On Monday 15 June, the European Foreign Ministers will hold a one-and-a-half hour meeting with the US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, to discuss cooperation with the United States regarding the international situation.
There are many areas of disagreement. These include the Middle East, Iran and, more recently, the World Health Organization or the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Ministers and Mr Pompeo are expected, notably, to discuss relations with China, including the situation in Hong Kong (see EUROPE 12496/2). The Covid-19 crisis has worsened relations between Washington and Beijing and the Europeans want to rebalance their relations, particularly trade relations, with China (see EUROPE 12502/14).
Another expected topic: the Middle East peace process. Europeans welcomed, with large reservations, the US plan presented at the end of January (see EUROPE 12414/12). And while the Israelis may soon annex part of the West Bank, the Europeans are expected to take advantage of the meeting with the American to recall the European position on settlements and on the two-state solution (see EUROPE 12488/12).
The ministers and the Secretary of State are also expected to discuss the EU's neighbourhood, including the situation in Ukraine and the Western Balkans. Thus, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, could recall the importance of cooperation between the EU and the United States in the reconciliation process between Serbia and Kosovo.
The situation in the eastern Mediterranean, marked by Turkish actions in the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus and in Greek airspace, will also be discussed with Mr Pompeo. Turkey is an important partner for both the EU and the US, a European source recalled. The Sahel or Libya could also be mentioned.
Finally, the Covid-19 pandemic, but also international health cooperation and disinformation, is also expected to be discussed. The Europeans may as well underline their opposition to Mr Trump's decision to authorise economic sanctions against ICC members who attack US military personnel (see EUROPE 12504/30).
Following their discussion with Mr Pompeo, the ministers will discuss among themselves the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean. The subject has been raised several times in recent video conferences and on 15 May the EU issued a declaration condemning Turkish actions (see EUROPE 12488/13). The Greek and Cypriot ministers could brief their counterparts on the latest developments.
Lastly, the High Representative and the ministers will address the forthcoming international Sudan Partnership Conference, co-organised by videoconference on Thursday 25 June by the EU, Germany, the United Nations and the Sudanese Government, to reaffirm the international community's support for the political transition in this country through pledges of donations (see EUROPE 12489A20). (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant with Aminata Niang)