EU Foreign Affairs Council, 21 February 2022 Main results

 Foreign Affairs Council, 21 February 2022

Main results

European security situation

The Foreign Affairs Council held a discussion on the European security situation.

The Council condemned the Russian military build-up around Ukraine, increased ceasefire violations and provocations from the Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. It also condemned actions, staged events and information manipulations aimed at creating a pretext for military escalation against Ukraine.

Furthermore it commended Ukraine’s restraint in face of this intimidation and violations of Minsk agreements and international law.

In the context of this discussion, ministers had the opportunity to informally exchange views with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. Ministers reaffirmed their unity, resolve and EU solidarity with Ukraine.

Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

Russia has created the biggest threat to peace and stability in Europe since the Second World War. We call upon President Putin to respect international law and the Minsk Agreements. It is up to Russian leadership to decide how they want to be seen by international community and history.

Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

The Council decided on a series of measures to support Ukraine's resilience. It adopted the decision to provide €1,2 billion in macro financial assistance, and decided to provide support to Ukraine’s professional military education under the European Peace Facility. The EU will also increase its support against cyber-attacks and countering disinformation by sending a mission of experts to the country.

EU embassies and diplomatic missions, as well as the EU delegation to Ukraine will remain open and fully operational, with limited exceptions.

The High Representative also made clear that any aggression against Ukraine would have massive consequences  with regard to Belarus, should an attack be conducted from its territory or with its involvement.

Council adopts €1.2 billion assistance to Ukraine (press release, 21 February 2022)

EU relations with Ukraine (background information)

EU restrictive measures in response to the crisis in Ukraine (background information)

EU sanctions against Russia over Ukraine (infographic)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Council discussed the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and how to preserve the sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of the country.

The Council urged the political leaders to take responsibility for preserving the Constitution, ensure the full return to the state institutions and deal with all open issues.

There is no place in Europe for a divided Bosnia and Herzegovina and those who work in this direction are strongly wrong. They are depriving their people of a prosperous European perspective and life.

Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

Ministers expressed full support for the EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Johann Sattler, EUNAVFOR Operation ALTHEA, and the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Christian Schmidt. Both the EU and the US are trying to facilitate political dialogue in order to reach an agreement on the constitutional and electoral reform, including limited constitutional amendment that could improve the functionality of the federation.

The EU remains ready to use all the available instruments, if the situation so requires, including EU financial assistance and restrictive measures as last resort.

Dialogue remains the priority to ensure the reforms needed to go towards the forthcoming elections.

Climate diplomacy

The Council exchanged views on climate diplomacy and approved conclusions on the matter.

Climate Diplomacy: Council calls for accelerating the implementation of the Glasgow COP26 outcomes (press release, 21 February 2022)

Climate goals and the EUʼs external policy (background information)

Current Affairs

The Council was informed about the situation in Mali and the ongoing negotiations in the framework of the nuclear deal with Iran (the JCPOA).

Council conclusions

The Council also approved conclusions on the Coordinated Maritime Presences concept.

Coordinated Maritime Presences: Council extends implementation in the Gulf of Guinea for two years and establishes a new Maritime Area of Interest in the North-Western Indian Ocean (press release, 21 February 2022)

26th GCC-EU Joint Ministerial Council

In the margins of the FAC EU foreign affairs ministers met their counterparts from the Gulf countries in the 26th joint council of the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

The EU is the biggest investor in the Gulf, and the second trade partner with the region. Ministers agreed that it was time to commit to work more closely on green transition, development cooperation and humanitarian action. Yemen was also discussed.

Gulf Cooperation Council (European External Action Service)

The Council also adopted without discussion the items that figure in the lists of legislative and non-legislative A items.