Deputy Minister Elena Shekerletova attended the December meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels
11 December 2023 News
Deputy Foreign Minister Elena Shekerletova attended today the ordinary monthly meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels. EU foreign ministers discuss the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and the situation in the Sahel region. A ministerial meeting of the Eastern Partnership was also held.
The Council meeting started with the now traditional informal exchange of views with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. He briefed his colleagues on the current situation in his country in the wake of Russia's ongoing aggression and attacks by Russian armed forces on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure. ‘Bulgaria underlines the importance of continuing the EU's comprehensive support to Ukraine for as long as necessary and for Ukraine's progress on the European path. Our country supports President Zelensky's Peace Formula and contributes to diplomatic efforts to promote it globally,’ Deputy Minister Shekerletova said. In her speech on the topic she also referred to the need to strengthen the Ukrainian energy sector, especially during the winter season, as well as to the continuation of EU support for the country's defence, including through the creation of a special Fund for Ukraine's assistance within the European Peace Facility. She also noted with concern the deteriorating security situation in the Black Sea region. Bulgaria supports the European Commission's recommendation to start EU membership negotiations with Ukraine on its own merits, the Bulgarian deputy foreign minister said, noting Kiev's important progress on key reforms.
The EU foreign ministers also discussed the current situation in the Middle East following the terrorist attacks on Israel by Hamas and other terrorist organisations. The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and ensuring continued humanitarian access to the civilian population was discussed. The European Commission reports on the significant increase in EU humanitarian and development aid to the Palestinian population. The issue of the future of Gaza was also discussed, with a focus on the need to strengthen the legitimacy of the Palestinian Authority in the Palestinian territories. Emphasis was placed on continuing the EU's diplomatic efforts to create a political horizon for the resumption of the Middle East peace process when conditions allow and to preserve the prospect of a two-state solution to the Middle East conflict. ‘Bulgaria strongly condemns the taking of hostages by Hamas and calls for their immediate and unconditional release. The protection of civilians is a major task. Our country continues to provide aid to the Palestinian population. The fight against terrorism remains a shared goal of the international community,’ the Bulgarian Deputy Foreign Minister pointed out.
The Council also discussed the development of a unified and adapted common EU approach towards the Sahel region. The situation on the ground remains complex and dynamic following a series of military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. The EU's main interest remains the restoration of constitutional order in the countries of the region, the protection of human rights, the continuation of the fight against terrorism and tackling illegal migration, as well as strengthening cooperation with regional organisations.
After the end of the meeting, a meeting of the EU foreign ministers with their counterparts from the Eastern Partnership countries — Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan was held, with the place of Belarus again left empty because of Lukashenko's repressive regime and his complicity in the Russian aggression against Ukraine. The EU's strong commitment and support to the Eastern partners was reaffirmed, with a strategic exchange on the importance of partnership in the context of the EU's enlargement policy and the impact of Russia's ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine. Bulgaria expressed support for deepening and strengthening the EU's cooperation with the Eastern Neighbourhood partners in all spheres, highlighting the importance of developing transport and energy connectivity and strengthening economic ties, which will contribute to the security and prosperity of the region. Emphasis was also placed on strengthening the rule of law and respect for human rights as key priorities.