EU Foreign Affairs — Development Council meeting
07 May 2024 News
The Permanent Representative of the Republic of Bulgaria to the EU, Ambassador Rumen Alexandrov, presented our country at the regular meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs-Development Council, which took place today in Brussels. The roadmap for Ukraine and the humanitarian situation in Gaza were the main topics on the ministers' agenda.
The Council discussed the EU's coordinated support to Ukraine, efforts to rebuild and modernise the country's economy, and the involvement of the private sector in these processes. ‘It is crucial that the EU continues its united support for Ukraine and its European future. The plan for Ukraine is one of the key instruments for the reconstruction and modernisation of the country, which is also related to the necessary reforms on its path towards the EU’, the Bulgarian Permanent Representative emphasised in his statement. The plan outlines the Ukrainian government's vision for medium-term socio-economic growth that will support Ukraine's progress towards the EU. The plan includes targeted reforms in key sectors that promote growth to attract priority investments.
The ministers discussed with the Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the actions taken by the EU to support the civilian population. General concern was expressed about the dire humanitarian situation and the need to ensure humanitarian access and reach the most vulnerable. The strong call for Hamas to release all hostages was reaffirmed.
The meeting also discussed the preparations for the Future Summit to be held in September in New York, the impact of the review of the Multiannual Financial Framework on the implementation of the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument. The Belgian presidency informed about the events it is organising on one of its priorities related to global health.
The Council adopted conclusions on the European Court of Auditors' report on the Global Climate Alliance, conclusions on the 2023 annual report on the implementation of the European Union's external action instruments in 2022 and conclusions on protection in humanitarian situations.