Foreign Affairs Council, 12/12/2016, 12 December 2016

Main results

Syria

"In Syria, our priority is humanitarian protection and relief. The EU will never abandon civilians. This is simply not an option, either in Aleppo or elsewhere."

Federica Mogherini, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

Ministers discussed the situation on Syria, in view of the latest developments, in particular in Aleppo. The High Representative underlined strong and unanimous view of all member states on the need to protect civilians and to grant full humanitarian access to all parts of Syria.

Africa

The Council had a debate on EU-Africa relations. Ministers  discussed priorities in the EU's relations with Africa, as well as how those relations should evolve in the light of emerging challenges. They emphasised that engagement in and with Africa remains key to preventing conflict, promoting human security, addressing the root causes of instability, and managing migration flows. While development cooperation remains a key aspect of EU engagement in Africa, ministers also underlined the importance of economic relations and investment, and the need to help create jobs. Ministers also highlighted the need to continue working on governance, democracy, human rights, and related aspects of participation, in particular of civil society and of women, in decision-making.

Ministers noted the importance of reaching  out to African youth, in particular given that youth will be the theme of the next Africa-EU Summit to take place in autumn 2017. The High Representative concluded the debate by highlighting the need to continue working with African partners in a spirit of partnership in areas of interest to the EU and to those of interest to African partners' , in a joint effort from the EU institutions and member states.

The discussion will guide the forthcoming joint communication on a renewed impetus for the Africa-EU partnership, which is due to be presented in April 2017 by the High Representative and the European Commission.

• EU-Africa relations (background information)

The Council addressed the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

• Press release of 12 December 2017 - Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): EU adopts sanctions against 7 individuals responsible for violence

Migration

Ministers discussed migration issues ahead of the European Council of 15 December, which will take stock of the latest developments in the EU's  migration policy. The Council took note of progress in the partnership framework approach, which is providing its first concrete results.  Minister also discussed the implementation of the Valletta commitments ahead of the  senior officials meeting that will take place next February in Malta under the auspices of the rotating Presidency. The Commission informed the Council that  64 actions worth €1 billion had so far been approved through the EU trust fund for Africa.

Foreign affairs ministers noted the ongoing work on the proposed External investment plan, including the European Fund for Sustainable Development. The Council is expected to adopt its negotiating position on the EFSD regulation  on 13 December. The fund will help tackle the root causes of migration by creating job opportunities, encouraging investment and facilitating sustainable development in partner countries.

• European fund for sustainable development: Council agrees negotiating position
• Finding solutions to migratory pressures (background information)

In the margins

Cuba

A Political Dialogue an Cooperation agreement with Cuba was signed by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini, EU foreign ministers, and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla.  This is the first ever agreement between the EU and Cuba, and provides for an enhanced political dialogue, improved bilateral cooperation and the development of joint action in multilateral fora. It will support the transition process of the Cuban economy and society. It promotes dialogue and cooperation to encourage sustainable development, democracy and human rights, and find shared solutions to global challenges.

• Factsheet on EU-Cuba relations (EEAS)

Colombia

After the Council meeting, ministers had an informal discussion with President Santos of Colombia. The EU and participating member states then signed the constitutive agreement of the EU Trust Fund for Colombia.

• European Commission press release on the EU Trust Fund for Colombia
• Factsheet on EU-Colombia relations (EEAS)