Videoconference of EU Foreign Ministers: This is on the agenda for Thursday

On 19 November 2020, the foreign ministers of the European Union will meet via videoconference to discuss current international developments. The virtual meeting will be chaired by the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell i.

An important topic at the video conference will be the outcome of the US presidential election and future transatlantic cooperation. In addition, Josep Borrell will inform the ministers about international developments, including the situation in Afghanistan, given the upcoming international ministerial donors conference on 17 and 18 December, as well as circumstances in Belarus, Nagorno-Karabakh, Libya and Ethiopia.

Another agenda item is an exchange on the topic of multilateralism. The focus will be on how the EU can stimulate and strengthen the multilateral system. Following the internal exchange between the ministers, a virtual exchange with Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki is also planned. Consequently, the ministers plan to adopt, by written procedure, conclusions on digital diplomacy as well as the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy for 2020-2024.

The next meeting of EU foreign ministers is scheduled for 7 December and will most likely take place in a virtual format again.

Info

On Thursday 19 November, 2020, German Federal Foreign Minister Heiko Maas will give a statement upon arrival at 9.15. This will be streamed live via the Twitter account of the German Presidency of the Council of the EU. A press conference will take place at 15.00 and will be livestreamed on the website of the Council of the EU. Further information on the Videoconference of EU Foreign Ministers can be found on the same website.