Latest stories - External relations and foreign affairs

International donor conference: €3.25 billion mobilised by international community to rebuild Mali

15/05/2013  -  External relations and foreign affairs

Represented at the highest levels, the international community has mobilised decisively in support of Mali's development priorities. Donors have made public financial commitments on the basis of the Plan for the Sustainable Recovery of Mali 2013-2014 (PRED) presented by the Malian government.  |PHOTOS 1|2|3|VIDEO 1|2|3|

• Statement by President Barroso
• Statement by President Van Rompuy
• Speech by Commissioner Kristalina Georgieva
• Statement by Commissoner Piebalgs
• More information on the donor conference for development in Mali

European Neighbourhood Policy in 2012: Continuing engagement for a stronger cooperation with neighbours despite turbulent political and economic conditions

20/03/2013  -  External relations and foreign affairs

The "ENP annual package" shows that many partners remain committed to strengthening relations with the EU and that the EU has deepened its support to those partners embarking on important reform agendas.  |PHOTOS|VIDEO|

• EU cooperation positively perceived by its neighbours
• European Neighbourhood Policy - Reference documents
• Statement by Commissoner Štefan Füle
• More information on the European Neighbourhood Policy

EU and Ukraine: towards closer relations

25/02/2013  -  Institutional affairs / External relations and foreign affairs

The 16th EU-Ukraine summit took place in Brussels. The objective of the meeting was to discuss the conditions for the signature of the Association Agreement and a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area at the Eastern Partnership summit in Vilnius in November.  |PHOTOS 1|2|VIDEO 1|2|3|4|

• 16th EU-Ukraine Summit: Joint Statement
• Remarks by President Van Rompuy following the 16th EU-Ukraine Summit
• Statement by President Barroso following the 16th EU-Ukraine Summit
• Factsheet. EU-Ukraine Summit
• EU - Ukraine Summit EU27: surplus of 9 bn euro in trade in goods with Ukraine in 2012
• More information on the EU-Ukraine Summit

Foreign Affairs Council: EU Training Mission in Mali launched

18/02/2013  -  Institutional affairs / External relations and foreign affairs

The EU's training mission in Mali (EUTM Mali) was launched by the Foreign Affairs Council. The objective of the mission is to support the training and reorganisation of the Malian Armed Forces.  |PHOTOS 1|2|VIDEO 1|2|

• Main results of the Foreign Affairs Council
• Council Conclusions on Mali
• Council conclusions on Syria
• Council reinforces EU sanctions against North Korea
• More press releases from the Foreign Affairs Council

European Union and United States to launch negotiations for a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership

13/02/2013  -  External relations and foreign affairs

When negotiations are completed, this EU-US agreement would be the biggest bilateral trade deal ever negotiated – and it could add 0.5% to the EU's annual economic output.  |PHOTOS|VIDEO|

• DOCUMENT. Final report of the US-EU High Level Working Group on Jobs and Growth
• Statement from United States President Barack Obama, European Council President Herman Van Rompuy and European Commission President José Manuel Barroso
• Statement by President Barroso
• Remarks by EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht
• More information on EU-US trade relations

Foreign Affairs Council meets in Brussels

01/02/2013  -  External relations and foreign affairs

At the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council the focus was on the EU's southern neighbourhood. Other topics included the foreign policy priorities during president Obama's second term in office, the situation in Mali and Somalia as well proposed steps towards an EU policy in the Arctic.  |PHOTOS 1|2|3|VIDEO 1|2|

• Main results of the Foreign Affairs Council
• Council conclusions on Mali
• Council conclusions on Somalia
• Council conclusions on EU Support for Sustainable Change in Transition Societies
• EU prepares support to border management in Libya
• More press releases from the Foreign Affairs Council

Donor Conference on Mali: EU pledges € 50 million to support an African-based peace operation (AFISMA)

29/01/2013  -  External relations and foreign affairs

At a donor conference on Mali hosted by the African Union in Addis Ababa, Commissioner for development, Andris Piebalgs, representing the European Union, confirmed the contribution of €50 million from the European Union to support the African-led International Support Mission to Mali (AFISMA).  |PHOTOS|VIDEO|

• Statement by Commissioner Piebalgs
• Website of EuropeAid Development and Cooperation DG
• EU relations with Mali

EU-CELAC Summit: Santiago Declaration

28/01/2013  -  Institutional affairs / External relations and foreign affairs

Heads of State and Government of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the European Union (EU), and the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission, convened in Santiago, Chile, to renew and deepen their Strategic Partnership.  |PHOTOS 1|2|3|4|5|VIDEO 1|2|

• Santiago de Chile Summit 2013 – General information
• Remarks by Herman Van Rompuy at the closing ceremony of the EU-CELAC Summit
• Speech by Commissioner Karel De Gucht: Trade, Investment and Sustainable Prosperity
• EU-CELAC Action Plan 2013-2015
• Factsheet: EU relations with Latin America and the Caribbean
• More information on the EU-CELAC Summit

The EU brings forward the deployment of its training mission in Mali

17/01/2013  -  External relations and foreign affairs

In the light of the recent developments in Mali, the EU's Foreign Affairs Ministers decided to speed up the deployment of the military training mission in Mali (EUTM Mali).  |VIDEO 1|2|PHOTOS 1|2|

• Main results of the Foreign Affairs Council
• Council conclusions on Mali
• EU training mission in Mali established
• FACTSHEET. EU Training Mission in Mali (EUTM Mali)
• FACTSHEET. The European Union and the Sahel
• Mali: France must get European backing, says Parliament (16 January 2013)
• EU relations with Mali

Where the European Commission's humanitarian aid will go in 2013

10/01/2013  -  External relations and foreign affairs

The European Commission has adopted its plan for the allocation of over €661 million in humanitarian aid funding for 2013.

• DOCUMENT. Decision on the financing of humanitarian aid operational priorities from the 2013 general budget of the European Union
• DOCUMENT. Commission's humanitarian aid operational strategy for 2013
• More information on humanitarian aid and civil protection

New EU initiative to combat piracy in the Gulf of Guinea

10/01/2013  -  External relations and foreign affairs

The Critical Maritime Routes in the Gulf of Guinea Programme (CRIMGO) will help governments across West and Central Africa to improve safety of the main shipping routes by providing training for coastguards and establishing a network to share information between countries and agencies across the region.

• More information on EU fight against piracy
• More information on the Instrument for Stability (IfS)

30th EU-Russia summit: a way forward

21/12/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy hosted the 30th EU and Russia bilateral summit. The agenda addressed a wide range of bilateral issues, covering political and economic matters and strategic perspectives for the EU-Russia relationship.

• Statement by President Van Rompuy following the 30th EU-Russia Summit
• Joint statement on the Middle East Peace Process
• More information on the EU-Russia Summit

Commission proposes improved rules to enforce EU rights under international trade agreements

18/12/2012  -  Business / External relations and foreign affairs

The proposal covers the EU's trade responses in cases of illegal trade measures in other countries, and it will allow effective action to safeguard the interests of EU companies and workers.

• Proposal for new enforcement framework for international trade rules
• More information on dispute settlements

Main results of the Foreign Affairs Council

10/12/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

Ministers debated recent developments in the Middle East. The Council stressed that now is the time to take bold steps towards peace and underlined the urgency of renewed, structured and substantial peace efforts in 2013.  |PHOTOS 1|2|VIDEO|

• Council conclusions on the Middle East Peace Process
• Council Conclusions on Syria
• Council conclusions on the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
• Council conclusions on Mali
• EU to launch military training mission in Mali
• More press releases from the Foreign Affairs Council

Towards a free trade agreement with Japan

29/11/2012  -  Business / Institutional affairs / External relations and foreign affairs

The EU Foreign Affairs (Trade) Council approved a mandate for the negotiation of a free trade agreement (FTA) with Japan and authorised the opening of negotiations with Japan on a framework agreement.  |PHOTOS|VIDEO|

• Main results of the Foreign Affairs and Trade Council
• Council agrees to launch free trade negotiations with Japan
• Statement by Commissioner De Gucht
• More press releases from the Foreign Affairs Council

Syria: EU welcomes opposition agreement

19/11/2012  -  Institutional affairs / External relations and foreign affairs

At the meeting of the EU's Foreign Affairs Council, ministers highlighted the EU's support for the efforts of Joint Special Representative Lakhdar Brahimi in finding a political solution and welcomed the agreement reached by the Syrian opposition forces, whom the EU considers "legitimate representatives of the aspirations of the Syrian people".  |VIDEO|PHOTOS 1|2|

• Main results of the Foreign Affairs Council
• Council conclusions on Syria
• Council conclusions on the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
• Council conclusions on Gaza
• Council conclusions on Mali
• More press releases from the Foreign Affairs Council

A visa policy to spur economic growth in the EU    

07/11/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs / Justice and citizens rights / Transport and travel

If fully exploited, the current visa rules could ensure that the EU remains an attractive destination for more tourists/third country nationals, while at the same time boosting EU's economic activity and job creation.  |PHOTOS|VIDEO 1|2|

• Frequently asked questions
• DOCUMENT. Communication - Implementation and development of the common visa policy to spur growth in the EU
• DOCUMENT. Proposal for a Regulation on visa requirements for third country nationals
• Speech by Commissioner Malmström
• Commission proposes visa-free travel to citizens of 16 Island Nations
• More information on visa policy
• More information on tourism

ASEM: a strong partnership for peace and prosperity

06/11/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

The overarching theme of the meeting was "Friends for Peace, Partners for Prosperity". The main topics were economic and financial matters, global, regional and socio-cultural issues and the future development of the ASEM.  |PHOTOS 1|2|VIDEO 1|2|3|4|4|

• Closing remarks by President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy
• Statement by President Van Rompuy at the press conference following the closing ceremony
• Statement by President Barroso at the press conference following the ASEM Summit
• FACTSHEET. ASEM 9 Summit
• FACTSHEET. EU - Asia
• More on the EU involvement in ASEM

The EU publishes revised preferential import scheme for developing countries

31/10/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

The new scheme will be focused on fewer beneficiaries (89 countries) to ensure more impact on countries most in need.

• Frequently asked questions
• DOCUMENT. Regulation applying a scheme of generalised tariff preferences
• FACTSHEET. Highlights of the new Generalised Scheme of Preferences
• More information on the generalised scheme of prefences (GSP)

Improving standards for the reception of asylum seekers

25/10/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs / Justice and citizens rights

Ministers reached agreement on a directive laying down standards for the reception of asylum seekers. This directive is one of five legislative instruments making up the Common European Asylum System (CEAS) package.  |VIDEO|

• Better and more harmonised living standards and more effective rules for fighting abuse
• More information on Asylum
• Main results of the Justice and Home Affairs Council (provisional version)

European Council in Brussels on 18 and 19 October

19/10/2012  -  Economy, finance, tax and competition / Institutional affairs / External relations and foreign affairs

The European Council reiterated its firm commitment to take resolute action to address financial market tensions, restore confidence and stimulate growth and jobs.  |PHOTOS 1|2|3|VIDEO 1|2|

• European Council conclusions
• European Council website
• Statement by the Euro area Heads of State or Government on Greece

Main results of the Foreign Affairs Council

15/10/2012  -  Institutional affairs / External relations and foreign affairs

The Council, reiterating that the EU stands by the Syrian people in its courageous struggle for freedom, dignity and democracy, underlined its deep concern at the spill-over effects of the Syrian crisis in neighbouring countries in terms of security and stability.  |VIDEO|PHOTOS 1|2|

• EU sanctions against the Syrian regime once more strengthened
• Iran: EU strengthens sanctions over lack of progress in nuclear talks
• Statement by High Representative Catherine Ashton
• EU support for Mali
• More press releases

Nobel Peace Prize 2012 awarded to the European Union    

12/10/2012  -  Institutional affairs / External relations and foreign affairs

“This Prize is the strongest possible recognition of the deep political motives behind our Union: the unique effort by ever more European states to overcome war and divisions and to jointly shape a continent of peace and prosperity”.  |PHOTOS|VIDEO 1|2|3|4|

• Statement by the Presidents of the European Council and of the Commission
• Comments by President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy
• Statement by President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso
• Council declaration on the award of the Nobel Peace Prize to the EU
• Schulz on Nobel Peace Prize: This prize is for all EU citizens
• Statement by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton
• Nobel Peace prize 2012 webpage

Commission outlines next steps for EU enlargement    

10/10/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

In a set of annual reports, the Commission also assesses the progress towards EU accession made elsewhere in the Western Balkans, Turkey, and Iceland over the past year.  |PHOTOS|VIDEO 1|2|

• Statement by Commissioner Štefan Füle
• DOCUMENT. 2012 Enlargement Strategy Paper
• More information on 2012 Strategy and Progress reports, including progress reports for each country

EU puts resilience at the heart of its work on fighting hunger and poverty

03/10/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

A new communication from the European Commission outlines a wide range of activities for building resilience, from improving access to food through supporting partner countries to ensuring that governments are alerted quickly at the outbreak of crises.  |VIDEO|

• Factsheet
• DOCUMENT. The EU approach to resilience: learning from food security crises
• More information on fighting hunger

Herman Van Rompuy at UN General Assembly

27/09/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, addressed the United Nations General Assembly on behalf of the European Union in New York on 26 September 2012.  |VIDEO 1|2|PHOTOS|

• Full text of declaration
• The European Council at the UN
• More about the EU at the UN

New EU funding to improve border management and regional cooperation in the Eastern Partnership

25/09/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

The European Commission has approved a new support package for the EU's Eastern Neighbourhood of just over €23 million that will help to improve security, boost trade and increase mobility for people living in the region.

• EU cooperation with eastern neighbours in the framework of the Eastern Partnership
• 2012 Annual Action Programmes
• More information on the Eastern Partnership

EU-China summit: committed to further cooperation

21/09/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

The 15th summit with China, held on 20 September 2012 in Brussels, provided strategic guidance to the increasingly rich cooperation between the two sides.  |PHOTOS 1|2|VIDEO 1|2|3|4|

• FACTSHEET. EU relations with China
• Joint Press Communiqué: 15th EU-China Summit
• Competition: Commission signs EU cooperation agreement with China
• The European Union and China join forces to address environment, urbanisation and climate change challenges

EU Aid Volunteers: Commission proposes new global humanitarian initiative

19/09/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

The European Commission set out its plans to develop a global initiative that will create opportunities for some 10,000 people from 2014-2020 to volunteer worldwide in humanitarian operations.  |VIDEO|PHOTOS|

• European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps website
• Eurobarometer: "Record number of Europeans support EU humanitarian aid in spite of hardship at home"
• More information on the European Voluntary Humanitarian AID Cops

EU welcomes Russia's WTO accession after 18 years of negotiations    

22/08/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

After 18 years of negotiations, Russia joins the World Trade Organisation (WTO) as its 156th member today. This accession is particularly important for the EU, as the EU is Russia's first trading partner and Russia is the EU's third trading partner.  |VIDEO|

• Russia – Trade statistics
• More information on EU-Russia trade relations

EU customs detain over 100 million fake goods at EU borders    

24/07/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs / Justice and citizens rights

In 2011, EU Customs detained almost 115 million products suspected of violating intellectual property rights (IPR) compared to 103 million in 2010. The number of intercepted cases increased by 15% compared to 2010.

• Frequently Asked Questions
• DOCUMENT. Report on EU customs enforcement of intellectual property rights
• More on customs detentions at the external borders of the EU

Main results of the Foreign Affairs Council

23/07/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

The Council discussed developments in the EU's Southern neighbourhood, focusing on Syria and Libya. It strongly condemned the ever increasing use of force by the Syrian regime.  |VIDEO|PHOTOS|

• Council takes steps to limit arms deliveries to Syria
• Council conclusions on Syria
• Council conclusions on Libya
• More press releases from the Foreign Affairs Council

The European Asylum Support Office publishes its first Country of Origin Information (COI) report on Afghanistan

10/07/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

The European Asylum Support Office has published its first country of origin information report. The report focuses on Taliban recruitment strategies in Afghanistan. It has also published a methodology guideline for future similar reports. Country of origin reports represent a crucial tool for the decision-making on asylum applications and their availability enhances  harmonisation of asylum procedures in the EU.  |VIDEO|

• DOCUMENT. EASO – Country of Origin Information report – Afghanistan
• DOCUMENT. EASO – Country of origin Information report methodology
• Press release
• More information on EASO

Main results of the Foreign Affairs Council

25/06/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

The Council discussed developments in the EU's southern neighbourhood, focusing on Syria and Egypt. It strongly condemned the brutal violence and massacres of civilians in Syria and urged the Syrian regime once more to immediately end the killing of civilians and to allow for a peaceful transition for the sake of the country.
 |VIDEO|

• EU adopts Strategic Framework on Human Rights and Democracy
• Sixteenth round of EU sanctions against the Syrian regime
• EU sanctions against Iran: exemptions to end on 1 July
• More press releases from the Foreign Affairs Council

The European Commission boosts its humanitarian aid for Syria as Commissioner Georgieva visits Syrian refugees

20/06/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

The European Commission is increasing its humanitarian aid by EUR 10 million for those affected by the escalating violence in Syria, Commissioner Kristalina Georgieva announced today during a visit to a refugee camp in Turkey.  |PHOTOS|

• Questions and answers: the European Commission's work to help refugees
• 20 June – World Refugee Day: Joint Statement by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton and EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Cecilia Malmström
• Infograph: World Refugee Day – what would you do?

G20 Leaders Declaration

20/06/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

G20 leaders showed strong resolve to promote growth and jobs and the EU made an important contribution, setting out its sustained, crisis comprehensive response and policy action.  |PHOTOS|VIDEO 1|2|

• Statement by President Barroso and President Van Rompuy on the results of the G20 summit in Los Cabos
• The European Union at the G20 in Los Cabos, Mexico: Questions and Answers
• President Van Rompuy's G20 website
• President Barroso's G20 website
• The G20 website

Joint EU-Mexico statement following the EU-Mexico Summit in Los Cabos

17/06/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

The Leaders highlighted the maturity of their relation in the framework of their Strategic Partnership. Likewise, the Leaders stressed the reliability and the depth of the aforementioned relation as well as the convergence in values and positions in multiple issues of the international agenda.  |PHOTOS 1|2|VIDEO|

• Joint press statement by Presidents Barroso and Van Rompuy following the VI Mexico-EU Summit in Los Cabos

EU-Russia: joint commitment to develop strategic partnership further

04/06/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

During a two-day summit on 3 and 4 June in St Petersburg, the EU and Russia discussed perspectives for their relationship, economic and financial issues, and international developments.  |PHOTOS|VIDEO 1|2|3|4|

• Statement by President Barroso following the EU-Russia Summit
• Remarks by President Herman Van Rompuy following the EU-Russia Summit
• Background EU-Russia Summit
• DOCUMENT. The draft regulation

Joint Statement by European Commission President Barroso and European Council President Van Rompuy on the election of Tomislav Nikolić as President of the Republic of Serbia

21/05/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

"Serbia's European perspective is very concrete and we therefore hope to be able to rely on President Nikolić's personal dedication to achieve this aim."

• Serbia – Country profile
• Opinion on Serbia's application for membership of the EU

Joint statement by President Barroso and President Van Rompuy after the G8 working session on the global economy

19/05/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

“We had an important debate with the other G8 leaders on the global economy in Camp David this morning. We were comforted to hear that all leaders agree on the need to take action to boost confidence and nurture recovery in response to the current economic challenges we face.”  |PHOTOS|VIDEO|

• The European Union at the G8 summit in Camp David (U.S.) on 18-19 May 2012: "Acting together"
• The European Union at the G8 summit in Camp David (U.S.): Questions and Answers
• President Barroso's G8 website
• President Van Rompuy's G8 website

EU bolsters its support to reformers in its Southern and Eastern neighbourhoods

15/05/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

Over the last twelve months, the EU has responded with determination to a fast - changing situation in its neighbourhood. The joint Communication assesses the results of the new policy.  |PHOTOS|VIDEO|

• DOCUMENT. Communication on delivering on a new European Neighbourhood Policy
• Progress reports on implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy
• Remarks by Commissioner Štefan Füle
• Remarks by HRVP Catherine Ashton
• More information on the European Neighbourhood Policy

Syria: Council strengthens EU sanctions once more

14/05/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

In view of the gravity of the situation in Syria, the Council today reinforced once more EU restrictive measures against the Syrian regime. It froze the assets of two entities financially supporting the regime and targeted three additional persons with a travel ban and an asset freeze.

• Council conclusions on Syria
• FACTSHEET. The European Union and Syria
• The Foreign Affairs Council also adopted conclusions on Afghanistan to serve as guidelines for upcoming international meetings
• Main results of the Foreign Affairs Council

Customs: EU and USA agree to recognise each other's "trusted traders"

04/05/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

EU and U.S. certified trusted traders will enjoy lower costs, simplified procedures and greater predictability in their transatlantic activities, as a result of a mutual recognition decision signed today.  |VIDEO|

• Commissioner Šemeta's statement
• More information on customs and security

Council strengthens EU sanctions against Syrian regime

23/04/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

The Council decided to adopt restrictive measures on the export to Syria of additional equipment, goods and technology that can be used for internal repression or for making and maintaining such products. It also agreed to ban the sales of luxury goods from the EU to Syria.

• Council conclusions on Syria
• FACTSHEET. The European Union and Syria

Parliament deplores Argentina's decision to expropriate YPF

20/04/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

The European Commission should use all appropriate dispute settlement tools available at the WTO and G20 to respond to Argentina's "unilateral and arbitrary" decision to expropriate the YPF energy company, says a resolution adopted by Parliament.

• Statement by Catherine Ashton
• VIDEO. President Barroso’s press statement

Syria: Stepping up the pressure

27/02/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

Against the backdrop of the Syrian regime's continued use of violence against civilians, Foreign Affairs ministers decided to ratchet up the pressure on the Syrian regime by reinforcing the restrictive measures already in place.

Dismantling trade barriers – work still to be done says report

27/02/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

The report updates progress in negotiating the removal of protectionist measures by six partners: China, India, Japan, Mercosur, Russia and the US. It identifies 6 new priorities for EU negotiators.

Funds have helped Croatia prepare for joining EU says auditor

01/02/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

The Court of Auditors finds that pre-accession funding has helped the country prepare for managing future EU funds. Its recommendations include stronger anti-corruption measures.  |PHOTOS 1|

Proposals to boost trade-led growth in developing countries

27/01/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

The measures would help developing countries increase international trade and would focus more on the poorest countries. They include stepped up negotiations on free trade agreements.  |2|

EU reinstates trade preferences for the Western Balkans

03/01/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

Current duty free access to the EU market has been extended to 31 December 2015. The original agreement ended on 31 December 2010. Exporters will be able to claim compensation for duties paid in 2011.