Deputy Minister Marcin Przydacz attends EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels
16.05.2022
Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the relations between the EU and the Western Balkan countries were the focus of today’s Foreign Affairs Council session. The foreign ministers also met with their counterparts from the Western Balkans and the head of Canadian diplomacy as part of the EU-Canada Joint Ministerial Committee. Poland was represented by Undersecretary of State Marcin Przydacz acting on behalf of Minister Zbigniew Rau.
While debating about Russia’s aggression, Deputy Minister Przydacz underlined the need to promptly agree on the sixth package of sanctions, including a ban on importing Russian oil, to further curb Russia’s capacity to continue the aggression. The politicians agreed that the EU should continue its political, economic, and military support to Ukraine, which will allow the country to restore its territorial integrity. Deputy Minister Przydacz also noted the need for the EU to provide support to Ukrainian refugees across its territory, including in Poland.
During the discussion on the Western Balkans, the deputy chief od Polish diplomacy said that this region is also heavily affected by Russian aggression against Ukraine. He underlined that greater political and practical engagement of the EU is necessary, including in the diversification of energy supplies, fighting Russian disinformation, and mitigating the economic consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Polish official expressed his satisfaction with the decision of those Western Balkan countries which fully tuned their policies to the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, including by joining the sanctions against Russia, which is evidence of their commitment to European values. Deputy Minister Przydacz underlined that the progressing enlargement policy, especially in the case of Albania and North Macedonia, is essential to preserve the EU’s credibility in the region. He also called for a prompt start of accession negotiations with the two countries.
During the meeting with Canada’s foreign minister under the EU-Canada Joint Ministerial Committee, Deputy Minister Przydacz appreciated Ottawa’s response to the Russian aggression against Ukraine. He emphasised efficient coordination with Canada and other G7 countries as regards sanctions against Russia, and underlined Canada’s military engagement on NATO’s eastern flank, as well as its openness to welcome Ukrainian refugees. He also called for support for Ukrainian refugees in the EU, most of whom have been hosted by Poland, stressed the need to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector, particularly in LNG supplies. The Polish official also reiterated the necessity to further support Belarusian opposition and civil society.
Łukasz Jasina
MFA Press Spokesperson
Photo: Sebastian Indra/MFA
