EU foreign ministers convened informal talks in Copenhagen to allow reflection without formal decisions. Regular ministerial agendas cover global issues and require unanimity among 27 states, consuming significant time. The informal meeting provided space for brainstorming next steps in support for Ukraine amid ongoing attacks and skepticism about Russia's desire for peace. Ministers considered secondary sanctions targeting Russia's trading partners. The EU has already sanctioned some entities, including Chinese banks accused of helping Moscow finance the war. Broader secondary sanctions could be more impactful but carry economic and diplomatic risks for European trade relationships.
There are dizzying lists of statements and actions to sign off on, and points to tackle about every corner of the globe and much time is usually eaten up in negotiations to cajole 27 states into a unanimous position. But a couple of times a year, ministers put their heads together at "informal" talks so-called not because they ditch the suits and show up in jeans, but because no official decisions can be taken.
The EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas told reporters that ministers mulled so-called secondary sanctions restrictions targeting Russia's trading partners. The EU has already sanctioned some entities, including Chinese banks, it accuses of helping Moscow finance its war, but broader secondary sanctions could be a more impactful and more risky move for Europe as it seeks more friends on the global stage and new trade deals with the likes of India.
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