Brussels, 27 October 2023 (MIA) - The European Union will continue to work closely with the Western Balkans, as well as with Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia and support their reform efforts on their European paths, read the conclusions adopted at the two-day European Council meeting that ended Friday afternoon in Brussels.

In regard to the region, the European Council is deeply concerned about the security situation in the north of Kosovo. It strongly condemns the violent attack against Kosovo Police on 24 September 2023.

“The European Union expects the perpetrators to be apprehended and swiftly brought to justice and Serbia to fully cooperate and take all the necessary steps in this regard. Kosovo and Serbia must pursue sustained de-escalation efforts, as well as ensure the holding of new elections in the north of Kosovo as soon as possible, with the active participation of Kosovo Serbs. Failure to de-escalate the tensions will have consequences,” read the conclusions.

According to the MIA’s Brussels correspondent, the European Council regrets the lack of implementation by both Parties of the Agreement on the path to normalisation and its Implementation Annex as well as other agreements reached in the EU facilitated dialogue, led by the High Representative and supported by the EU Special Representative. It calls on Kosovo and Serbia to implement them, without delay or preconditions. This includes the establishment of the Association/Community of Serb Majority Municipalities.

“Normalisation of relations is an essential condition on the European path of both Parties and both risk losing important opportunities in the absence of progress,” the document adds.

Regarding Ukraine, the European Council reiterates its resolute condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a manifest violation of the UN Charter, and reaffirms the European Union’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders and its inherent right of self-defence against the Russian aggression.

“The European Union will continue to provide strong financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes,” it reads.

The European Union and its Member States will continue their intensified diplomatic outreach efforts and cooperation with Ukraine and other countries to ensure the widest possible international support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.

“Russia and its leadership must be held fully accountable for waging a war of aggression against Ukraine and other most serious crimes under international law. The European Council calls for work to continue, including in the Core Group, on efforts to establish a tribunal for the prosecution of the crime of aggression against Ukraine that would enjoy the broadest cross-regional support and legitimacy, and towards the establishment of a future compensation mechanism. Moreover, the European Council expresses its support for the work of the International Criminal Court and condemns the Russian attempts to undermine its international mandate and functioning,” the document reads. 

The European Council condemns in the strongest terms Russia’s unlawful deportation and transfer to Russia and Belarus of Ukrainian children and other civilians, and urges Russia and Belarus to immediately ensure their safe return.

The European Council condemns the continued military support for Russia’s war of aggression provided by Iran and Belarus. It also urges all countries, notably the DPRK, not to provide material or other support for Russia’s war of aggression, it reads.

“The European Union will intensify its work with partners to counter false Russian narratives and disinformation about the war,” the conclusions read, adding that the European Union is deeply disappointed that the Russian parliament has passed a law to withdraw the Russian Federation’s ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and Russia’s unilateral decision to terminate the implementation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative and its deliberate attacks on Ukraine’s grain storage and export facilities, as well as its actions to hinder the freedom of navigation in the Black Sea, show that Russia continues to weaponise food and undermine global food security.
 
The European Council underlines its continued support for advancing a sustainable and lasting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan based on the principles of recognition of sovereignty, the inviolability of borders and territorial integrity. The European Council underlines the importance of ensuring the rights and security of the Karabakh Armenians including those who wish to return to their homes, the document reads.  

“The European Council invites the High Representative and the Commission to present options on how best to strengthen EU-Armenia relations in all their dimensions,” it reads.

In regard to the Middle East, the European Council reiterates its condemnation in the strongest possible terms of Hamas for its brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks across Israel. The use of civilians as human shields by Hamas is a particularly deplorable atrocity.

“The European Council strongly emphasises Israel’s right to defend itself in line with international law and international humanitarian law. It reiterates its call on Hamas to immediately release all hostages without any precondition,” the conclusions read. 

The European Council reiterates the importance of ensuring the protection of all civilians at all times in line with international humanitarian law. It deplores all loss of civilian life and expresses its gravest concern for the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and calls for continued, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access and aid to reach those in need through all necessary measures including humanitarian corridors and pauses for humanitarian needs.

“The European Council recalls the need to avoid regional escalation and to engage with partners in this respect including with the Palestinian Authority. The European Union is ready to contribute to reviving a political process on the basis of the two-state solution, including through the Peace Day Effort, and welcomes diplomatic peace and security initiatives and supports the holding of an international peace conference soon. The European Council stresses the need to fight dissemination of disinformation and illegal content, and highlights the legal responsibility of platforms in this context,” the document reads. 

The European Council strongly condemns the recent terrorist attacks in France and Belgium killing and injuring Swedish and French nationals. The European Union stands united and firm in the fight against terrorism, hatred and violent extremism of all kinds.

“The European Council calls on the institutions and Member States to engage in concerted efforts to mobilise all relevant policy areas at national and EU level to enhance internal security, including by strengthening law enforcement and judicial cooperation, information exchange through the full use of relevant databases, protection of the external borders, fight against smugglers and close cooperation with third countries,” the document reads.

In the face of increasingly complex challenges, including a changing demographic landscape and growing global competition, the European Union needs a strong economic base that ensures its long-term competitiveness and a level playing field both internally and globally, with a fully functioning Single Market and its four freedoms at its core.

“The European Union needs to strengthen its industrial and technological base and enhance its economic resilience, secure connectivity, global market access and productivity, to achieve strategic autonomy while preserving an open economy,” EU leaders assessed.