering the years 2023-25, released in July this year, concluded that Pakistan had faced compliance issues with its obligations, regressed in a number of areas and made limited positive change. Diplomatic discussions between Pakistan and the EU suggest that Islamabad is aware of the gravity of the situation, though questions remain over whether it has yet moved decisively towards addressing the concerns that Brussels has repeatedly raised.
PM Shehbaz reaches London before heading to New York for UNGA sessionDar stresses importance of GSP+ for Pakistan's trade relations with EU in meeting with bloc's foreign policy chief
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stressed the significance of GSP+ for Pakistan’s trade relations with the European Union in a meeting with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas on Monday, according to a statement by the Foreign Office (FO). The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, which will be held from Sep 21-25. The deputy premier highlighted “the importance Pakistan attaches to its partnership with the European Union, particularly in trade and economic cooperation”. He stressed the significance of GSP+ for Pakistan’s trade relations with the EU, the FO said. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global developments, with DPM Dar appreciating the EU’s constructive engagement with Pakistan during recent regional developments, as well as its recognition of Pakistan’s efforts towards de-escalation and dialogue. He called for a return to “the path of dialogue and diplomacy” and full implementation “by all parties” of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed between the US and Iran earlier this year, according to the statement. “Both sides agreed to maintain close engagement on matters of mutual interest,” the FO added. Earlier this month, the European Union’s ambassador cautioned that GSP+ benefits could not be taken for granted. The current EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences framework is set to expire at the end of this year, and Pakistan is required to seek inclusion in the successor regime, which would carry more stringent requirements. A European Commission assessment covering the years 2023-25, released in July this year, concluded that Pakistan had faced compliance issues with its obligations, regressed in a number of areas and made limited positive change. Diplomatic discussions between Pakistan and the EU suggest that Islamabad is aware of the gravity of the situation, though questions remain over whether it has yet moved decisively towards addressing the concerns that Brussels has repeatedly raised.
PM Shehbaz reaches London before heading to New York for UNGA sessionIshaq Dar stresses importance of GSP+ for Pakistan's trade relations with EU: FO
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stressed the significance of GSP+ for Pakistan’s trade relations with the European Union in a meeting with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas on Monday, according to a statement by the Foreign Office (FO). The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, which will be held from Sep 21-25. The deputy premier highlighted “the importance Pakistan attaches to its partnership with the European Union, particularly in trade and economic cooperation”. He stressed the significance of GSP+ for Pakistan’s trade relations with the EU, the FO said. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global developments, with DPM Dar appreciating the EU’s constructive engagement with Pakistan during recent regional developments, as well as its recognition of Pakistan’s efforts towards de-escalation and dialogue. He called for a return to “the path of dialogue and diplomacy” and full implementation “by all parties” of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed between the US and Iran earlier this year, according to the statement. “Both sides agreed to maintain close engagement on matters of mutual interest,” the FO added. More to follow
PM Shehbaz reaches London before heading to New York for UNGA sessionIshaq Dar stresses importance of GSP+ for Pakistan's trade relations with EU
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stressed the significance of GSP+ for Pakistan’s trade relations with the European Union in a meeting with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas on Monday, according to a statement by the Foreign Office (FO). The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, which will be held from Sep 21-25. The deputy premier highlighted “the importance Pakistan attaches to its partnership with the European Union, particularly in trade and economic cooperation”. He stressed the significance of GSP+ for Pakistan’s trade relations with the EU, the FO said. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global developments, with DPM Dar appreciating the EU’s constructive engagement with Pakistan during recent regional developments, as well as its recognition of Pakistan’s efforts towards de-escalation and dialogue. He called for a return to “the path of dialogue and diplomacy” and full implementation “by all parties” of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed between the US and Iran earlier this year, according to the statement. “Both sides agreed to maintain close engagement on matters of mutual interest,” the FO added. More to follow
PM Shehbaz reaches London before heading to New York for UNGA sessionGulf troop deployments to be adjusted says Chigi meet
(ANSA) - ROME, 21 SET - A risk assessment regarding the deployment of Italian military personnel in certain Gulf areas was conducted during a high-level meeting at Palazzo Chigi today, pointing to a need to adjust the contingents involved, well-informed sources said. Based on current troop numbers, the options under consideration are either relocating personnel to safer areas or reducing the size of the contingent. The meeting also addressed the situation in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, in light of statements by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas regarding the strengthening of the Aspides mission. (ANSA). Read article...
EU and five other countries condemn Russia's 'sham' elections
EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas on Monday dismissed Russia's parliamentary elections as a "veneer" of democracy, and said she was proposing sanctions against those who organised them in occupied Ukraine. Five other countries – the UK, Norway, Australia, New Zealand and Canada – also condemned Russia's move as a violation of the UN charter.
Putin's party secures record score in Russia election
Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party won a record supermajority in the Duma, authorities announced on Monday after a tightly controlled three-day election without parties critical of the Kremlin or the war in Ukraine. Electoral chief Ella Pamfilova said preliminary results showed United Russia — which has dominated Russian politics for 25 years — won 355 of the Duma’s 450 seats. The result handed Putin’s party an increased supermajority and beat its previous record of 343 seats. The supermajority means it can change the constitution, if it needs to. The Kremlin said the result of the first parliamentary election since Moscow sent troops to Ukraine in 2022 showed Russians were united around Putin, who has been in power since New Year’s Eve 1999. The conflict has killed hundreds of thousands, displaced millions and hit ordinary lives in Russia more than ever this year. Moscow has banned criticism of its military campaign and the only party that called for an end to the war was removed from the election. “These indicators, of course, point to the highest level of consolidation within Russian society around the head of state,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a briefing with journalists. Elections under Putin are tightly controlled and few in Russia doubted United Russia would win. Putin had encouraged Russians to vote in support of troops in Ukraine and Moscow also organised voting in occupied Ukraine. Pamfilova said turnout was over 59 per cent, thanking Russians for voting despite what she called “psychological pressure on Russia.” Russia’s Ukraine campaign broke its ties with the West. Kyiv hit Moscow with its biggest drone attack of the war Sunday, the last day of voting, killing two people and setting an oil refinery ablaze. “Despite the extreme situation, we were successful in ensuring the maximum security of these elections,” Pamfilova told a Moscow press conference, thanking security services for ensuring the vote went ahead. Fifth year of war The election result is expected to further tighten Putin’s grip on power. Some fear a new military mobilisation in Russia. Putin has denied this is in the works, while Kyiv accuses Moscow of planning a callup in coming weeks. Russia’s Communist party came second in the vote, winning 40 seats. The nationalist LDPR party took 25 seats and the New People party won 20. The election took place amid the escalation of the Ukraine war in recent months, with no diplomatic solution in sight. For the Kremlin, it served as a barometer on the mood of Russians towards the war. In some regions, voting also took place for the heads of regions. In Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov — known for ruling the Muslim-majority republic with an iron fist — won 99.85pc of the vote, the electoral commission said. Opposing Kadyrov is hugely dangerous in Chechnya, which is known for extra-judicial killings. Putin’s political opponents are in exile, prison or dead — such as his main opponents Alexei Navalny who died in an Arctic prison in 2024. The EU’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas dismissed Russia’s “so-called” election. “The Kremlin silenced dissent, barred the only registered party that opposed its war in Ukraine, and shut out international election monitors. The veneer of democracy is all that remains in Russia,” Kallas said.
Russians begin voting in parliamentary election in shadow of war‘The veneer of democracy is all that remains in Russia,’ EU foreign policy chief Kallas says. Brussels pledges new sanctions after State Duma elections.
The European Union is preparing new sanctions against Russia over its recent elections to the State Duma, the lower house of Russia’s parliament. The measures will target election organizers and candidates who ran in Ukraine’s occupied territories, as well as anyone Brussels considers responsible for undermining free elections inside Russia, the bloc’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, said in a declaration published on the Council of the EU’s website.
Merz insists he will stay as German chancellor despite heavy losses in state elections – Europe live
CDU suffered heavy losses in two regional elections, including in home state of former leader Angela Merkel, where it polled just 4.9% Also rolling in this morning are the numbers from Russia’s orchestrated lower-house election, where Vladimir Putin’s party has retained a huge majority against token opposition. Electoral officers say the ruling United Russia party is on track to gain 355 of the 450 seats in the State Duma - even larger than the previous 2016 record. It’s the first election since the Kremlin launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine four-and-a-half years ago and parties critical of Putin were excluded from the vote. The EU’s Kaja Kallas has slammed the sham this morning, calling it “another major setback for Russian democracy.” Continue reading...
Kallas: EU Read Sea mission raised alert level
European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said on Friday that the EU's Operation Aspides, deployed to the Red Sea in 2024 to ensure safe navigation, has raised the alert level of its vessels due to the worsening security situation in the area.
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EU Operation Aspides raised alert level of its ships after Houthi attacks, Kallas says
The EU's Red Sea naval mission has raised alert levels as Houthi forces expand control near key maritime routes, increasing threats to shipping and regional security.
INTERVIEW: Kallas only acts as mouthpiece for EU’s hatred toward Russia, diplomat says
Commenting on Kallas accusing Russia of allegedly being behind the incident with a Warsaw-bound passenger train from Kiev, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said it was no use saying anything at all to the EU’s chief diplomat
Von der Leyen, Kallas constitute Europe’s biggest catastrophe — MEP
"They have turned the European Union into a Nazi war machine," Lubos Blaha said
EU considers new sanctions amid rising illegal settler violence in West Bank: Foreign policy chief
'People are still being killed and wounded,' Kaja Kallas says, describing Gaza ceasefire as 'in name only'
EU considers new sanctions amid rising illegal settler violence in West Bank: Foreign policy chiefEU foreign policy chief Kallas says would answer phone call from Russia’s Putin, Lavrov
Kaja Kallas also recalled her meetings with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov at international forums, including at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the G20
Herson'da Rus saldırıları yoğunlaşınca tahliye çağrısıEU chief diplomat Kallas says EU could tighten visa rules for Russians
EU member states could tighten controls on the movement of Russian diplomats within the Schengen area, ban visas for former Russian combatants and reduce the number of tourist visas issued to Russian citizens.
EU chief diplomat Kallas says she would answer call from Putin or Lavrov
Kaja Kallas, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has said she would answer a call from Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin or Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov if such a call took place.
EU's Kallas urges Europe to impose 'greater cost' on Russia over hybrid attacks
'Putin will not stop unless he is stopped,' the bloc's foreign policy chief tells European lawmakers
Duma advises Kallas to seek treatment for her persecution complex regarding Russia
Andrey Kolesnik commented on a statement by the head of European diplomacy Kaja Kallas, who claimed that the purpose of a recent incident where a drone attacked a train near the border between Ukraine and Poland was allegedly to "intimidate" European countries
Joint statement by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen, High Representative Kallas and Commissioner McGrath ahead of International Day of Democracy
European Commission Statement Brussels, 14 Sep 2026 Democracy is built on the ability of people to shape the decisions that affect their lives. It is sustained through dialogue, differing opinions and compromise, and reinforced by everyday acts of participation, responsibility and courage.
How will EU respond to Russian attack on train near Polish border?
The EU's top diplomat said Monday that Russian strikes which hit a Warsaw-bound train near Ukraine's border with Poland shortly after top Western figures passed through were meant to "scare" off Kyiv's backers. "It is clearly meant to scare Western countries from supporting Ukraine, from going to Ukraine to show support," foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said, urging Kyiv's backers to do "the opposite". France 24's Dave Keating reports from Brussels.
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