Ukraine, Terrorism & Africa dominate Foreign Affairs Council
Despite not being a formal point on Foreign Affairs Council, there was substantial discussion by 28 EU foreign ministers on recent diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis in Ukraine when they met on Monday 9 February. They also agreed to step up efforts to counter terrorism, in particular in the Mediterranean, Middle East, North Africa, the Gulf and the Sahel. The meeting also had a strong Africa focus, with conclusions on Nigeria's elections, Mali, Central Africa Republic and Boko Haram being adopted.
Ukraine - support for diplomatic moves & more asset freezes
Ministers unanimously adopted additional listings concerning separatists in Eastern Ukraine and their supporters in Russia. These consist of an asset freeze and a travel ban on 19 persons and 9 entities involved in action against Ukraine's territorial integrity. To give space for current diplomatic efforts, the Council put the entry into force of the measures on hold until Monday 16 February 2015. The leaders of all EU countries will meet in Brussels this week at the European Council and the crisis in Ukraine and relations with Russia are expected to weigh heavily in their discussions.
Foreign Ministers supported efforts undertaken in view of a new meeting on Wednesday to finally reach full implementation of the Minsk agreements. "It's our duty to give this attempt a chance," said the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini who chaired the meeting.
Counter - Terrorism: International cooperation and Initiatives in 2015
In light of recent events Ministers discussed terrorism and ways to counter it. In a statement they called for greater focus on cooperation with key partners, new projects to support capacity building and action to counter radicalisation and violent extremism. Federica Mogherini said "This has to stay a priority, not only for internal and security action, but also for our diplomatic and foreign policy."
Nigerian electrons: largest single exercise in democracy in Africa
Africa's vigorous democratic culture is demonstrated by the large number of elections to be held on the continent in 2015. In a statement European Union Foreign Ministers reaffirmed its wider policy of support for peaceful, inclusive, transparent and credible elections and its readiness to assist Nigeria in this respect. The EU will also be providing electoral support to a number of countries in Africa this year. The Union will be focusing with particular interest on the Nigerian Presidential, Parliamentary and Gubernatorial elections: the largest single exercise in democracy in Africa. The conduct and quality of this electoral process will be key for the future of Nigeria, the region and the continent. The EU is therefore disappointed by the postponement of the elections on the basis of security advice delivered at very late notice.
To support these efforts the EU has provided a package of assistance to the Nigerian electoral process totaling €35 million, and at the invitation of the Nigerian authorities, has deployed an EU electoral observation mission led by MEP Mr Santiago Fisas Ayxelà, who will be returning to Nigeria this week to undertake a continued and comprehensive assessment of the elections, in cooperation with other observer missions.
Boko Haram: Threatening Nigeria and whole region
The meeting also discussed Boko Haram and its terrorist actions which "are becoming a growing threat not only for the peace and security of Nigeria but to the whole region including Cameroon, Chad and Niger." Recalling earlier statements, the Council condemns the continuing violence and appalling atrocities committed by Boko Haram on civilians, including women and children. It expresses its sincere condolences to the people and governments of countries affected. The perpetrators of these gross violations of international humanitarian law, human rights and dignity must be held to account.
Minsters said they were particularly concerned about the humanitarian consequences of the attacks and their impact on Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger and recalls the primary responsibility of States to protect civilians on their territory in accordance with the obligations under international law. Thousands have been killed. Over one and a half million people have been displaced within Nigeria and hundreds of thousands to neighbouring countries. Families have been separated, girls abducted, children orphaned and women and girls sexually abused.
Mali: EU concern and practical support
In a statement Ministers voiced their concern over the persisting violence in northern Mali, which is a threat to the security, stability, territorial integrity and development of the country and the wider Sahel region. The European Union calls on all parties in Mali to respect the cease-fire agreement of 23 May 2014 and the Declaration of Cessation of Hostilities of 24 July 2014. It is fundamental that all active armed groups on the ground refrain from any kind of violence.
They said that substantive disagreement between Malian parties can only be settled by constructive dialogue in the context of the talks in Algiers, due to resume shortly. The Council urged all parties to use this unique opportunity for dialogue and reconciliation constructively.
Central African Republic
The European Union remains firmly committed in the Central African Republic (CAR) to support a process of sustainable transitions. The EU supports all the peace agreements endorsed by the UN Security Council and which are part of key reference for all national actors regional and International. The EU reiterates its full support for the work of authorities to the transition, welcoming their cooperation with the UN, the AU and ECCAS.
Developments in Yemen - grave concern
Ministers also discussed Yemen where they said "the EU is following recent developments in Yemen with grave concern. The violence witnessed in Sana'a, in Mareb and in several other provinces, which led to the announcement of the resignations of President Hadi and of Prime Minister Bahah and his Cabinet on 22 January, as well as subsequent developments over the last two weeks have put the promises of the Yemeni transition in jeopardy. These developments are hindering prospects for a prosperous, stable, democratic and united Yemen, and threaten the territorial integrity of the country and the stability of the region, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation."
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The Foreign Affairs Council is an important part of EU foreign policy which brings together Foreign Ministers of all 28 EU member countries in the Justus Lipsius building in Brussels. The meeting is chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, and is an important place for discussion and implementation of policy.
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