Foreign Affairs Council, 13 November 2017

Main results

Security and defence cooperation

Foreign affairs ministers and defence ministers discussed on the implementation of the EU Global Strategy in the area of security and defence. The Council then adopted conclusions on security and defence highlighting the progress achieved and looking at the next steps.

In the margins of the Council, 23 member states signed a notification, marking the first step in the establishment of a permanent structured cooperation (PESCO). Together, they will develop defence capabilities, invest in shared projects, and enhance the operational readiness of their armed forces. This will make EU cooperation in security and defence more ambitious and more flexible.

"This is a historic achievement, but it is not only a day for celebration. It is also the start of a journey on which we will embark together. This is the beginning of a new story, and not the closing of a page." Federica Mogherini, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

In the afternoon, the Council met in defence format and discussed EU-NATO cooperation together with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Ministers noted in particular that the work within the EU framework, in particular on PESCO but also military mobility, will benefit both organisations.

Venezuela

The Council adopted conclusions on Venezuela and agreed on targeted sanctions, aiming at encouraging a credible and meaningful process that can lead to a peaceful negotiated solution. The restrictive measures include an arms embargo and a ban on exports of equipment which could be used for internal repression as well as of IT surveillance equipment, and also include a legal basis for possible targeted listing of persons.

These gradual, targeted, flexible and reversible restrictive measures have been drawn up so as not to affect the Venezuelan general population.

EU-Africa relations

The Council discussed EU-Africa relations in part of the preparations for the 5th African Union - EU Summit, which will take place on 29-30 November in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. Ministers welcomed the focus on youth and underlined the importance of broad participation in the Summit. In their discussion, ministers referred to many of the common challenges which are expected to be discussed at the Summit, including job creation, climate change, peace and security, as well as migration and mobility.

EU strategic communications

Foreign ministers took stock of the current work on EU strategic communications, in particular regarding outreach to the Eastern Partnership region, the Southern Neighbourhood and the Western Balkans.

They agreed to enhance further the work and supported the development of the three task forces. Member states underlined the importance on conveying positive EU messages in the EU's neighbourhood, as well as the need to counter disinformation where and when needed.