Foreign Affairs Council, 17/10/2016, 17 October 2016

Main results

Syria

There can be no military solution to the conflict. A political solution must be sought. The EU has decided to launch a dialogue with key regional actors to prepare the ground for a political transition, reconciliation and reconstruction.

Federica Mogherini, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

The Council adopted conclusions on Syria, strongly condemning the attacks by the regime and its allies, notably Russia, in particular the disproportionate and deliberate targeting of civilians, and humanitarian and health care personnel. 

The EU calls for: 

• an end to all military flights over Aleppo city by the regime and its allies
• an immediate cessation of hostilities to be monitored by a strong and transparent mechanism
• a lifting of the sieges
• the granting by all parties of full, unhindered and sustainable country-wide humanitarian access

The EU is determined to save lives and will continue its intense humanitarian diplomatic effort to deliver aid to Aleppo and to evacuate the wounded.

• Council conclusions on Syria

Migration  

Ministers took stock of recent developments related to the external aspects of migration. The High Representative reported on the first results of the partnership framework approach and on the work on country specific compacts with the five priority countries, namely Mali, Niger, Senegal, Nigeria and Ethiopia, with the aim of better managing migration together. Ministers welcomed the progress achieved so far on the partnership framework approach. In their discussion they suggested to progressively broaden the geographical scope of the ongoing work to partners in the Middle-East and in Asia.

The Council adopted decisions regarding the partnership priorities and compacts with Jordan and with Lebanon.

• Syrian crisis: EU ready to step up on partnerships with Lebanon and Jordan
• Finding solutions to migratory pressures (background information)

EU global strategy

The Council discussed the follow-up to the EU global strategy on foreign and security policy "Shared vision, common action: a stronger Europe" and adopted conclusions.

• Council conclusions on the Global Strategy on the European Union's Foreign and Security Policy