Anitta Hipper

The release of 250 political prisoners in Belarus is a welcome and tangible step forward. I thank the United States for brokering this deal. For many families, this is a moment of long-awaited relief and a chance to reunite with their loved ones. We can't overlook that these individuals should never have been imprisoned in the first place. All those still unjustly detained in Belarus must be freed, and repression must end.

Afghanistan-Pakistan: the EU welcomes the suspension of hostilities announced on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr. We call on both parties to adhere scrupulously to this commitment.

The EU is deeply concerned about the ongoing Israeli offensive in Lebanon. Civilians are paying the highest price also in terms of casualties. Read our full statement: link.europa.eu/T83HK7

The execution of a Swedish citizen by the Iranian regime is a brutal act of senseless violence and we condemn it. Read the HR statement below: eeas.europa.eu/eeas/iran-stat…

The EU and Iceland are close friends. Our security is shared, and so are the challenges we face. Today’s signature of an EU-Iceland Security and Defence Partnership takes our relationship to the next level. This will deepen our cooperation in areas that matter for the safety of our citizens, from maritime security to the protection of critical infrastructure. This is a win for the EU and for Iceland.

Moscow stands to gain from higher energy prices and the diversion of air-defences to the Middle East. EU Foreign Ministers were clear that Ukraine remains Europe’s top security priority. Attention for Ukraine will not be allowed to fizzle out. Extract from my press conference ↓

Today’s agreement on civil registration and the Law on Foreigners marks an important step forward for the benefit of all people in Kosovo. It is essential to ensure continuity in delivery of public services. Thank you to everyone who engaged constructively to make this possible. Going forward, implementing past agreements remains vital. This progress creates new momentum for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, and I am ready to host a high-level meeting soon.

We see a new world order characterized by competition and coercive power politics, featuring military powers, who aim to establish spheres of influence. How we respond to this moment will define us. Our degree of success depends on how we deliver under our priorities and rally international support. Extract of my speech at our EU Ambassadors Conference ↓

The annual EU Ambassadors Conference "Advancing EU interests at a Turning Point" takes place from 9 to 13 March in Brussels. HR/VP @KajaKallas hosts the Conference at a defining moment for the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy. Full press release: link.europa.eu/7nQwqp

If a government attacks its own people, silences journalists, and curtails freedom, there are consequences. This is why the European Union has now suspended visa-free travel for Georgian diplomats and officials over the country’s democratic backsliding and its crackdown on protesters. My statement with @MartaKosEU ↓ ec.europa.eu/commission/pre…

Iran’s attacks of a number of countries in the Middle East are inexcusable. The events must not lead to further escalation that could threaten the region, Europe and beyond, with unpredictable consequences. We are taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of EU citizens in the region. The EU expresses its solidarity with partners that have been attacked or affected. We will continue to contribute to all diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and bring about a lasting solution to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Statement on behalf of the EU → link.europa.eu/vgvXNT

I will convene an extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council via video link on Sunday to address Iran and the rapidly unfolding events across the Middle East. I have been in contact with our partners in the Gulf countries. The Iranian regime’s indiscriminate attacks against its neighbours carry the risk of dragging the region into a broader war and we condemn this. It is essential that the war does not spread any further. The Iranian regime has choices to make.

The latest developments across the Middle East are perilous. Iran’s regime has killed thousands. Its ballistic missile and nuclear programmes, along with support for terror groups, pose a serious threat to global security. The EU has adopted strong sanctions against Iran and supported diplomatic solutions, including on the nuclear issue. I have spoken to Israel’s Foreign Minister Saar and other ministers in the region. The EU is also coordinating closely with Arab partners to explore diplomatic paths. Protection of civilians and international humanitarian law is a priority. Our consular network is fully engaged in facilitating departures for EU citizens. Non-essential EU personnel are being withdrawn from the region. Our Aspides naval mission remains on high alert in the Red Sea and stands ready to help keep the maritime corridor open.

In solidarity with the Ukrainian people, we raise the Ukrainian flag alongside the EU flag at @eudiplomacy HQ. This is more than a symbol. Ukraine’s future lies within the EU. With our support, Ukrainians are resisting and holding firm. The fastest path to end this war is more pressure on Russia and more support to Ukraine. Let this be the last war anniversary we mark.

Everybody understands that diplomacy is preferable to war. Yet after a year of talks, we still do not even have ceasefire. It is not Ukraine that is the obstacle to peace, Russia is. We must flip the script: from pressure on Ukraine to surrender territory to what Russia must do to meet the basic conditions for a just and lasted peace. My press remarks following today’s Foreign Affairs Council ↓

Four years into its war, Moscow has failed to achieve any of its strategic objectives. The pressure in the peace talks seems to be falling on Ukraine. But if we want this war to stop and any peace to last, we need to see concessions from Russia. It’s not Ukraine’s army that is the obstacle to peace, Russia’s army is. My doorstep ahead of today’s Foreign Affairs Council ↓

Russia’s regime doesn’t limit itself to bombing Ukraine, it also keeps silencing opponents at home. Two years ago, Alexei Navalny died in a Russian prison camp, poisoned with a lethal toxin. The Kremlin bears full responsibility. The murder of political opponents is part of the regime’s DNA. It is not a display of strength, but an admission of fear. The EU has sanctioned those responsible for Navalny’s poisoning, arbitrary arrest and sham sentencing. We will continue to use our Russia human rights sanctions regime to ensure accountability for repression.

The greatest threat Russia presents right now is that it gains more at the negotiation table than it has achieved on the battlefield. Russia’s maximalist demands cannot be met with a minimalist response. Extract of my speech at @MunSecConf ↓

If you want to be a geopolitical power, you have to be a strong economic and military power. We are already a strong economic power, but we need to increase our competitiveness, simplify procedures, improve access to capital and build partnerships to diversify our trade portfolios. My doorstep ahead of the EU Leaders’ retreat ↓

Russia is not winning this war. Its casualty rates are surging, and its economy is struggling. Today, Ministers will discuss how we can further support Ukraine. On the table are proposals to establish two training facilities inside Ukraine and to mobilise additional private capital through the European Investment Bank. My doorstep ahead of the Defence Ministers’ meeting ↓