Foreign Affairs Council, 20 February 2023

Main results

The Foreign Affairs Council started with a minute of silence to pay tribute to the over 40,000 victims of the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria.

Russian aggression against Ukraine

The Foreign Affairs Council exchanged views on the Russian aggression against Ukraine, almost a year after Russia launched its unprovoked, illegal and full-scale invasion.

We have to continue our strong, unwavering support to Ukraine, until Ukraine prevails and wins. For that, time is of the essence. Speed means lives.

Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

Ministers discussed military support to Ukraine through the European Peace Facility and training activities as part of the EU military assistance mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine).

The Council also discussed the urgent and significant Ukrainian needs in terms of ammunition. In this regard the discussion focused on how to intensify EU joint efforts, notably through possible procurement at EU level to address these needs. The topic is likely to be touched on by EU ministers of defence at their upcoming informal meeting in Sweden.

Ministers also exchanged views on the ongoing work to adopt a 10th package of sanctions against those who are instrumental in the continuation of the Russian war of aggression, the issue of full accountability for Russian crimes including the crime of aggression, and diplomatic outreach to G7 partners and in the UN with a view to ensuring broad support for the draft resolution on UN Charter principles underlying a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, to be voted on in the UN General Assembly.

Lastly, the Council also touched on the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which expires in mid-March. Ministers agreed that pressure must be put on Russia to allow its extension and remove restrictions for agricultural exports. The EU is contributing through the EU-Ukraine solidarity lanes, which have facilitated the export of 51 million tonnes of goods from Ukraine to the rest of the world, and are key to stabilising global food prices.

Informal exchange with Nicu Popescu

EU Foreign Affairs Ministers held an informal exchange over lunch with the Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova, Nicu Popescu on the impact of the Russian aggression against Ukraine on the Republic of Moldova, including the most recent repeated violations of Moldova’s airspace, and Russia’s weaponisation of energy supplies.

Ministers confirmed the EU’s support for Moldova on its European path and willingness to assist in strengthening Moldova’s resilience and security.

In this regard, Moldova expressed the wish to benefit from an EU Common Security and Defence Policy mission, and the Council will explore this possibility.

Afghanistan

The Council had an exchange of views on Afghanistan, after an informal exchange via videoconference with the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Amina Mohammed.

Ministers discussed the most recent developments on the ground, and particularly the edict banning women from working for NGOs and its negative impact on the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Ministers agreed that EU humanitarian and basic needs and livelihood assistance will continue, as long as it can be delivered in a non-discriminatory way, and in line with principles agreed by the international humanitarian donor community. This will be closely monitored and decided on a case-by-case basis during a six-month trial period.

Climate and energy diplomacy

The Council discussed climate and energy diplomacy in the presence of the Executive Vice President of the European Commission Frans Timmermans.

The discussion stressed the need to further strengthen the EU’s outreach on climate and energy and double down on its efforts to ensure that the upcoming COP28 delivers ambitious results. It also stressed the urgent need to increase climate finance beyond the level of the traditional donors, and push for a pressing reform of the multilateral development banks.

The changing climate and environmental degradation have serious implications for global peace and security and the risks arising from climate change must be systematically integrated into EU foreign and security policies. A joint communication from the High Representative and the Commission will soon be presented on these issues.

Current affairs

The Council today decided to impose restrictive measures on an additional 32 individuals and two entities responsible for serious human rights violations in Iran.

• Iran: EU imposes further restrictive measures against 32 individuals and two entities responsible for human rights violations (press release, 20 February 2020)