Elina Valtonen in the news as Finland’s foreign affairs minister under Orpo (NCP) since 2023, shaping EU diplomacy amid global tensions. Bio: Finnish politician, ex-Lepomäki.
The EU has approved sanctions today targeting seven Israeli settlers or settler organisations and leaders accused of supporting violent colonisation of the West Bank, and has added sanctions on leading Hamas figures. The move has been enabled by Hungarys government change and stops short of trade curbs on settlement goods.
EU foreign ministers in Cyprus are weighing how to conduct talks with Russia, with Kyiv seeking deeper European involvement. While a designated envoy remains on the table, ministers stress unity and focus on substantive goals, including pressure on Russia and more aid to Ukraine.