Brussels, 7 May 2024
Ukraine
Ministers held a discussion on the situation in Ukraine and on the Ukraine Plan, aimed at unblocking the disbursements under the first pillar of the Ukraine Facility for 2024-2027, conditioned by the progress of Ukraine’s reform and investment agenda. The EU’s support under the first pillar amounts to €38.27 billion (€5.27 billion in grants and €33 billion in loans) of the total amount of €50 billion under the Ukraine Facility.
Reconstruction and modernisation are needed as part of Ukraine’s EU accession process. The plan encompasses key structural reforms, investment and improvements in public administration, the rule of law and fighting corruption and fraud. The support of member states will enable the payments planned as part as the Ukraine Facility.
Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
The European Commission already transmitted its positive assessment on the plan. It considered that it meets the necessary criteria and constitutes a targeted and well-balanced response to the objectives of the Ukraine Facility, while addressing the accession track challenges and responding to Ukraine’s recovery, reconstruction and modernisation needs.
The ambassadors of the EU Member States (Coreper) are expected to back the assessment of the Ukraine Plan on 8 May with a view to approval and endorsement of the implementing decision, by qualified majority, by the Ecofin Council on 14 May.
- Commission proposal on the approval of the assessment of the Ukraine Plan
- EU solidarity with Ukraine (background information)
- The Ukraine Facility (background information)
Palestine*
Ministers exchanged views on the humanitarian support for Palestinians in light of the latest developments, the deteriorating humanitarian situation and the necessity to adapt the response to address the high needs, and pave the way forward, in an evolving and challenging context. Ministers also reflected on how best to support the Palestinian Authority’s reform agenda, following the formation of a new Palestinian government.
* This designation shall not be construed as recognition of a State of Palestine and is without prejudice to the individual positions of the member states on this issue.
The EU and the member states continue to call for an immediate humanitarian pause leading to a sustainable ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and the provision of humanitarian assistance. We reiterated that everyone in the region needs to exercise restraint and take steps to de-escalate. Further escalation is in no one’s interest.
Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
- European Council conclusions, 21 and 22 March 2024
- European Council conclusions, 17 and 18 April 2024
- EU humanitarian support for Palestinians (background information)
EU engagement in fragile contexts
During a working lunch, Ministers took a broader look at fragility and reflected on a coherent approach and policy mix that can deliver in these contexts. A credible Team Europe response needs to address the basic needs and resilience of communities on the ground, on the basis of the humanitarian-development-peace nexus. The discussion touched on the role of the Global Gateway in regard to fragility.
Current Affairs
Ministers touched on preparations for the Summit of the Future, which will take place this year on 22-23 September in the margins of United Nations General Assembly High Level Week. A special focus was placed on the financial track.
Any other business
Under ‘any other business’, the Belgian Presidency debriefed ministers on global health events, while Finland and Estonia presented a non-paper on the implementation of the Global Gateway.
Ministers were also updated on the implementation of the revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework on NDICI-Global Europe.
The Council approved conclusions on:
- The European Court of Auditors report on the Global Climate Change Alliance
- The Annual Report 2023 on the implementation of EU External Financing Instruments in 2022
- Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
- Protection in humanitarian settings
Preparatory documents
- Provisional agenda
- List of A items, non-legislative activities
- List of A items, legislative deliberations
- Provisional list of A items
- Provisional list of A items, addition 1
- Background brief
Outcome documents
Press releases
- Council calls for better protection in humanitarian aid
- Council commends 2022 external actions and calls for further steps on climate and biodiversity
- Council conclusions on European Court of Auditors’ Special Report No 04/2023 on the Global Climate Change Alliance (+)
- Council Conclusions on Small Island Developing States (SIDS)