Brussels, 18 March 2024
Informal exchange of views with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken
Ministers held an informal exchange of views with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, via videoconference, with a focus on the Russian aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, the approach towards China and the Indo-Pacific.
Participants concurred that transatlantic unity remains essential to deal with current challenges and, more specifically, urgent action is needed both as far as Ukraine is concerned, and in the Middle East, notably for pushing a lasting peace between Israel and Palestine based on the two States solution.
Russian war of aggression against Ukraine
The Foreign Affairs Council then discussed the Russian aggression against Ukraine, after a VTC intervention by Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba, who updated his EU counterparts on the latest developments on the ground and Ukraine’s current priorities.
During the ensuing ministerial debate, the Council adopted a decision allocating €5 billion under the European Peace Facility to the military support of Ukraine. The new dedicated Ukraine Assistance Fund will add predictability to the EU’s military support and will remain guided primarily by the needs of Ukraine.
- Ukraine Assistance Fund: Council allocates €5 billion under the European Peace Facility to support Ukraine militarily (press release, 18 March 2024)
- EU response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine (background information)
EU ministers also agreed to finalise sanctions against those responsible for the murder of Alexei Navalny under the EU’s Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime.
The Council then discussed the possible use of the extraordinary revenues generating from Russian assets immobilised in the EU because of sanctions.
After the discussion today, I have seen that there is a strong support to take the revenues, the windfall profits, and use them to support Ukraine. How? Militarily, to enhance the resources of the European Peace Facility and also to support the development of the Ukrainian defence industry. I am going to table this proposal for a Council decision and work with the Commission to approve a Council regulation in order for member states to discuss a concrete proposal, before the European Council.
Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Lastly, the Council exchanged views on the Russian presidential elections that took place from 15 to 17 March in a highly restricted environment, with voters having been deprived of a real choice and facing systematic internal repression. In the EU 27 statement issued right before the Council, the EU condemned the illegal holding of so-called “elections” in the territories of Ukraine that Russia has temporarily occupied.
Belarus
The Foreign Affairs Council exchanged views on Belarus with a double focus on what more the EU can do to react to the human rights situation and support Belarusian civil society and democratic opposition, and Belarus’ complicity in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
The Council expressed concern about the constantly worsening internal situation, where repression is reaching unprecedented levels, the human rights situation is getting worse, and the violations of civil and political rights of the Belarusian people do not stop.
Ministers confirmed that Belarus remains high on the EU agenda, and once more urged the regime to immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners.
In line with the EU’s gradual approach, the EU stands ready to take further restrictive and targeted measures.
- Belarus: Council conclusions confirm EU’s unwavering support for democracy and human rights (press release, 19 February 2024)
- EU relations with Belarus (background information)
Situation in the Middle East
The Foreign Affairs Council then discussed the situation in the Middle East, and in particular in the Gaza strip.
Ministers discussed the ever-worsening humanitarian situation in the Gaza strip, where the vast majority of the population is at risk of starvation according to a recent World Food Program report.
The Council also touched on the Cyprus initiative for a humanitarian sea route. The High Representative stressed that the Cyprus Maritime Route needs to be developed, but also that more land routes and the opening of additional crossings need to be ensured by Israel.
Then we discussed about sanctions, sanctions on Hamas and sanctions on extremist settlers. […] It was not possible at last Foreign Affairs Council, this time it has been possible. A solid compromise has been agreed at a working level, and I hope that this will be continued until full adoption soon.
Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
The Council also had an exchange of views on the EU-Israel Association Agreement. This agreement is explicitly based on values shared by the EU and Israel such as respect for human rights, the rule of law and democracy.
Ministers looked forward to further engaging with Israel to discuss the situation in Gaza, and some of them suggested to invite again the Foreign Affairs Minister of Israeli and the new Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority to a future Council meeting.
Current affairs
Under current affairs, the Council exchanged views on Armenia/Azerbaijan, Niger and Haiti.
On the latter, ministers expressed strong support for ongoing efforts to ensure a viable, inclusive and sustainable Haitian-led political transition. They also stressed the need for these political efforts translate to swiftly translate into tangible improvements on the ground.
The High Representative emphasised the importance of swiftly deploying the Multinational Security Support Mission authorised by the UN Security Council.
The EU is exploring how to support the broader objectives of the multinational mission through its cooperation instruments.
Council conclusions
The Council approved conclusions on green diplomacy.
Meeting information
- Meeting n°4013
- Brussels
- 18 March 2024
- 10:30
Preparatory documents
- Provisional agenda
- List of A items, legislative deliberations
- List of A items, non-legislative activities
- Background brief
Press releases
- Green diplomacy: Council conclusions reaffirm the EU’s commitment to work closely with partners to accelerate a global just and inclusive green transition
- Ukraine Assistance Fund: Council allocates €5 billion under the European Peace Facility to support Ukraine militarily
- Wholesale energy markets: Council adopts law to protect against market manipulation
- EU-Chile: Council gives final endorsement to bilateral trade agreement
- Tourism: Council gives its final approval to the regulation for short-term rentals
- Strategic autonomy: Council gives its final approval on the critical raw materials act