G7: Press remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell ahead of the Ministerial Meeting in Germany

Check against delivery!

Well, here we are.  This is the seventh meeting of the G7 [Foreign Ministers] since the Ukrainian war started. And I am sure that we will come out with a strong message.  The recipe is clear – more of the same. 

I mean, more support to Ukraine, including military support. I will announce that we, the European Union, we will provide a new tranche of 500 more million [eur] to support the military of Ukraine. It will make about two billion euros in total. A new impetus for military support. 

More pressure on Russia, with economic sanctions. Continue working on international isolation of Russia. Countering the disinformation about the consequences of the war – on energy and food prices around the world. And presenting a united front to continue supporting Ukraine. 

This is going to be, I am sure, the outcome of this meeting.

Q&A

Q. Ukraine is asking for weapons such as fighter jets. Do you think that you can use the new €500 million also for financing fighter jets for Ukraine? 

You cannot provide a lot of fighter jets with €500 million. This €500 million will be allocated for heavy arms. We are at the moment providing armored vehicles, tanks, heavy artillery, ammunition - the things needed for this kind of war.

Q. Where are we on the oil embargo? Will Hungary finally go in and agree to the embargo? 

Well, the war continues. On Monday, the Foreign Affairs Ministers will deal with it, and I will provide a new political impetus for an agreement. I am sure we will have an agreement - we need this agreement, and we will have it. Because we have to get rid of the oil dependency on Russia. We have to understand the specific circumstances of every one of the 27 member states. But if there is no agreement at the level of the Ambassadors, on Monday, the Ministers, when they gather at the Foreign Affairs Council, they have to provide the political impetus. I will take very much care of that.

Q. The UK Foreign Secretary also talked about the need for unity, even as her country is threatening to break an international Treaty with the EU. Did you discuss that with her? 

Yes, I was informed of the British government’s position, and I will pass the message to my colleagues in charge at the [European] Commission.