Brussels, 15 February 2022
EU foreign affairs ministers will meet in Brussels on 21 February 2022 to discuss the European security situation and exchange views on Bosnia and Herzegovina, climate diplomacy and Mali. Ministers will also attend the EU-Gulf Cooperation Council.
European security situation
Foreign affairs ministers will discuss the latest developments in Russia’s military build-up around Ukraine and will hold a discussion on the European security situation.
On 24 January 2022, the Council approved conclusions on this matter. The conclusions underlined the fact that Russia’s attempts to re-create dividing lines on the European continent undermine the core foundations and principles on which European security is built, and reaffirmed full and unwavering support for Ukraine.
Over breakfast, EU foreign affairs ministers will hold an informal exchange with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.
- EU relations with Ukraine (background information)
- EU restrictive measures in response to the crisis in Ukraine (background information)
- EU sanctions against Russia over Ukraine (infographic)
- European security situation: notions of ‘spheres of influence’ have no place in the 21st century (press release, 24 January 2022)
Climate diplomacy
Addressing climate change and encouraging ambitious climate action are at the heart of the EUʼs external relations efforts. With the European Green Deal, the EU renewed its commitment to lead by example, establishing itself as a global leader on climate policy and action.
The EU works together with its global partners to strengthen international engagement on climate, by setting an example for the world and supporting international efforts and initiatives.
The Council is expected to adopt conclusions on climate diplomacy.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Council will discuss the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The country is facing one of the deepest political crises since the end of the armed conflict in 1995.
On 18 October 2021, the Council reaffirmed the EU’s unequivocal commitment to the territorial integrity, sovereignty and unity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Council regretted the prolonged political crisis in the country and condemned the blockage of the state institutions.
On 11 February, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, called on all leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina to resume a serious and meaningful dialogue in order to ensure a long-term and sustainable resolution of the current political crisis in the country.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: Council approves conclusions on EUFOR Operation Althea (Council conclusions, 18 October 2021)
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: high representative Josep Borrell spoke to political leaders (European External Action Service, 11 February 2022)
Other items on the agenda
Under current affairs, foreign affairs ministers will take stock of the latest international developments, including the situation in Mali.
Ministers will also run a cyber-exercise.
The Foreign Affairs Council will be chaired by Josep Borrell.
- West Africa: declaration on behalf of the EU on the situation in Mali (4 February 2022)
- Mali: EU adopts targeted sanctions against five individuals (press release, 4 February 2022)
EU-Gulf Cooperation Council
EU foreign affairs ministers will meet their counterparts from the Gulf countries in the EU-Gulf Cooperation Council.
The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) is a regional organisation. It has six members: the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Set up in 1981, its objectives are to enhance coordination, integration and interconnection among its members. The EU established bilateral relations with the GCC countries in 1988.