Brussels, 27 May 2024
Russian aggression against Ukraine
The Foreign Affairs Council 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 – notably regarding the latest Russian attacks against civilian and energy infrastructure, and the needs of Ukraine, in terms of air defence systems, missiles and ammunition.
Putin is talking about peace negotiations, but his armies are launching another offensive against Kharkiv. They’re shelling crowded civilian buildings, and try to undermine the upcoming Summit on Peace in Switzerland. We support fully this summit. Its objective is to inspire a future peace process. We are working to ensure the broadest possible participation.
Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Ministers had an intense discussion on the EU’s military support for Ukraine, and particularly the implementation of the decision taken by the Council in March on a new, dedicated Ukraine Assistance Fund under the European Peace Facility. This fund will also be a legal instrument through which the European Union will be able to use the extraordinary net profits generated by immobilised Russian assets.
The Council also touched on the EU’s long term security commitments to Ukraine, which will include in particular, security and defence aspects.
Lastly, ministers were informed about the latest border incident with Russian border guards in Estonia and other EU member states.
The Council adopted:
- restrictive measures against two individuals and one entity responsible for conducting propaganda actions targeted at civil society in the EU and its neighbouring countries, gravely distorting and manipulating facts in order to justify and support Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine
- a new sanctions regime against those responsible for serious human rights violations or abuses, repression of civil society and democratic opposition, and undermining democracy and the rule of law in Russia, and listed 19 people and one entity.
- Russia: EU sets up new country-specific framework for restrictive measures against those responsible for human rights violations, and lists 20 persons (press release, 27 May 2024)
Situation in the Middle East
The Foreign Affairs Council discussed the situation in the Middle East.
EU ministers had an informal exchange with the Ministers of the Arab Quint: Qatar, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, as well as the Secretary General of the League of Arab States. Their discussion focused on finding a political solution to the conflict, and increasing humanitarian support for the people in Gaza.
The Arab Ministers presented their vision for a peace process and discussed with their EU counterparts about how to reinforce cooperation, with a view to finding a political solution to the conflict. One of the suggestions that emerged from the discussion, was to consider the possibility of an international conference on how to implement the two-state solution, which could prepare the ground for an international peace conference.
Ministers agreed that currently the most pressing issue, beyond the suffering of people in Gaza, was to support the Palestinian Authority and UNRWA, as well as increasing humanitarian support. In order to help with the delivery of humanitarian assistance, the EU will explore options for the reactivation of its Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point (EUBAM Rafah), in coordination with the Palestinian Authority, and the Israeli and Egyptian authorities.
EU ministers concurred on three specific points related to recent developments:
- EU reiterates its demand on Israel to implement the recent ruling of the International Court of Justice concerning the halting of military operations in Rafah and allowing the access of humanitarian aid into Gaza
- Israel should stop blocking the funding that allow the functioning and survival of the Palestinian Authority
- UNRWA should not be declared a terrorist organisation and consequently prevented from working in Gaza and the Palestinian territories
Lastly, EU ministers also agreed to work on a meeting of EU-Israel Association Council to discuss the situation in Gaza, respect of human rights, and the ruling of the ICJ.
Georgia
Under current affairs, the Council was informed about developments around the new law on transparency of foreign influence in Georgia, that goes against the spirit and principles of the EU. Member states agreed to consider the most appropriate EU response in case the law is enacted, with a view to a possible decision at the June Foreign Affairs Council.
Preparatory documents
- Provisional agenda
- Provisional list of A items, non-legislative activities
- List of A items, non-legislative activities
- Background brief
Outcome documents
Press releases
- Russia: EU sets up new country-specific framework for restrictive measures against those responsible for human rights violations, and lists 20 persons
- Information manipulation in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine: EU lists two individuals and one entity
- EUMPM Niger: Council decides not to extend the mandate of the mission
Source – EU Council