EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg
14 October 2024 News
Foreign Minister Ivan Kondov represented Bulgaria at the regular meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, which took place in Luxembourg today.
Among the highlights of the ministers’ work were the Russian military aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, the upcoming elections in Georgia and Moldova, the situation in the Horn of Africa (Sudan and Somalia) and in Venezuela, as well as Armenia-Azerbaijan relations. Special participation in the work of the Council was taken by the British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, with whom issues in the field of the Common Foreign and Security Policy, the Middle East, Ukraine, and others were discussed. For the first time the new Foreign Minister of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha joined the discussion via videoconference. David O’Sullivan, Special EU Sanctions Envoy, also participated. The ministers focused on the need for continued military support to Ukraine, unblocking the development of the European Peace Facility (EPF) tranches, making operational the Ukraine Assistance Fund and voluntary financial contributions. The need to rapidly complete the strategic review of the Assistance Mission, the continuation of work on the Security Commitments, the Loan Cooperation Mechanism for Ukraine and the provision of emergency assistance to strengthen the country's energy security in view of the upcoming severe winter period was stressed. The Bulgarian Foreign Minister underlined the continued support our country provides to Ukraine, the need for targeted measures to maintain the country's energy system and the full implementation of sanctions against the aggressor. He also focused on the diplomatic efforts within the UN for additional support for Ukraine at the international level.
The Council also discussed the complex situation in the Middle East one year after the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel. The deteriorating security situation and the dangers of the conflict spreading in the region were noted. ‘Bulgaria is deeply worried by the rapid deterioration of the situation in Lebanon and the severe humanitarian crisis the country is facing. We need to work with all actors in the region, in close cooperation with the US and France, to prevent further escalation of the conflict’, Minister Ivan Kondov said in his statement. The ministers discussed the political situation in Georgia. ‘We are following with concern the growing political confrontation in Georgia and the upcoming elections will be a test for the country’s democratic institutions and strategic goals related to its European integration,’ the Bulgarian first diplomat said. A democratic and European Georgia is among the important conditions for security and stability in the Black Sea region, he added.
The Council also considered the upcoming elections and referendum on the inclusion of European integration in Moldova’s constitution, scheduled for 20 October this year. ‘Bulgaria strongly believes and supports the European future of Moldova. We must continue to assist the country in this crucial time of election,’ Minister Ivan Kondov said in his statement. The Council also discussed the ongoing armed civil conflict in Sudan, which has led to mass displacement, acute food and water shortages and the breakdown of important basic services such as health care. The humanitarian situation is catastrophic in the African country. Globally, this is the largest humanitarian crisis, including the number of internally displaced people — over 10 million. 25% of Sudan's population is on the brink of survival. There are 2.2 million refugees in neighbouring countries and 25 million in need of assistance. The ministers agreed on the need for the international community to intervene in order to bring the warring parties to an end and to the negotiating table.
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