Foreign Affairs Council, 18/03/2019, 18 March 2019

Main results

5th anniversary of the illegal annexation of Crimea

As the meeting was taking place on the 5th anniversary of the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol, the High Representative and foreign ministers marked the event by reiterating publicly key elements of the EU position.

The EU has repeatedly stated that we do not, and will not recognise this violation of international law. The EU stands in full solidarity with Ukraine, supporting its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Federica Mogherini, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

Current affairs

The High Representative and foreign ministers welcomed the results of the third Brussels conference on supporting the future of Syria and the region, which was the opportunity to reaffirm EU support for the UN-led political process, and gave a strong signal of continued support for the Syrian people by successfully mobilising aid from the international community.

The High Representative briefed ministers on the ongoing work of the International Contact Group on Venezuela. Foreign ministers expressed their concern as the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. They reiterated the urgent need to find a way towards a political process.

The signature of the peace agreement in Central African Republic and the recently announced US measures on the International Criminal Court were also among issues mentioned.

China

The Council held wide-ranging and comprehensive exchange of views on China and EU-China relations, ahead of their discussion with Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The discussion will feed into the preparation of the debate amongst Heads of State or government at the European Council meeting of 21-22 March, and ahead of the EU-China summit to be held on 9 April 2019 in Brussels.

The discussion was informed by the joint communication by the High Representative and the Commission entitled "EU-China: A strategic outlook" which was adopted on 12 March. Ministers welcomed the assessment made in the joint communication and the proposed actions. While the 2016 China Strategy remains the basis for EU cooperation with China, the joint communication provides useful directions on how to refine Europe's approach to China to be more realistic, assertive and multi-faceted.

Foreign ministers stressed the paramount importance of unity, solidarity, and consistency at EU level for a productive engagement with China, as only a united EU can effectively tackle the challenges presented by China today. They also insisted on EU values, principles and a safeguard of the EU's strategic interests in the EU-China relationship. They highlighted the importance of the respect for human rights and of the EU-China human rights dialogue. They underlined the need for better reciprocity in economic relations, as well as the development of a level playing field and equal market access for EU businesses. Ministers also referred to cyber-security, investment screening, and to the need to protect critical EU infrastructure and industry.

Ministers called for deepening cooperation with China on areas such as multilateralism, climate change, non-proliferation (in the context on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action - JCPOA and in the Korean peninsula), peace-keeping and addressing regional security challenges.

Over the working lunch, foreign ministers held an open and wide-ranging discussion with Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Both meetings were preceded by the EU-China strategic dialogue led by the High Representative and the State Councilor.

• EU relations with China, background information
• 2019 Joint Communication- EU-China – A strategic outlook, press release, 12 March 2019

Republic of Moldova

The Council discussed Moldova following the parliamentary elections of 24 February. Foreign ministers highlighted the importance of a transparent and credible government formation process that should reflect a genuine parliamentary majority that respects the outcome of the elections. They stressed the importance of non-interference in the formation process and recalled that the EU does not support individual parties and specific political actors, but values and principles.

The Council recalled that the basis for EU cooperation with Moldova is the implementation of the Association Agreement, including a strong commitment to the reform agenda and respect for the rule of law and democratic principles.

Foreign ministers confirmed the importance of the principle of conditionality in delivering macro-financial assistance, which had to be withheld following serious deterioration in the areas of rule of law and the upholding of democratic principles. In this context, they highlighted the critical importance of delivering tangible benefits to Moldovan citizens and continued support for civil society.

• EU relations with Moldova, background information

Yemen

Ministers recalled that there can be no military solution to the conflict in Yemen and that the only way forward is the implementation of the Stockholm agreement in all its parts. They stressed the need to keep the political momentum and push the parties to urgently fulfil their commitments under the agreement, as well as the need to see immediate progress on the ground.

The Council reiterated the EU's full support for the UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths and his efforts in finding a lasting, sustainable, enforceable, inclusive and negotiated political solution within a UN-led framework. Foreign ministers highlighted in particular the importance of fully associating Yemenite women to the political process.

Ministers expressed concern at the lack of improvement in the dire humanitarian situation, in particular in regard to access for humanitarian aid. The Council reiterated that the EU and its member states would continue their humanitarian assistance efforts and lend political support as necessary.

• Council conclusions on Yemen, 18 February 2019
• EU relations with Yemen (EEAS)