The EU foreign affairs ministers will meet on Saturday 3 February at the Palais d'Egmont in Brussels, for their informal meeting (Gymnich), which will focus on support for Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, Africa and Turkey.
Africa. The meeting will begin on Saturday morning with an exchange of views on relations between the EU and Africa in the face of growing geopolitical challenges.
The Belgian Presidency of the EU Council wants to emphasise the need for dialogue and cooperation in line with the Sixth European Union/African Union Summit of February 2022 (see EUROPE 12894/1) and to intensify cooperation with the African Union, regional organisations and individual countries on the basis of specific EU regional strategies, including those on the Great Lakes, the Horn of Africa and the EU strategy for the Sahel, which is currently being adapted to the new reality (see EUROPE 13321/2).
The day after the informal meeting of defence ministers (see EUROPE 13340/24), the ministers could, in turn, discuss the situation in the Sahel following the announcement by Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger of their intention to withdraw from ECOWAS - a withdrawal which the EU regrets (see other news).
According to the Belgian Presidency of the EU Council, the ministers could also be invited to reflect further on how to better understand Africa’s ambitions and vision, and on the measures to be taken by the EU to ensure better representation in multilateral forums.
Ukraine. The ministers are due to return once again to the situation in Ukraine and the assistance to be provided to Kyiv, including security commitments. On Thursday 1 February, European leaders agreed on a €50 billion facility for Ukraine and to continue their military support (see other news).
Middle East. After their leaders, the ministers are expected to discuss the situation in the Middle East. They could address the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the follow-up to the allegations of the involvement of UNRWA staff members in the attacks of 7 October 2023 (see other news). The security situation in the region, including the Red Sea, and the future EU operation could be discussed as well. The ministers could also discuss the High Representative’s plan to relaunch a process for a two-state solution.
Turkey. In the afternoon, the ministers will discuss EU-Turkey relations, following the communication from the European Commission and the High Representative published on 29 November calling for the development of a mutually beneficial partnership (see EUROPE 13303/18). The meeting will focus on the various regional developments and the extent to which cooperation is possible in the field of foreign and security policy. Particular attention will be paid to democratic reforms, stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus, according to the Belgian Presidency of the EU Council. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant and Aminata Niang)