Brussels, 14 April 2025 (MIA) – The EU’s relations with the Western Balkans, the latest developments concerning Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, including Syria and the EU cooperation with the African Union will be the main topics at the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) taking place in Luxembourg on Monday.

After the Council meeting, chaired by the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, the first High-Level Dialogue between the EU and the Palestinian Authority will be held, followed by the fourth EU-Albania intergovernmental accession conference, aimed at opening new chapters in Tirana’s EU membership negotiations.

Over a working lunch, the Council will exchange views on the EU relations with Western Balkan partners, focusing on how to further enhance security and defence cooperation in the face political challenges, and how to promote regional stability and security.

The High Representative will debrief ministers on her recent visit to Montenegro, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and on latest development in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue.

The ensuing discussion is expected to focus on various aspects of the relation, notably regional stability and security, developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia, and cooperation with key actors in the region.

The Foreign Affairs Council will begin Monday morning with a discussion between the European foreign ministers and their Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, focusing on the latest political developments and the situation on the ground related to Russia's aggression against Ukraine, as well as Kyiv's most urgent priorities.

Ministers will discuss the latest developments concerning the interim 30-day ceasefire and peace talks mediated by the United States, in light of increasing Russian attacks on civilian targets in Ukraine. They are also expected to discuss enhanced EU military support, including the High Representative’s initiative on ammunition, and EU security guarantees for Ukraine.

The Council will examine the state of play of sanctions against Russia including on further measures in response to Russia’s campaign of hybrid activities.

The Ministers are expected to reaffirm the position that there can be no negotiations on Ukraine without Ukraine, there can be no negotiations that affect European security without Europe’s involvement, Ukraine’s, Europe’s, transatlantic and global security are intertwined, any truce or ceasefire can only take place as part of the process leading to a comprehensive peace agreement, any such agreement needs to be accompanied by robust and credible security guarantees for Ukraine that contribute to deterring future Russian aggression and peace must respect Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Foreign Affairs Council will exchange views on the situation in the Middle East, including developments in Syria.

The High Representative will update ministers about her recent visit to the region, where she met with the President of Israel Herzog, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Sa'ar, and the Israeli opposition leader Lapid. She also met with the President of the Palestinian Authority Abbas, and the Palestinian Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Mustafa.

In the light of her recent meeting with the Arab Islamic Ministerial Committee on Palestine, to discuss the crisis in Gaza and other regional security challenges, High Representative Kallas is expected to revert to discussions on the Arab Recovery and Reconstruction Plan presented at the Cairo Summit on 4 March.

The ensuing discussion will likely restate the EU concerns about the situation in Gaza and the West Bank, and unwavering commitment to a Two-State solution.

As to Syria, the High Representative will touch on the Brussels ninth conference “Standing with Syria”, which took successfully place on 17 March. The Council will then take stock of developments since the formation of the new transitional government at the end of March.

Discussions are expected to touch on the possible gradual easing of restrictive measures, also in light of the annual review of the regime due by 1 June.

The Council is expected to reiterate the importance of a peaceful and inclusive transition in Syria, free from harmful foreign interference, and the protection of the rights of Syrians from all ethnic and religious backgrounds without discrimination. Syria’s Independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within secure borders should be fully respected, in accordance with international law. It welcomes the agreement reached on 10 March 2025 between the transitional authorities and the Syrian Democratic Forces.

The Foreign Affairs Council will discuss relations between the EU and the African Union (AU), whose partnership celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025. The discussion is taking place ahead of the 3rd EU-AU ministerial meeting scheduled for 21 May in Brussels, and will focus on immediate priorities and strategic outlook.

The High Representative and other ministers will inform the Council about their recent meetings with African partners, and then touch on topics of key importance in the relations with the AU, such as mutual cooperation, Global Gateway, security and defence.

The Council will hold a discussion on Sudan, which is facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis two years after the beginning of the war. Ministers may also raise other regional crises, such as the one in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Under current affairs, the High Representative will refer to Armenia/Azerbaijan, in light of recent developments, including the announcement on 13 March of a peace agreement.

Last night, Kaja Kallas hosted an informal dinner in Luxembourg for the foreign ministers of EU member states and Western Balkan countries. The discussions focused on security and defence, with North Macedonia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Timcho Mucunski, also in attendance.

Photo: MIA archive