Foreign Affairs Council, 17/06/2019, 17 June 2019

Main results

Current affairs

The High Representative and foreign ministers discussed the most pressing issues on the international agenda. They referred to the situation in Venezuela, stressing their concern as the political and humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. They reiterated their call for a political, negotiated solution within the framework of the Venezuelan constitution that would ultimately lead to free, fair and credible presidential elections and their support for efforts in this direction.

The High Representative and foreign ministers also referred to the Helms-Burton Act, underlining the EU's commitment to protect its businesses and to draw on all appropriate measures to address the effects of the Helms-Burton Act, including in relation to the EU's WTO rights and through the use of the EU blocking statute.

They also discussed the situation in the Republic of Moldova, following the formation of the new government. They reiterated the EU's readiness to work with a reform-committed government, on the basis of the EU-Moldova Association Agreement.

The High Representative also referred to the first anniversary of the Prespa agreement, which was signed by Greece and North Macedonia exactly one year ago.

EU Global Strategy

Foreign and defence ministers discussed the EU Global Strategy on the basis of the third annual progress report by the High Representative: "The EU Global Strategy: three years on, looking forward". They took stock of progress made in the last three years and reflected on future perspectives. The Council also adopted conclusions on EU action to strengthen rules-based multilateralism.

• Strengthening multilateralism: Council adopts conclusions (press release, 17/06/2019)

Ministers also focused on security and defence cooperation, and welcomed the substantive progress made to enhance the security of the Union and its role as a security provider and global actor, including through its Common Security and Defence Policy. The Council adopted conclusions on security and defence in the context of the EU Global Strategy.

• Security and defence: Council adopts conclusions (press release, 17/06/2019)
• The EU Global Strategy: three years on, looking forward, report, June 2019
• EU cooperation on security and defence (background information)

Common Foreign and Security Policy's effectiveness

Foreign ministers discussed the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP)'s effectiveness. The major shifts underway in the global landscape and the challenges faced by the European Union in today's world call for an even more effective foreign policy. Ministers therefore reflected on practical ideas for enhancing the effectiveness of the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). They looked in particular at how coherence and consistency could be further increased and reflected on possible ways to strengthen unity and effectiveness.

Sudan

The Council discussed the situation in Sudan and adopted a statement.  

• Sudan: Foreign Affairs Council statement (press release, 17/06/2019)

Informal lunch on the Middle East

Foreign ministers had an exchange of views with the Foreign Minister of Jordan, Ayman Safadi. They focused on latest developments in the region, including Syria, tensions in the Gulf region, and prospects for the Middle East Peace Process.

A military escalation in the Gulf region would be extremely dangerous, for anyone in the region, for Europe, and for the rest of the world. We call for maximum restraint and de-escalation, as we believe this is in the interest of everybody. Federica Mogherini, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy