Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis called for intensified sanctions against Russia and a renewed push toward Palestinian statehood, as the European Union’s Foreign Affairs Council convened to address escalating global crises. Marking the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Mr. Gerapetritis addressed the council—which was joined by Ukraine’s foreign minister via video link—by demanding stronger European action. "The EU and Greece reaffirm their support for Ukraine through sanctions with a real impact," Mr. Gerapetritis said. "Attacks on civilians and energy infrastructure violate international law and remain unacceptable." Turning to the Middle East, the minister advocated for a "phase two" of the regional peace plan. He emphasized Greece's steadfast backing for financial aid and reconstruction efforts led by the Palestinian Authority, arguing that unity between the West Bank and Gaza is essential to barring illegal settlements. Ultimately, Mr. Gerapetritis pushed for the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state existing peacefully alongside a secure Israel. Addressing the rising tensions with Iran, he urged European allies to "exhaust all diplomacy to avert an escalation that could rock the region and the world." The high-stakes talks cap a tense week for Greek diplomacy, coinciding with Athens' advancement of regional liquefied natural gas routes and strategic energy summits in Washington. During the Brussels meeting, Mr. Gerapetritis also updated his European counterparts on Greece's ongoing drive to accelerate Western Balkans accession, stressing the need for EU consistency amid stalled institutional reforms in Albania and North Macedonia. Διαβάστε περισσότερα στο iefimerida.gr