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Stability and security in turbulent times: Ukraine, Syria and the transatlantic relationship on the agenda of the Foreign Affairs Council
Foreign Minister Baerbock at the EU Foreign Affairs Council, © Photothek
The EU Foreign Ministers are meeting in Brussels today to discuss the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East as well as transatlantic relations. This will be immediately followed by the ninth Brussels conference on Syria, which is set to generate crucial momentum for rebuilding the country.
The world is in the throes of change – and the EU needs to assert itself. Whether in Ukraine, in the Middle East or in relations with the US, Europe faces the challenge of taking decisive action and defending its own interests while at the same time remaining a reliable partner.
Ukraine – boosting support, tightening sanctions
Three years after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the EU remains firmly by Kyiv’s side. At today’s Foreign Affairs Council meeting, taking place against the backdrop of the ceasefire negotiations between the US and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia as well as the G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Canada, the EU Foreign Ministers will discuss how to ensure Ukraine has the best possible negotiating position. Because, for the EU, only a strong Ukraine can achieve a just peace.
Alongside military support, it is also a question of substantial financial assistance. Just a few days later, on 20 March, the European Council is to decide on a multibillion-euro package of support for Ukraine. Today’s meeting is preparing this decision. It will begin with a virtual appearance by the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who will report on the current situation in the country.
Meanwhile, the EU aims to continue increasing the pressure on Russia. Many of the EU Foreign Ministers will today be calling for further-reaching sanctions. Another six-month extension has already been agreed for the EU sanctions regime against individuals and entities listed in connection with Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
Alongside these measures, it remains crucial to bolster European defensive capabilities. This is why Germany is supporting the ReArm Europe plan proposed by the European Commission in order to create new investment opportunities. In particular, the national escape clause in the Stability and Growth Pact could create the necessary leeway for defence investments in the short term.
Stabilising the Middle East, rebuilding Syria
The situation in the Middle East remains tense. Israel must urgently allow unhindered access for humanitarian assistance to alleviate the disastrous humanitarian situation in Gaza. The EU supports the Arab reconstruction plan for Gaza, which offers long-term stability and the prospect of peace for the region.
Also on the agenda of the Foreign Affairs Council is the situation in Syria. The EU is continuing its efforts to support successful reconstruction and the transition process. The gradual lifting of certain sanctions was an important first step to smooth the path for change in the country. The EU particularly welcomes the plans to integrate Kurdish Syrians into the military and civilian institutions of the central state.
The Foreign Affairs Council meeting will be followed by the ninth Brussels donor conference for Syria, which Foreign Minister Baerbock will be attending. The aim is to generate fresh momentum and lay the foundation for a peaceful chapter in Syria’s history after years of war. Foreign Minister Baerbock commented ahead of the conference:
Rebuilding Syria politically, economically and socially is nothing less than a mammoth task. With the Brussels conference on Syria, we want to support the country on this difficult path. We must not miss the window of opportunity for an inclusive political transition, and at the same time we must lay the groundwork for reconstruction measures and an improvement of the economic situation. With this conference, the international community is making it clear that we will not abandon the Syrian people in this process.
At the conference, Foreign Minister Baerbock will announce additional humanitarian support for Syria worth 300 million euro.
Increasing the pressure on Iran
Iran is another important factor in the region’s future. The regime in Tehran remains a destabilising force in the Middle East and a close partner of Russia in the war against Ukraine. The Foreign Affairs Council is therefore seeking to continue the sanctions against Tehran. In parallel, the development of the Iranian nuclear programme is being closely monitored – the E3 countries Germany, France and the UK are aiming for a comprehensive negotiated solution by the summer and are liaising with the US on this, too.
Another key issue is the arbitrary detention of European nationals in Iran. Germany continues to vigorously campaign for the release of current detainees. New sanctions in this connection are to be introduced in April.
EU-US – preserving our partnership, strengthening our independence
The sharp turn in US politics creates challenges for the EU. The Foreign Affairs Council will today discuss what can be done to make the transatlantic relationship a constructive one in the future, too. Differences aside, it remains clear that the US is and will continue to be a key partner for Europe. The EU will seek constructive cooperation with Washington, as before, while assertively defending its interests and positions.
Today’s meeting highlights Europe’s growing responsibility for security and foreign policy. Whether in Ukraine, in the Middle East or in relations with the US, the EU must take decisive action and defend its own interests while at the same time acting as a reliable partner.