The informal two-day meeting, known as “Gymnich,” will also examine the shipment of more weapons to Kiev and the possible presence of foreign troops in that country, according to the outlet.

This dialogue format, which is held twice a year, will not have a formal agenda, nor is it expected to issue official statements at its conclusion, given its deliberative nature. Political analysts point out that the debate reflects the deepening of the EU’s confrontational stance, despite the evident internal divisions among the 27 over the strategy to follow.

Special guests will include North Atlantic Treaty Organization Secretary General Mark Rutte and European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman David McAllister, who will advocate for increased pressure on Russia.

The European Commission will present its 19th package of restrictive measures, which would include new targets on the Russian energy and banking sectors, as well as more blacklists of individuals and entities.

Another proposal on the table is the application of secondary sanctions against nations that cooperate with Moscow, a measure that has generated skepticism due to its potential impact on the global economy.

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