Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis to attend an informal meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the European Union in Brest, France

Ministers will discuss the deteriorating security situation in the European Union’s Eastern Neighbourhood, the relationship with China, and the EU's work on a Strategic Compass, which seeks to provide an enhanced politico-strategic direction for EU security and defence.

“We are closely monitoring the Kremlin’s attempts to redraw the European security architecture. Russia continues to amass its troops near the eastern border with Ukraine, issues ultimatums to Europe and the United States, rejecting the opportunity to engage constructively in the Normandy Format or in the discussions in the Trilateral Contact Group. In addition, the situation in Belarus continues to deteriorate. Restrictions on fundamental freedoms have continued. The regime continues to violate human rights, to undermine fundamental freedoms and to disregard international law. It also strengthens cooperation with Russia, including military cooperation," said Landsbergis ahead of the meeting.

Ministers will discuss the relationship between the EU and China, China’s attitude towards the member states that are experiencing political, economic and commercial pressure, as well as how China promotes its model within the multilateral system.

Foreign Ministers and Defence Ministers Ministers will have an in-depth discussion about the Strategic Compass, which will set out a common strategic vision for the EU over the next decade.

Foreign Ministers will also meet with Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chair of the African Union Commission, and Aissata Tall Sall, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Senegal, to discuss the European Union-African Union summit to be held in Brussels on 17 and 18 February 2022.

France holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU from 1 January to 30 June 2022.