In a stark reminder of the ongoing global crises, the Foreign Affairs Council convened today amid rising tensions and urgent calls for action against authoritarian regimes across Europe and beyond. As the world commemorates Holocaust Remembrance Day, leaders gathered to address the alarming resurgence of anti-Semitism, political oppression, and military aggression, particularly in Belarus and Ukraine.

Estonian Foreign Minister urged immediate and robust military support for Ukraine, highlighting the plight of over 20,000 Ukrainian children deported to Russia and the thousands of political prisoners languishing in Belarus. “We must act decisively,” she stated, emphasizing that the EU cannot afford to treat these events as mere historical echoes. The meeting comes on the heels of Belarus’s sham elections, where dictator Alexander Lukashenko was once again “elected” without any legitimate opposition, prompting calls for a unified European response.

The agenda also focused on hybrid threats, particularly in the Baltic Sea, where recent incidents of undersea cable damage have raised alarms about Russian aggression. “These are not coincidences,” warned officials, stressing the need for enhanced cooperation among Baltic states to safeguard critical infrastructure. With hybrid warfare tactics on the rise, the EU is under pressure to strengthen its defenses against such threats.

Moreover, discussions surrounding the Middle East highlighted the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, with calls for sustained humanitarian aid and a renewed focus on a two-state solution. The EU is poised to take a more active role in shaping a peaceful resolution, emphasizing the necessity of inclusivity in any future governance structures in Syria.

As the meeting unfolds, the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. The European Union stands at a crossroads, tasked with confronting authoritarianism and safeguarding democratic values in an increasingly volatile world. Immediate action is imperative, as the leaders echo a collective commitment: “We will not stand by while tyranny reigns.”