The effectiveness of the Common Foreign and Security Policy, the implementation of the EU Global Strategy and the situation in Sudan were main topics of discussions of foreign ministers of EU member states. On the sidelines of the Council session, the ministers met with the Jordanian foreign minister, during which the diplomats discussed the situation in the Middle East.

The discussion on the efficiency of the Common Foreign and Security Policy focused on solutions aimed at increasing the effectiveness of EU’s actions on the international stage. Minister Jacek Czaputowicz proposed that the European Commission carry out an analysis of how the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the EU will impact the strength of votes of individual countries in the Council and the functioning of the EU. The minister advocated adopting a pragmatic approach highlighting the defects of such formats as the Normandy format, the nuclear deal with Iran and the Berlin Process, where the EU’s representation is unclear. He also pointed to the fact that – like the Eastern Partnership – new cooperation initiatives with third countries put forward by the member States concerned should be approved by the Council and implemented by the European External Action Service and the European Commission.

The implementation of the Global Strategy was discussed at a joint session of foreign and defence ministers. The discussions were based on a report summing up three years of implementation of the strategy, prepared by the European External Action Service. The chief of the Polish MFA emphasised that the EU needs to further develop concrete capacities with regard to the Common Security and Defence Policy, complementing the activity of NATO, which remains the cornerstone of European security. Minister Czaputowicz also stressed the need to keep the option of third countries’ participation in projects carried out under the Permanent Structured Cooperation of the EU (PESCO).

 The Council discussed the deteriorating internal situation in Sudan and its implications for regional security. The ministers were of the opinion that constructive dialogue should be conducted, with a view to forming a civilian government and holding free and fair presidential elections in order to calm the situation.

The chief of the Polish MFA briefed the Council about his recent visit to Kyiv, which he paid together with Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affair Margot Wallström. He highlighted the fact that the EU needs to continue supporting Ukraine’s European aspirations. He also pointed out Russia’s aggressive policy towards Ukraine and the need for EU’s adequate response. In this respect, he proposed extending sectoral sanctions now in place by another 12 months and  putting people  responsible for the so-called passportization on the individual sanctions list.

The Council also discussed the planned conference in Bahrain on the economic aspects of the US proposal to settle the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Minister Jacek Czaputowicz stressed the need to participate in the proposed debate, which could bring us closer to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The chief of Polish diplomacy announced that Poland will be represented at the meeting by the minister of finance.

In the part dedicated to Jordan, the EU foreign ministers also met with Jordan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi. The talks focused on regional issues, including the US Middle East peace plan.

 

MFA Press Office

 

Photo: Tymon Markowski/MFA