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The Foreign Affairs Council discussed on the European security situation.
The Council condemned the Russian military build-up around Ukraine, increased ceasefire violations and provocations from the Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. It also condemned actions, staged events and information manipulations aimed at creating a pretext for military escalation against Ukraine.
Furthermore, it commended Ukraine’s restraint in the face of intimidation and violations of the Minsk agreements and international law.
During their discussion, ministers had the opportunity to informally exchange views with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. Ministers reaffirmed their unity, resolve and the EU solidarity's with Ukraine.
Russia has created the biggest threat to peace and stability in Europe since the Second World War. We call upon President Putin to respect international law and the Minsk agreements. It is up to the Russian leadership to decide how they want to be seen by international community and by history.
Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
The Council decided on a series of measures to support Ukraine's resilience. It adopted a decision to provide €1.2 billion in macro-financial assistance, and decided to provide support for Ukraine’s professional military education under the European Peace Facility. The EU will also increase its support to counter cyber-attacks and disinformation by sending a mission of experts to the country.
EU embassies and diplomatic missions, as well as the EU delegation to Ukraine, will remain open and fully operational, with limited exceptions.
The High Representative also made clear that any aggression against Ukraine would have severe consequences for Belarus should an attack be conducted from its territory or with its involvement.
The Council discussed the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and how to preserve the sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of the country.
The Council urged the country's political leaders to take responsibility for preserving the Constitution, ensure the full return of competencies to the state institutions and deal with all open issues.
There is no place in Europe for a divided Bosnia and Herzegovina and those who work in this direction are strongly wrong. They are depriving their people of a prosperous European perspective and life.
Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Ministers expressed full support for the EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Johann Sattler, the EUFOR Operation ALTHEA, and the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Christian Schmidt. Both the EU and the US are trying to facilitate political dialogue in order to reach an agreement on constitutional and electoral reform, including a limited constitutional amendment that could improve the functionality of the federation.
The EU remains ready to use all available instruments, if the situation so requires, including EU financial assistance and restrictive measures as a last resort.
Dialogue remains the priority to ensure the reforms needed prior to the forthcoming elections.
Climate diplomacy
The Council exchanged views on climate diplomacy and approved conclusions on the matter.
In the margins of the EU FAC, foreign affairs ministers met their counterparts from the Gulf countries in the 26th joint council of the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
The EU is the biggest investor in the Gulf, and the second biggest trade partner with the region. Ministers agreed that it was time to commit to working more closely on green transition, development cooperation and humanitarian action. Yemen was also discussed.
Russia has created the biggest threat to peace and stability in Europe since the Second World War. We call upon President Putin to respect international law and the Minsk agreements. It is up to the Russian leadership to decide how they want to be seen by international community and by history.