Foreign Affairs Council, 15/02/2016, 15 February 2016

Main results

We need to respect the commitments made in Munich. We see a gap between these commitments and the reality on the ground in Syria. We all shared the view that it is fundamental to protect civilians on the ground, the work of NGOs and deliveries of humanitarian aid. What happened today at Médecins Sans Frontières is completely unacceptable. Federica Mogherini, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

Syria 

The Council discussed the political, security and humanitarian situation in Syria. Ministers emphasized their full support for United Nations Security Council resolution 2254, calling for its full implementation by all parties. They condemned the targeting of civilians and stressed the importance of UN-led confidence building measures, humanitarian access and respect of ceasefires.  

Belarus

The Council reached a political decision not to extend restrictive measures for 170 individuals and three companies whose listings are currently suspended. It however agreed that the arms embargo on Belarus and restrictive measures related to four individuals listed in connection with the unresolved disappearances of two opposition politicians, one businessman and one journalist, will be extended for a period of twelve months.

• Council conclusions on Belarus

Moldova

The Council discussed the situation in Moldova. It adopted conclusions focusing on the reforms Moldova needs to carry out in line with its association agreement in order to fulfil citizens' expectations.

• Council conclusions on the Republic of Moldova of 15 February 2016

Climate diplomacy 

The Council emphasized the role of European climate diplomacy in encouraging implementation of the global agreement on climate change reached in December 2015. It set out the parameters for a 2016 climate diplomacy action plan, with key messages focused around three main strands:

• Maintaining climate change advocacy as a strategic priority in diplomatic dialogues, public diplomacy and external policy instruments
• Supporting implementation of the Paris Agreement and the intended nationally determined contributions in the context of low-emission and climate-resilient development
• Increasing efforts to address the nexus of climate change, natural resources, prosperity, stability and migration

• Council conclusions on climate diplomacy
• International agreements on climate action (background information)