Jim O'Callaghan
Question:45. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the most recent EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19624/23]
View answerThursday, 27 April 2023
Questions (45)
Written answers
I attended the most recent meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, on Monday, 24 April.
The Council took place against the backdrop of the escalation of conflict in Sudan. We discussed coordination of the EU response, including the evacuation of EU citizens, EU diplomatic engagement and efforts to secure a ceasefire, and measures the EU could undertake to address the humanitarian situation. Our discussion reflected a strong solidarity between Member States and also assessed how we could further improve EU crisis management operations in future.
The Council also continued its close coordination of the EU response to Russian aggression against Ukraine, and we met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba by video conference. Our exchanges covered preparation of additional sanctions, continued military support, the pursuit of accountability, and the EU’s outreach to international partners. I stressed the importance of the EU maintaining operational focus, by continuing to adopt fresh measures.
The Council also met with the Georgian Foreign Minister and I urged the Georgian government to demonstrate its genuine commitment to upholding EU values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. We also adopted a decision to establish an EU Common Security and Defence Policy Partnership Mission in Moldova.
We also assessed the latest developments of concern in the Middle East, with the Council agreeing to adopt a seventh package of sanctions against Iran, in light of its continued repression of human rights. Together with other Ministers, I also requested the EU’s High Representative to advance work on a stocktaking of the EU’s relationship with both Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
The Council was also an opportunity to advance EU preparations for the upcoming Council of Europe Summit, taking place next month in Iceland. The Summit was announced during Ireland’s Council of Europe Presidency last year, and we have led calls for substantive EU engagement, so we were pleased to welcome the Council of Europe Secretary General and the Icelandic Foreign Minister for a meeting.