Sweden Pushes for Stronger EU Pressure on Russia at Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
Sweden is calling for stronger European pressure on Russia and continued long-term support for Ukraine as Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard takes part in an informal meeting of European Union foreign ministers in Ireland.
The two-day Gymnich meeting, taking place on September 1 and 2, brings EU foreign ministers together to discuss Russia’s war against Ukraine, developments in the Middle East and ways to make the EU’s common foreign and security policy more effective.
Sweden calls for tougher economic pressure
Sweden’s foreign minister said the EU should continue increasing pressure on Russia’s economy.
A central issue for Stockholm is the use of frozen Russian assets. Stenergard has joined foreign ministers from the Netherlands, Poland and Spain in calling for the issue to return to the EU agenda.
Sweden argues that the frozen assets could play an important role in strengthening support for Ukraine while increasing pressure on Russia.
Ukraine remains at the centre of discussions
The first major session of the meeting is focused on Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, with Ukraine’s foreign minister participating in the discussions.
Sweden says European support must continue both immediately and over the longer term, reflecting Stockholm’s position that Ukraine’s security remains closely connected to Europe’s wider security.
The discussions are also expected to examine how European countries can maintain coordinated policies toward Russia while strengthening Ukraine’s ability to withstand the conflict.
Middle East also on the agenda
EU ministers are also discussing the situation in the Middle East during the meeting.
Another focus is improving the way the EU develops and implements its common foreign and security policy. Sweden wants Europe to speak with a stronger and more coordinated voice internationally.
Foreign ministers from Canada, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom are also attending parts of the meeting, expanding the discussions beyond the EU’s 27 member states.
Sweden deepens its European security role
The latest diplomatic effort comes as Sweden continues to strengthen its role in European and NATO security cooperation.
The Swedish government has also recently intensified defence cooperation with France. On August 31, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and French President Emmanuel Macron witnessed the signing of an agreement connected with Sweden’s procurement of four French-built frigates and a broader framework for defence cooperation.
These developments reflect Sweden’s broader effort to strengthen European defence capabilities and international security partnerships.
Stockholm seeks a stronger European position
Sweden’s latest message at the EU foreign ministers’ meeting shows that Stockholm wants Europe to maintain a firm position toward Russia while ensuring sustained support for Ukraine.
The discussions in Ireland could help shape the EU’s next steps on sanctions, frozen Russian assets, Ukraine support and broader European foreign-policy coordination.
