The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Edmondo Cirielli, took part, on behalf of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Antonio Tajani, in the European Union’s Gymnich-format Foreign Affairs Council, convened in Warsaw by the Polish Presidency of the Council.
The agenda focused on the EU’s stance regarding key international crisis theatres, which was addressed across three scheduled working sessions. Discussions began with the potential areas of cooperation with the United Kingdom within the framework of the Common Security and Defence Policy, followed by the EU’s support for Ukraine and its relations with the United States.
With regard to Ukraine, it was reaffirmed that the country is, in every respect, part of the European family. Full support was expressed for the ongoing peace negotiations and, looking ahead, for Ukraine’s future accession to the European Union. Particular attention was paid to the American mediation efforts, in light of the pressing need to achieve a ceasefire and pave the way for peace talks as soon as possible.
“We must maintain an open and constructive dialogue with the United States: the transatlantic bond is indispensable for Europe’s security and prosperity, and for addressing crises such as those in Ukraine and Gaza. With regard to the latter, legitimate concerns about the tragic humanitarian situation must not overshadow the barbaric massacre of 7 October 2023 and the need to uphold Israel’s right to exist in security”, declared Deputy Minister Cirielli on the sidelines of the proceedings.
Other topics included preserving unity and consistency in the EU’s foreign policy amidst an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving international scenario, as well as strengthening the Union’s external projection – not limited to its Eastern Neighbourhood, but extending cooperation with partners in the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.
The meeting concluded with a working session attended by candidate and potential candidate countries for EU membership.
