Main results
European security situation
The most important take away is that we reconfirmed our strong unity and united approach on the challenges to European security. Our unity is our strength, and there is no doubt in the Council about this.
Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
The Foreign Affairs Council was updated on the latest developments in Russia’s military build-up around Ukraine and held a discussion on the European security situation, which also covered the situation in Belarus and Kazakhstan.
In the context of this discussion, ministers had the opportunity to informally exchange views via video teleconference with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
The Council also approved conclusions on the matter. The conclusions underline that Russia’s attempts to re-create dividing lines on the European continent undermine the core foundations and principles on which European security is built, and bring back dark memories of spheres of influence that have no place in the 21st century. The Council reaffirms its full and unquestionable support to Ukraine and clarifies that any further military aggression against Ukraine will have massive consequences and severe costs.
Ministers concurred that the EU should continue with diplomatic efforts to convince Russia to choose the path of dialogue, and tasked the High Representative to keep coordinating the EU position with key partners such as the US, NATO and the OSCE. At the same time the EU will continue to push back on disinformation.
While the first choice is dialogue, the High Representative made clear that work on preparing responses to potential Russian aggression was advanced, and being pursued in coordination with key partners.
Lastly, the EU will step up its efforts to enhance the resilience of Ukraine and other partners through a financial assistance package consisting of emergency loans and grants, support against cyber and hybrid threats, and support for security and defence, including through reform of the Ukrainian military education sector.
Syria
The Foreign Affairs Council exchanged views on Syria based on information provided by the United Nations Special Envoy Geir Pedersen.
After more than a decade, the conflict in Syria is far from over and remains a source of suffering and instability.
The Council reiterated its call for a political solution and emphasised that no normalisation, lifting of sanctions or reconstruction would be possible until the Syrian regime engaged in a political transition. Ministers once again demanded that the regime and its allies engage towards the full implementation of UNSC Resolution 2254.
The EU will work with like-minded partners, including the Arab League, to help the Syrian people and move the political process forward. It plans to organise the sixth Brussels Conference in May 2022, to generate funding for the Syrian people and for refugee-hosting communities, to give a voice to Syrian civil society, and to increase momentum for a political solution to the conflict.
Libya
The Foreign Affairs Council exchanged views on the latest developments in Libya, in particular the postponement of the national elections, which had been scheduled to be held on 24 December 2021.
The country is at an important crossroad and the EU remains committed to support Libyans with holding free, fair, inclusive and credible elections as soon as possible.
Ministers confirmed the EU’s priorities – Libyans have the right to choose their representatives through elections and the country must be freed of all foreign armed presence – and encouraged all stakeholders to agree on the way forward to give Libyans the possibility to vote in elections.
The High Representative also announced that the possibility of deploying an election observation mission would be assessed, once the Libyans had decided on a new electoral calendar.
Current Affairs
Concerning Mali, ministers condemned the presence of the Wagner group on the ground, and the decision taken by the Malian authorities to have a longer transition period of four years.
The High Representative announced that there was a political agreement to adopt sanctions against those hindering the transition, in solidarity with the decision taken recently by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The High Representative stressed that the EU was following developments in Burkina Faso very closely, expressed concern about the detention of President Kaboré and the presence of armed soldiers in the headquarters of the national radio and television station, and called for respect of the Constitution and the release of President Kaboré.
Council conclusions
The Council also approved conclusions on:
