Cameron, who recently made a surprising return to frontline politics as the UK Foreign Secretary, will attend a Nato meeting of foreign ministers. The discussions will encompass various issues, including the supply of ammunition to Ukraine and Nato’s ongoing presence in Kosovo. During his visit, Cameron is also expected to seek a meeting with Maroš Šefčovič, the Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Brexit deals, to discuss crucial matters.
A Return to the EU Capital: Cameron’s visit to the EU headquarters has drawn comparisons to a “divorcee returning to the family home” due to the lengthy and challenging Brexit negotiations. Nevertheless, his reentry into politics has generated considerable interest among Nato members.
High Anticipation for Bilateral Meetings: Cameron’s presence at the Nato meeting has sparked keen interest from fellow foreign ministers, with many seeking bilateral discussions with him on various topics.
Key Agendas:
- Ukraine Visit: Cameron is expected to brief his counterparts on his recent visit to Kyiv, and a tough conversation is anticipated regarding the potential implications of Donald Trump’s possible return to the White House.
- Meeting with Šefčovič: If Cameron meets with Šefčovič, they are likely to discuss the looming 10% tariff on electric vehicle exports, a component of the Brexit deal negotiated by Boris Johnson’s team. Germany and the UK’s car manufacturing sector have been advocating for a three-year suspension of this tariff, while France has resisted any changes to the agreement, viewing it as a reopening of the entire deal.
Stoltenberg on Ukraine Support: Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized the necessity of continued Western support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, despite doubts about US backing for Kyiv. Stoltenberg stressed that allowing President Vladimir Putin to prevail would be a tragedy for Ukraine and pose a threat to Western nations.
US Assistance to Ukraine: James O’Brien, the US Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs, revealed that the US has provided over $70 billion to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion, making it the second-largest contributor after the EU, which has provided approximately €100 billion.
Future of US Assistance in Question: While US support has been substantial, opposition from hardline Republicans has raised uncertainties about the future of US assistance. However, Stoltenberg reiterated the importance of continuing to support Ukraine.
Nato-Ukraine Council Meeting: Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, is scheduled to address the foreign ministers as part of the first meeting of the Nato-Ukraine Council. This session aims to reaffirm the alliance’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine.
Coalition Effort and Support: O’Brien emphasized that supporting Ukraine is a coalition effort, and the partners will continue their contributions despite ongoing deliberations in the US Congress regarding future assistance.
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