EU Foreign Ministers discussed policy towards Russia and the fight against terrorism
19 January 2015 News
Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov participated in the Foreign Affairs Council meeting, which was held on 19 January in Brussels.
The discussion focused on the development of the relations with Russia in the context of the illegal annexation of the Crimea and the ongoing crisis in Eastern Ukraine. The Foreign Ministers agreed that the sanctions against Russia will remain in force until the country starts implementing the Minsk commitments and takes decisive steps to reduce tensions and stabilize the situation in Eastern Ukraine. Minister Daniel Mitov pointed out that currently there is no reason for easing or lifting the sanctions related to the situation in Crimea. The Foreign Ministers discussed possible EU measures against Russia's information campaign, which will be in line with the freedom of expression and of the media.
Another major topic was the fight against terrorism. Ministers agreed on the need to strengthen cooperation and exchange of information within the EU, as well as to support the fight against terrorism in the Middle East and North Africa. Bulgaria raised the question of migratory pressures on the EU external borders and insisted on increasing the support from the EU for our external borders.
Ministers approved the Action plan for the preparation of the 21st Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change, which will be held in December 2015 in Paris. The plan includes active diplomatic efforts towards reaching a global, legally binding agreement on climate change mitigation.
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