Foreign Affairs Council, 22/07/2014, 22 July 2014

Council takes action on the downing of flight MH17

Meeting in the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, EU ministers discussed the situation in Ukraine following the downing of flight MH17 as well as further sanctions against Russia. Gaza and Iraq were also discussed.

The EU and its Member States are shocked and deeply saddened by the downing of the Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 in Donetsk, Ukraine and the tragic loss of so many innocent lives.

EU ministers conveyed their deepest condolences to the people and governments of all the affected nations and in particular to the families of the victims.

They strongly condemned the continuation of illegal activities by armed militants in Eastern Ukraine and may consider the possible designation of these groups as terrorist organisations.

They urged the Russian Federation to actively use its influence over these groups to guarantee access to the crash site and to cooperate with OSCE monitors and international experts.

A transparent and independent international investigation on the downing of MH17 plane

The Council has called for the separatists to ensure full, immediate, safe and secure access to the crash site. It supports the call of the UNSC and OSCE Permanent Council for a transparent and independent international investigation.

Those directly and indirectly responsible for the downing must be held accountable and brought to justice.

Sanctions

The Council asked for an acceleration of the preparation of the measures agreed at the special meeting of the European Council on 16 July. A list of entities and persons falling under the enhanced criteria adopted by the Council on 18 July should be established immediately.

On further significant targeted measures, the Council asked the Commission and the EEAS to finalise their preparatory work and on 24 July to present proposals for taking action, including on access to capital markets, defence, dual-use goods, and sensitive technologies, including in the energy sector.

Peace plan and cease fire

The Council stressed its support for a peaceful settlement of the crisis in Ukraine. EU ministers called for support for the OSCE and the Trilateral Contact Group in their efforts to create conditions for a sustainable ceasefire.

They also urged Russia to stop the flow of weapons, equipment and militants across the border and to withdraw its additional troops from the border area.

Latest decisions on Ukraine

18 July - Ukraine crisis: EU broadens remit of sanctions

On 18 July, the Council widened the legal basis for EU restrictive measures making it possible to target entities which materially or financially support actions against Ukraine.

16 July - special meeting of the European Council

EU leaders regretted that Russia and the separatists had not taken the requested steps set out in the 27 June European Council conclusions. They agreed to target Russia with a new set of 6 restrictive measures.

26 June - European Council conclusions

EU leaders set out 4 specific steps to be taken by Russia and the separatists for de-escalation.

Other topics on the agenda

Middle East peace process

The Council is extremely concerned at the continued escalation of violence in Gaza and calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities. It welcomed on-going efforts by regional partners to establish a cease-fire and called on Hamas to agree to such a cease-fire.

Over lunch, ministers discussed the latest developments in Iraq. They reiterated their deep concern about the rapidly deteriorating security situation, strongly condemning the attacks perpetrated by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

Eastern Partnership ministerial meeting

On 22 July, in the margins of the Foreign Affairs Council, EU ministers also attended the 5th annual Eastern Partnership (EaP) meeting. The discussion focused on the implementation of Association and Free Trade Agreements, as well as the need for greater differentiation in bilateral relations. Ministers also discussed the preparation of the Eastern Partnership Summit to be held in Riga in May 2015.

The Council also adopted a number of items without discussion:

• conclusions on Central Africa Republic (FR)
• conclusions on the Great Lakes Region
• extension of EUCAP Nestor
• extension of EUCAP Sahel Niger
• stronger EU sanctions against the Syrian regime
• establishment of a mission to advise on civilian security-sector reform in Ukraine