Situatie Afghanistan besproken tijdens Raad van Ministers (en)

Today's meeting in the General Affairs and External Relations Council covered a large number of issues. However, one recurring topic was Afghanistan, which was discussed in different groupings of ministers for foreign affairs, defence and development cooperation, and also with the NATO Secretary-General and the UN Special Representative to Afghanistan.

EU to continue anti-piracy operation off Somali coast

The defence and foreign ministers together discussed the EU's Operation Atalanta off the Somali coast. Atalanta helps to protect ships from the UN World Food Programme and civilian vessels. The Member States agreed that the operation should continue in 2010.

The ministers also discussed Bosnia and Herzegovina and the EU's Operation Althea. The future of Operation Althea and the continued military presence in the area were on the agenda. The ministers discussed the requirements for a transition to a non-executive military mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Common goals for EU security and defence policy

In addition, the Council adopted conclusions on what has been achieved within the European Security and Defence Policy during the Swedish Presidency and a declaration on future developments.

EU coordination for more effective crisis management

The defence ministers received a report on the European Defence Agency, EDA. The EDA supports the Member States in the work on the European Security and Defence Policy, first and foremost by promoting collaboration projects. The work of the EDA is to strengthen the EU's defence capacity, in particular crisis management, to promote research and technology development and to increase EU cooperation in the area of defence equipment.

Increased cooperation on maritime surveillance

The defence ministers also discussed the question of increased cooperation on maritime surveillance. This includes exchanging information and recognised maritime pictures in order to better be able to deal with events at sea. Maritime surveillance is necessary for sea rescue, fisheries controls and border controls, but also for monitoring freight shipping and combating oil spills. The Member States are to draw up a plan of how cooperation can be developed.

Ministers prepare for EU- Ukraine summit

The foreign ministers discussed Ukraine, with a focus on energy, the political and financial situation in Ukraine and relations between the EU and Ukraine. Ukraine's financial situation is a cause for concern and there is a risk of a new gas crisis during the winter. On 4 December an EU-Ukraine summit will be held in Kiev and on 17 January 2010 Ukraine will hold presidential elections.

EU concerned over humanitarian situation in Gaza

The Middle East peace process was also on the agenda. The ministers discussed how the EU can support the American efforts to breathe new life into the peace process. The EU is concerned over the serious humanitarian situation in Gaza and the tense situation in eastern Jerusalem. In a statement the EU called for concrete measures to resolve the humanitarian situation in Gaza and to facilitate reconstruction and economic recovery.

Continued sanctions against Belarus

The EU sanctions against Belarus were reviewed at the Council meeting and the foreign ministers agreed conclusions. The sanctions remain in place because Belarus has not made the progress that the EU expects, in areas including human and democratic rights. On the other hand, the EU retains the eased travel restrictions for certain officials that had previously been introduced. The EU is continuing its involvement in Belarus to try to influence development. In the Council conclusions from the meeting, the EU welcomes political dialogue with Belarus and also Belarus's participation in the Eastern Partnership. Dialogue provides an opportunity for mutual understanding and a chance to discuss different misgivings.

Ministers discuss Afghanistan

The ministers had a number of discussions on Afghanistan in different groups, with NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen and UN Special Representative to Afghanistan Kai Eide. A few weeks ago the EU adopted a strategy to strengthen EU action in Afghanistan and Pakistan and to make it more effective. Afghanistan is facing critical challenges and the country requires strong and credible institutions. The Council today adopted conclusions on democracy building in EU external relations. Against this background, the ministers for foreign affairs and development cooperation, together with Kai Eide, discussed democracy support to Afghanistan. The discussion focused on how the EU can coordinate and streamline its support.

More information about the meeting of the Ministers for development cooperation can be found in the article 'Main conslusions on GAERC for Development

Cooperation'.