7 marzo – Comunicato Stampa del MAE lettone sulla Gymnich
(versione originale)
‘EU Foreign Ministers in Riga demonstrate unequivocal unity’
On 6-7 March, Riga hosted the informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers with participation of Foreign Ministers from candidate countries and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini. The ministers discussed the developments in Libya and Ukraine and the EU’s relations with southern and eastern neighbours, relations with Russia, and preparations for the Eastern Partnership Summit in Riga.
Taking into account the terrorist attack in Bamako, the capital of Mali, that claimed the lives of five people, including EU nationals, one of whom was a Security Officer of the EU’s Delegation to Mali, the EU High Representative and EU Foreign Ministers conveyed condolences to the families and friends of the victims and condemned such actions. The Foreign Minister of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, emphasised that the EU should continue its efforts in support of stability in Mali..
The Ministers devoted special attention to the developments in Ukraine and the relations between the EU and Russia. As Foreign Minister of the country presiding over the Council of the EU, Edgars Rinkēvičs emphasised the importance of the European Union standing united on these matters today and in times ahead.
The Latvian Foreign Minister confirmed the necessity for immediate implementation of the Minsk Agreement and the understanding among EU member states that OSCE capacity must be strengthened in monitoring of the Minsk Agreement. At the same time, the EU was ready to tighten sanctions against Russia, should the situation in the east Ukraine deteriorate. The Minister and the EU High Representative acknowledged that the situation has considerably improved since 12 February – with the withdrawal of heavy weapons a decrease in the intensity of shelling; however, the EU is also aware that the ceasefire in Ukraine is still fragile.
The EU expressed preparedness to continue supporting Ukraine not only in financial terms but also with coordinated assistance in the implementation of reforms.
The meeting also addressed developments in Europe’s southern neighbourhood, especially in Libya. Minister Rinkēvičs pointed out that these are very important security questions that affect all EU member states. He also expressed satisfaction over a common understanding among the member states on further steps for support of political processes in Libya. The issue of the EU’s relations with its southern neighbours will be on the agenda of the EU’s meeting in Barcelona on 13 April.
The Latvian Foreign Minister also spoke of balanced support for southern and eastern neighbours. The EU supports an individualised and differentiated approach to cooperation with each of these countries.
Edgars Rinkēvičs added that this Gymnich meeting provided good ideas and impetus for the upcoming Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels. The informal Gymnich meeting is a traditional gathering of the foreign ministers of the European Union, organised by the Presidency. No binding decisions are adopted during Gymnich meetings. They provide an opportunity for ministers to air and discuss issues of current importance in an informal atmosphere.
Press and Information Division – Information and Public Relations Department
6 marzo – Ue, Gentiloni a Riga per il Gymnich – Al centro del Summit la situazione in Libia, Ucraina e i rapporti Ue-Russia
Missione a Riga per il ministro degli Esteri e della Cooperazione internazionale, Paolo Gentiloni. Il capo della diplomazia italiana oggi e domani nella capitale lettone per partecipare alla Gymnich, il tradizionale incontro informale dei ministri degli Esteri Ue, presieduto dall’Alto rappresentante per la politica estera e la sicurezza dell’Unione europea Federica Mogherini.
Libia e Ucraina tra i temi dell’incontro
Al centro del “conclave”, pur non essendoci per tradizione un ordine del giorno fissato, ci saranno l’attuale situazione in Libia e in Ucraina, le relazioni tra Ue e Russia, nonché il futuro del partenariato orientale. Sul versante Libia, a Riga il ministro Gentiloni ribadirà che La dimensione della sfida rappresentata dalla crisi, impone che l’azione della Comunità Internazionale sia convinta, coesa e sostanziale. In questo scenario, l’Italia è pronta a fare la sua parte a sostegno delle nuove istituzioni e della popolazione libica ed è disponibile a riattivare la cooperazione e l’assistenza in settori come la lotta al terrorismo e il contrasto all’estremismo, il capacity-building nel campo della sicurezza, il contrasto ai traffici illeciti e le tematiche migratorie, lo sviluppo della società civile. L’obiettivo è favorire la formazione al più presto di un Governo di unità nazionale in grado, di stabilizzare il Paese, far partire la ricostruzione e contrastare la crescente infiltrazione di gruppi terroristi affiliati al Daesh.
Strategic Review e European Neighborhood Policy (Enp)
Alla Gymnich, comunque, ci sarà spazio anche per riflettere sulla Strategic Review, che contribuirà alla formulazione di una nuova strategia di politica estera e sicurezza in Europa. Un’altra sessione della due giorni, infine, sarà dedicata alla European Neighborhood Policy (Enp). A questo proposito ci saranno incontri separati con i ministri degli Esteri dei paesi candidati a entrare nell’Ue, con cui si discuterà dei progressi raggiunti e di ciò che ancora deve essere fatto.