Russia’s aggressive policy towards Ukraine and demands from the United States and NATO pose a challenge to Euro-Atlantic security and run counter to international principles and norms, politicians at informal European Union (EU) foreign ministers’ meeting discuss security situation in Eastern Europe
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, yesterday and today, Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs (JV) participated in the informal meeting of EU foreign ministers or the so-called Gymnasium in Brest, France. During the meeting, the EU Foreign Ministers and Defense Ministers held a joint discussion on the EU Strategic Compass for Security and Defense. The foreign ministers also discussed the security situation in Eastern Europe and EU-China relations, as well as the situation in Mali, where the representatives of the transitional government significantly hinder the development of democratic processes.
Ministers have confirmed that the EU’s response to Russia’s aggression will be united and firm. The Latvian Foreign Minister emphasized that the EU must continue to strongly support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Minister also called for deepening cooperation with the EU’s eastern neighbors and support for strengthening the resilience of Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova.
Continuing the exchange of views on the EU Strategic Compass, which aims to provide guidelines for the development of the EU’s security and defense policy in the coming years, Rinkēvičs emphasized the importance of close co-operation with NATO, as well as with the United States, Canada and Great Britain. The Minister emphasized the need for unanimity and the involvement of all Member States in decision-making, and called for a common understanding of the establishment of a European Rapid Reaction Force.
At the end of the meeting, the ministers discussed preparations for the forthcoming EU-Africa Union summit on 17 February and 18 February 2022, together with the President of Senegal and the President of the African Union, Maki Salla, and the President of the African Union Commission, Musu Faki Mahmat.
The Gimnich meeting is organized every six months by the country holding the presidency of the EU Council. It is chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. At the meetings, the ministers discuss current issues, goals and challenges of the EU’s foreign and security policy.
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