The situation in Ukraine and European support for the country will be the focus of informal meetings of EU defence ministers and then foreign affairs ministers in Prague from 29 to 31 August.
“The meetings are under the sign of Russian aggression and its consequences, that is the common thread”, explained a European diplomat.
The defence ministers are expected to discuss, also with representatives of the United Nations, NATO and the European Parliament, the consequences of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine on global security and defence and how to deal with them. The discussion could also include the influence of Russian activities in Africa, with a focus on the EU’s commitments in the region.
At a working lunch with their Ukrainian counterpart, Oleksii Reznikov, the ministers will discuss the prospects for EU support to Ukraine in the field of security and defence. They could also look at the internal re-planning of Member States’ military equipment.
Discussion on a training mission for the Ukrainian armed forces
As announced by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, on Monday 22 August (see EUROPE 13004/1), ministers are expected to discuss the implementation of a European training mission for the Ukrainian army. “We know that the aggression is going to last and we have to accompany, both in terms of equipment and training (Ukraine, editor’s note)”, explained a European diplomat. The diplomat hoped that at the end of the meeting the needs of the country will be addressed. “There is a feeling in the EU that we need to consolidate assistance to Ukraine”, this source said, explaining that no decisions should be expected at the meeting, which is informal, but that guidance could be given. “I think that the Member States are in the logic of responding as quickly as possible to Ukrainian needs”, the diplomat added.
According to an EU source, the future of the ‘European Peace Facility’ is also expected to be discussed, while out of the €5.7 billion for 2021-2027, more than €2.5 billion has already been pledged to Ukraine. According to an EEAS document, financial allocations to Ukraine now represent 44% of the Facility’s financial ceiling over 7 years. “It will be quite a discussion”, the EU source predicted.
The defence ministers will also discuss the EU defence investment gap analysis based on the analysis presented by the Commission in May (see EUROPE 12955/1). “During the discussion, there will be long-term issues, but also a focus on support for Ukraine and the replenishment of European stocks, with an initial debate on the European Commission’s proposals presented at the beginning of July and on how to strengthen support for the European industry (see EUROPE 12996/5)”, said a European diplomat.
The foreign affairs ministers will also discuss the situation in Ukraine and, again, how to help the country. They are expected to discuss as well the suspension of visas for Russian citizens. Several countries have already restricted these visas, while the High Representative has spoken out against it (see EUROPE 13005/2). The heads of diplomacy will discuss this, according to one diplomat, but such a decision will be up to the interior ministers.
While the Czech Foreign Minister, Jan Lipavský, initially wanted to use the meeting to discuss relations with Russia (see EUROPE 12992/22), the subject could be put aside in favour of current affairs.
Relations with Africa
The ministers are also expected to discuss relations with Africa “where the EU is providing immediate and long-term assistance in response to Russian aggression”, the Czech Presidency of the EU Council announced. Discussions will focus on the future of the EU’s CSDP mission EUTM Mali and other EU commitments in the region, as well as issues related to countering Russian disinformation and strengthening contacts with African countries, a few months after the EU-African Union (AU) summit. Ministers could consider how to further implement the EU/AU agenda.
“In Africa, we are facing an increase in Russian discourse. The High Representative is making efforts and going to the region to explain the EU’s position, the situation and the grain agreement”, an EU source said, while one diplomat said Europeans need to see how to push back against anti-EU narratives in Africa. The Council of the EU adopted in July conclusions on foreign interference and information manipulation (see EUROPE 12996/4).
The Gymnich will be followed by a lunch with the foreign affairs ministers of Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova to review the situation with these three Eastern Partnership countries. The ministers will also discuss the European perspective of the three countries and the future of the Eastern Partnership.
In addition, the ministerial meetings will be followed by a conference on Ukraine from 31 August to 2 September. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)