Statement of the Foreign Affairs Council about the crisis in Idlib and the situation at the EU external borders with Turkey

The EU Ministers of Foreign Affairs met last week for an extraordinary Council meeting to discuss the crisis in Idlib and the situation at the EU external borders with Turkey.

The Council acknowledges the increased migratory burden and risks Turkey is facing on its territory and the substantial efforts it has made in hosting 3,7 million migrants and refugees. The Council also strongly rejects Turkey’s use of migratory pressure for political purposes and restates that the EU and its member states remain determined to effectively protect EU’s external borders, in accordance with EU and international law.

In this context the Council reiterates the EU’s full solidarity with Greece, which faces an unprecedented situation, as well as with Bulgaria, Cyprus and other member states in their efforts to manage the EU’s external borders.

Today we agreed on a statement where we reiterated the urgent need for de-escalation of the conflict. We took note of the outcome of the Russia-Turkey meeting yesterday in Moscow. All parties need to guarantee the protection of civilians and enable the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid by the international community.”

Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

On Idlib, the Council notes that the recent and continuing offensive by the Syrian regime and its backers, including Russia, is creating untold human suffering and has provoked the worst humanitarian crisis since the beginning of the Syrian conflict.

The Council therefore calls for an urgent de-escalation of the conflict in Syria in order to avert a slide into international military confrontation, and prevent further suffering.

More information

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