Results of the conference of foreign affairs ministers, 22 April 2020

We discussed how to better support Ukraine and other countries in the Eastern partnership in times of Covid-19 pandemic. Our message to them is clear, we will keep helping them in these challenging times.

Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

Gradually returning to core foreign policy issues, ministers first held a brief exchange of views on current affairs. In this context ministers touched on a variety of pressing issues on the international scene, including the situation in Libya, Turkey and Afghanistan.

As concerns the response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the High Representative informed ministers about ongoing efforts to repatriate European citizens stranded abroad, to counter disinformation, and to implement the so-called “Team Europe package“. In this context, ministers discussed in particular the possibility to set up a EU humanitarian air bridge for delivery of coronavirus related equipment, and facilitate the movement of humanitarian staff.

Foreign affairs ministers then had a discussion on how to better support Ukraine and other countries in the Eastern partnership in times of Covid-19 pandemic.

In this context ministers expressed support for the ongoing reform process in Ukraine, as well as for Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity, including the non recognition of the illegal annexation of Crimea.

As regards the Eastern Partnership ministers saw the current crisis as an opportunity to show that the EU is the most reliable partner for these countries. They discussed in particular how the EU can support these countries so that their economies, jobs and institutions do not suffer, and that the drive for reforms remains high on the agenda.

More Information

Press Release. European Council