The main topics of the meeting were the security situation in Eastern Europe, the EU’s relations with China, and the EU’s Strategic Compass for safety and defence, the latter discussed jointly with defence ministers. The ministers also talked about preparations for the 6th European Union-African Union summit scheduled for February 2022, with the expected participation of Aïssat Tall Sall, foreign minister of Senegal, the country currently in charge of AU presidency, and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat.

The ministers’ discussion about the security situation in Eastern Europe focused on the dangers of Russia’s policy to the stability and safety of our continent — Moscow’s demands concerning the European security architecture; escalation of tension on the Russia-Ukraine border; support for the Belarussian regime; disinformation; and hybrid attacks. Deputy Minister Przydacz highlighted the importance of unity and close co-ordination of EU’s activities with NATO and the USA, as well as in the OSCE forum. He emphasized that Poland, as the country holding the OSCE Chair this year, is ready to support dialogue in this area.

In relation to Belarus, the deputy minister recalled the potential threat of a new intensification of migration pressure on Minsk’s part. He noted the dramatic human-rights situation and repressions against the civil society, including members of the Polish minority.

During the discussion on the Strategic Compass, dealing with security and defence and scheduled for adoption at the end of March 2022, Deputy Minister Przydacz expressed his satisfaction with the inclusion of Poland’s remarks concerning, among other things, hybrid threats or partnership with NATO. Simultaneously, he voiced the conviction that expressions relating to challenges to the EU’s safety and stability must be reinforced in order to properly reflect the current situation. Moreover, he appealed for a realistic level of ambition, accounting for the member states’ other obligations, such as within NATO.

As regards the EU’s relations with China, the ministers noted the need to preserve the unity of EU’s policy towards Beijing, reflecting the interests of all member states and the principle of reciprocity in economic relations. The importance of EU’s close co-operation with its allies and like-minded partners, especially from the region, was also emphasized.

In talks with AU representatives, Deputy Minister Przydacz expressed the hope that the coming 6th EU-AU Summit will mark an opportunity for more intense cooperation between the two Unions, particularly called for in circumstances of global geopolitical rivalry and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized that as an expression of solidarity with the African partners, Poland has provided more than half a million vaccines for Kenya and Rwanda.

 

Łukasz Jasina
MFA Spokesperson

 

Photo: Tymon Markowski / MFA