Today, the European Union took a major step forward. All Member States agreed to open the first accession negotiations cluster with Ukraine and Moldova. At the first Intergovernmental Conference on Monday, we will open the cluster on fundamentals; the backbone of the accession process. It covers the core values and principles on which the EU is built, from the rule of law to strong democratic institutions. This is a recognition of the determination, courage and hard work shown by both countries in advancing reforms, even in the face of immense challenges. And a signal that the EU’s offer of peace, stability and opportunity is unmatchable. Enlargement is a strategic choice. By bringing our nations closer together, we strengthen peace, security and prosperity across our continent. In a world marked by growing uncertainty, a larger European Union is in our common interest. Enlargement remains one of the EU’s greatest success stories and our best investment in our shared future.

In the margins of the IAEA BoG, 🇺🇦 DM of Energy @AnatKutsevol briefed 🇪🇺HoMs on Ukraine’s energy situation. Russia keeps targeting energy infrastructure, incl nucl safety-critical facilities. Ukraine calls for sustained support for resilience & stronger pressure on the aggressor

Warm thanks to 🇺🇦 DM for Energy @AnatKutsevol for briefing EU Ambassadors this morning on nuclear safety & energy grid situation on margins of @iaeaorg Board of Governors meeting. EU stands with #Ukraine & remains committed to providing political, financial, & technical support

We are intensifying our sanctions efforts against individuals and entities that enable Russia’s war against Ukraine. As part of this package, my services are putting forward the largest set of listings in over two years, with over 170 proposals, notably on the financial sector, energy and drones’ production. This comes on top of 81 listings that the Foreign Affairs Council will adopt next week, targeting Russia’s shadow fleet, its military-industrial complex, human rights violators, and propagandists.

Read HR/VP Kaja Kallas full remarks here: link.europa.eu/BjHvvW

The HR/VP @kajakallas is currently in Nicosia, Cyprus, for the informal meeting of EU Defence Ministers. Discussions focused on current and emerging security challenges, with particular emphasis on defence readiness and coordinated EU responses in an evolving security environment. Watch HR/VP Kaja Kallas press remarks following today's meeting here:

Statement by the High Representative @kajakallas on behalf of the EU on the outcome of parliamentary elections in Armenia. Read the full statement 👇 link.europa.eu/p38WMn

EU Defence Ministers are meeting today to discuss Europe’s security, from support for Ukraine to freedom of navigation in the Middle East. Ukraine is turning the tide of the war, and we are helping them, including by advancing the unblocking of €6.6 billion through the European Peace Facility. The Middle East does not need another escalation. All parties must return to the negotiating table. My press remarks ahead of today’s meeting of EU Defence Ministers ↓

Viktoriia Roshchyna spent her career documenting the realities of Russia’s war. She died in Russian captivity.  Her case became one of the most powerful symbols of the risks faced by Ukrainian journalists reporting from occupied territories.  On Ukrainian Journalist Day, we remember Viktoriia and all those who remain imprisoned, missing, or deprived of their freedom for doing their job.  Their stories deserve to be told.

Full solidarity and support to Romania following the crash of a Russian drone on a residential building in Galați, injuring civilians. Russia’s escalation on EU territory is reckless and irresponsible. I condemn in the strongest terms this violation of Romania’s national airspace and of international law. The EU is united in stepping up pressure on Russia through sanctions and strengthening defence capabilities, in particular along our Eastern border.

The Russian drone crash into apartments in Galați was a blatant and serious violation of Romania’s sovereignty and European airspace. I spoke with Foreign Minister @oana_toiu this morning to convey the EU’s full solidarity with Romania. Russia has long ago stopped respecting borders. Moscow cannot be allowed to breach European airspace with impunity. EU Foreign Ministers yesterday vowed to ramp up pressure on Russia, increase support for Ukraine, and invest in Europe’s own defence readiness.

At FSC-PC meeting 🇪🇺 reiterated its strong condemnation of 🇷🇺's war against 🇺🇦, including latest escalation which demonstrates 🇷🇺’s growing disregard for human life & international law. We urge 🇷🇺to stop t/aggression & engage in meaningful negotiations for a just & lasting peace.

The Council has extended until 28 May 2027 the EU sanctions against Russia in response to: 🚫 serious human rights violations or abuses 🚫 the repression of civil society and democratic opposition 🚫 the undermining of democracy and the rule of law More: link.europa.eu/94Ywdm

Russia hit a dead-end on the battlefield, so it terrorizes Ukraine with deliberate strikes on city centres. These are abhorrent acts of terror meant to kill as many civilians as possible. Moscow reportedly using Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missiles – systems designed to carry nuclear warheads – is a political scare-tactic and reckless nuclear-brinkmanship. Next week, EU Foreign Ministers will discuss how to dial up the international pressure on Russia.

Tonight, Russia deployed the Oreshnik missile system and launched massive attacks across Ukraine—a ruthless display of brutality aimed at civilians and civilian infrastructure. I strongly condemn this reckless escalation. It is yet another stark reminder that Russia has no interest in engaging in meaningful peace negotiations. The EU remains unwavering in its support for Ukraine.

🙏Deputy PM Chiveri for t/ intervention @OSCE Permanent Council. 🇪🇺 reaffirmed its commitment 2 assist 🇲🇩 on its path to EU. We reiterated our support for a peaceful, comprehensive & lasting settlement of Transnistrian conflict, based on territorial integrity & sovereignty of 🇲🇩

Today May 21 is the International Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners in Belarus.

Today, we proudly celebrate #VyshyvankaDay at @OSCE — honoring Ukrainian heritage, resilience, and unity through the beautiful tradition of the vyshyvanka. Across our community, embroidered shirts became symbols of solidarity and hope for peace and dignity. 🇺🇦 📸 Micky Kroell

We wear Vyshyvankas or blue-and-yellow as a symbol of solidarity with our Ukrainian colleagues & t/ people of 🇺🇦, who defend their freedom, sovereignty, territorial integrity, identity & our shared values. Our condemnation of 🇷🇺’s war of aggression against 🇺🇦remains unwavering.

Today, I am highlighting the cases of these 3 political prisoners in Belarus who were under 18 years old at the time of detention (or allegedly committing acts). Show your support: share this post to call for their immediate and unconditional release. ✊🏼