The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, is in Brussels today to attend the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC). The topics on the agenda are the following: Europe-US relations, the Middle East, hybrid threats, the Ukraine conflict and an update on Moldova and Georgia.
On the topic of US-EU relations, Minister Tajani will reaffirm the importance of operating with the utmost commitment to strengthen the transatlantic partnership with the United States. Minister Tajani thinks that the USA and Europe are two sides of the same coin, i.e. a solid and vital political and civilisation alliance.
On the possible increase in US tariffs, the Minister will stress the need to maintain EU unity and cohesion in a context of trade tensions between the USA and China.
Much time will be devoted to the situation in the Middle East in the light of the truce in the Gaza Strip and the recent developments in Syria. On the situation in Gaza, Ministers will discuss operational measures, starting with the decision for the fast redeployment of the EUBAM European Mission in Rafah. Recalling his recent missions to Syria and Israel and Palestine, Minister Tajani will call for greater EU attention to the Middle East and the Mediterranean in general, reiterating that Italy is ready to do its part, starting with the “Food for Gaza” initiative. In dealing with the new authorities in Syria, Ministers will reaffirm the importance of a political transition led by the principles of peace, inclusion, unity and territorial integrity. The discussion will also focus on reconstruction assistance and the suspension of sanctions to ensure the country’s economic recovery.
Ministers will also focus on the possible development of a specific European strategy on the topic of hybrid threats, in light of the recent leap forward in acts of sabotage against critical infrastructure.
The debate on the conflict in Ukraine, in which Foreign Minister Sybiha will also participate remotely, will delve into continuing political and military support for Ukraine, preparing the 16th sanctions package against Russia, and using frozen Russian assets.
Finally, Ministers will discuss the situation in Moldova, following the non-renewal of the energy agreement between Russia and Ukraine, and relations with Georgia, in the light of the violence against peaceful protesters in recent months, including the adoption of European response measures.
On the sidelines of the FAC, Minister Tajani will have a meeting with the Romanian Foreign Minister, Emil Hurezeanu, and the newly appointed Irish Foreign Minister, Simon Harris.
