The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, will be in Brussels today to participate in the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union.
The Ministers’ meeting will focus first of all on the situation in the Middle East, also in light of the latest developments on the ground. With regard to the conflict between Iran and Israel, after the extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council of 17 June, stock will be taken of last night’s US attack and diplomatic efforts to reach a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue. Minister Tajani will update on his contacts with colleagues from various countries in the region and on the assistance plans for compatriots. The Ministers will also address the crisis in Gaza and relations with Syria. Italy will reaffirm its commitment to alleviating the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and the need to support the ongoing initiatives to reach a ceasefire.
At Italy’s request, a segment dedicated to Libya is planned. Minister Tajani will ask his EU colleagues to pay attention to the situation in Libya and its repercussions also on migration, highlighting the priority of supporting the United Nations’ action and maintaining European funds for migration destined for the Southern Flank.
The agenda also includes Ukraine, with an exchange of views with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, on the eve of the NATO Summit (24-25 June) and the European Council (26 and 27 June). The EU Ministers will then discuss the evolution of the situation on the ground and the adoption of the 18th package of sanctions. Minister Tajani will reaffirm the Italian government’s firm condemnation of the Russian attacks against the Ukrainian population and cities and the continued support for Ukraine to achieve a just and lasting peace, as also expressed at the Weimar Plus Ministerial Meeting in Rome. The Minister of Foreign Affairs will then recall the next Ukraine Recovery Conference on 10 and 11 July to discuss how to rebuild the country, in line with the reform priorities and with Ukraine’s European path.
The Ministers will finally discuss EU-China relations in view of the next Strategic Dialogue and the 25th bilateral Summit, paying particular attention to the ways to promote a rebalancing of economic relations and reduce trade tensions, as well as to security issues.