Video conference of foreign affairs ministers, 23 March 2020

Main results

We are at a critical moment. This virus ignores national borders. It is causing an unprecedented global crisis. This is the time to strengthen multilateralism and join efforts to face together a threat to the whole of mankind. This is not the time to blame each other. Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

EU Ministers of foreign affairs today held a video conference, chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell.

Ministers exchanged views on the international response to the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), with a particular focus on the repatriation of EU travellers stranded abroad. Ministers also discussed how to step up international cooperation and solidarity in order to support the most fragile countries.

Foreign ministers condemned the attempt to discredit the European Union, through disinformation and the stigmatisation of EU citizens abroad in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ministers also had the opportunity to touch on some pressing issues on the international agenda such as the implementation of the EU-Turkey statement, and the state of play of discussions on the new CSDP operation in the Mediterranean.