General Affairs Council, 17-18/11/2015 - Main Results
Main results
Foreign Affairs - 16 November
At the very start of the meeting, the High Representative referred to the Paris attacks, which took place after terrorist attacks in Beirut, against Russian civilians on the plane in Egypt, and in Iraq and in Syria every day.
Ministers observed a minute of silence at 12.00 in memory of the victims.
Syria
Ministers had a discussion on Syria, together with the UN Special Envoy Staffan De Mistura. They discussed the latest developments covering the recent diplomatic efforts, including the discussions in Vienna on 23 October and 14 November.
The High Representative underlined that finding a political solution to the Syrian conflict would offer the best conditions for defeating Daesh. She reported that the sense of urgency, especially for Europe, was felt and understood very clearly by all around the table in Vienna. She also underlined that an ambitious timetable had been set.
The EU stands ready to continue contributing:
at the humanitarian level, through ongoing projects - the EU is the leading humanitarian contributor in response to the Syrian crisis.
at the political level, notably by working to bring the opposition groups to the table and also to start the political transition in Syria.
Migration
The Council discussed migration, following up on the High Level Conference on the Western Balkans route on 8 October and on the Valletta Summit on migration held on 11-12 November. Ministers discussed follow-up of the decisions already taken on the central Mediterranean route and on the Western Balkan route. They welcomed the frank discussions with African partners in Valletta. On the Western Balkans and eastern route they discussed cooperation with Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan, which has multiple dimensions, going well beyond the issue of refugees and management of refugee flows and borders.
Finding solutions to migratory pressures
Middle East Peace Process
The Council discussed the situation in the Middle East, focusing on the peace process, in the light of increased violence notably in East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza. The EU is ready to continue its engagement to facilitate the revival of a credible political process. The High representative will continue to work with both parties, as well as with regional and international partners, both within the Quartet and through her bilateral contacts.
Agenda Highlights
Foreign Affairs - Defence, 17 November
On Tuesday, defence ministers will meet an discuss the 'European Defence Action Plan' of the European Commission.
Ministers will then meet within the European Defence Agency steering board format. They will discuss the future role and direction of the agency and the resources required.
The Council will resume for a discussion on capacity building in support of security and development, in presence of the NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg.
Over lunch, ministers will review ongoing operations, in particular EUNAVFOR Med Operation Sophia and EUMAM RCA.
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Videos and photos for the meeting, Foreign Affairs Council, 16-17 November 2015