High Representative/Vice President Josep Borrell has travelled to Washington, DC, on 7-8 February. On 7 February the HR/VP Borrell will hold a bilateral meeting with US Secretary of State Blinken to discuss pressing issues on the international agenda to reconfirm the strength of the transatlantic partnership at a crucial moment for global diplomacy. HR/VP will then co chair alongside EU Commissioner […]
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How the EU is supporting Ukraine
Since withdrawing from the Soviet Union in 1991, Ukraine has been keen to pursue its own path, including forging closer links with the rest of Europe. Ukraine’s relations with Russia have been tense due to the latter’s determination to keep the country within its sphere of influence. In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea in violation of […]
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Commission presents EUR 1.2 billion emergency aid package for Ukraine
The European Commission has tabled a proposal for a new emergency macro-financial assistance (MFA) programme for Ukraine of up to €1.2 billion. This proposal follows an earlier request from the Ukrainian authorities and direct discussions between Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. MFA funds will be made available to Ukraine in the […]
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The UN Security Council discussed the Ukraine-Russia border crisis
The UN Security Council discussed the Ukraine-Russia border crisis, in a session where Washington and Moscow exchanged accusations. Russia and China objected to the meeting being open, but were outvoted by ten votes in favor and three abstentions, with the result that the meeting went ahead. The U.S. ambassador asserted that Russia’s moves pose a […]
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Foreign Affairs Council Main Results, 24 January 2022
The EU Council of Foreign Ministers met on 24 January 2022 in Brussels. The meeting was chaired by Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Foreign ministers discussed current events and exchanged views on the latest developments and the rapidly evolving external relations. Some of the main outcomes of the meeting […]
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Europe in danger: What next for EU Security and Defence?
The classical distinction between war and peace is diminishing and the European Union faces increased competition, intimidation and coercion. International politics is increasingly transactional, EU values and multilateralism are being challenged, whereas democratic freedoms and international law are questioned. In short, Europe is in danger. How can the Union operate in such an increasingly competitive […]
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EU-Russia Crisis: ‘Spheres of influence’ have no place in 21st century
The Council has approved conclusions on the European security situation, asserting that European security is indivisible and that any challenge to the European security order affects the security of the EU and its member states. In its conclusions, the Council condemns Russia’s continued aggressive actions and threats against Ukraine, and it calls on Russia to de-escalate, abide by […]
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EU supports Afghan people with €268.3 million
In the major humanitarian crisis Afghanistan is facing, the EU has launched projects worth €268.3 million, stepping up vital support to the Afghan population. The EU support focusses on maintaining education, sustaining livelihoods, and protecting public health, including for refugees, migrants and internally displaced people. It is channelled through United Nations agencies working in Afghanistan […]
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Economic sanctions on Russia renewed for another six months
The Council decided on 13 December to prolong the restrictive measures currently targeting specific economic sectors of the Russian Federation by six months, until 31 July 2022. The Council decision follows the latest assessment of the state of implementation of the Minsk agreements – initially foreseen to happen by 31 December 2015 – at the European Council […]
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