Austria has urged the European Union to strengthen its international diplomatic efforts to persuade global partners to apply pressure on Russia regarding a ceasefire in Ukraine.

This initiative comes in response to recent ceasefire discussions held in Turkey, which marked the first direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in several years but ultimately failed to achieve even a temporary truce.

Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger emphasized in a letter, which is supported by 15 other EU member states, that the EU has a strategic interest in rallying global support for a ceasefire proposal.

The letter, to be addressed to the EU’s chief diplomat Kaja Kallas, calls for her leadership in coordinating a renewed global diplomatic outreach effort.

Meinl-Reisinger pointed out that various countries maintain close ties with Moscow, which may be pivotal in amplifying diplomatic pressure on Russia.

The proposed outreach is intended to involve listening and addressing the unique situations and concerns of these countries.

EU diplomats have suggested that major players such as India, China, and Brazil may be key targets for outreach, as their relationships with Russia could significantly influence negotiations.

The call to action also encourages the EU's 144 delegations worldwide to become more proactive in lobbying partner nations to exert influence on Russia for a ceasefire.

However, in recent years, garnering support from nations in the Global South has proven to be challenging for the EU, as many countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America have been hesitant to openly condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, often citing perceived double standards by the West and historical grievances as factors in their reluctance.

This context sets the stage for the discussions expected to occur at the upcoming meeting of the EU foreign ministers in Brussels.

In a related development within Poland, farmers have been vocal in opposing aspects of the EU's Green Deal as they prepare for upcoming presidential elections.

The Green Deal has faced criticism as some rural voters believe it imposes undue restrictions on their farming practices.

The political landscape in Poland has shifted with a right-wing movement capitalizing on this discontent, further complicating the dialogue surrounding EU regulations.

Elsewhere, economic reports indicate a significant reduction in growth forecasts for the EU, primarily due to increased global trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainty.

The EU’s economic growth projection has been adjusted from 1.5% to 1.1%, with Germany’s economy, pivotal to the bloc, now expected to stagnate.

These developments underscore the ongoing challenges the EU faces across diplomatic and economic fronts.