Foreign Affairs Council, 14/10/2019, 14 October 2019

Main results

Syria

The Council discussed Syria in light of the latest development in the country. The UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen briefed ministers on the political process. He informed them about his work in the run-up to the first meeting of the Constitutional Committee, which is planned for the end of October. He also expressed his concerns over the risks of Turkey's military action in north-east Syria for the political process. Foreign ministers reiterated their full support to the Special Envoy's efforts. 

Foreign ministers then discussed Turkey's military action in north-east Syria and adopted conclusions condemning it. Recalling the decision taken by some member states to immediately halt arms exports licensing to Turkey, member states committed to strong national positions regarding their arms export policy to Turkey on the basis of the provisions of the Common Position 2008/944/CFSP on arms export control.

There is a clear commitment from all member states to strong national positions regarding their arms export policy to Turkey on the basis of the provision of the Common Position on arms export control. This means that there is a halt in export policy. (…) This mechanism allows for immediate decision-making that can be taken at national level and coordinated at European level. Federica Mogherini, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

• Council conclusions on North East Syria (14/10/2019)

Turkey's illegal drilling activities

The Council discussed Turkey’s continued drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, including further drilling activities 45 nm off the southern coast of Cyprus. It adopted conclusions agreeing that a framework regime of restrictive measures targeting natural and legal persons responsible for or involved in the illegal drilling activity of hydrocarbons in the Eastern Mediterranean be put in place.

• Council conclusions on Turkey's illegal drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean (14/10/2019)

Current affairs

At the beginning of their meeting, the High Representative and foreign ministers referred to developments on Iran. They recalled their commitment to the JCPOA (Iran's nuclear deal) and highlighted the importance of continuing efforts to de-escalate tensions.

The High Representative and foreign ministers briefly discussed Libya. They expressed their full support for the resumption of the UN-led political process.

The High Representative also touched upon Venezuela, and encouraged ministers to participate in the International solidarity conference on the Venezuelan refugee and migrant crisis which will take place on 28-29 October.

• International solidarity conference on the Venezuelan refugee and migrant crisis

Ukraine

EU foreign ministers had an exchange of views with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko. They reaffirmed the EU's strong commitment to Ukraine, both to its territorial integrity and security and to its government's efforts on the reforms process.

• EU relations with Ukraine (background information)