Turbulent times in particular remind us of how important our European partners and friends are. The EU offers more than just economic strength and political cohesion. It is our home, where we can live together freely and in security and which we can shape together. In view of the war in Ukraine, the reorientation of US foreign policy and the changing global balance of power, European cohesion is more important than ever.

The Common Foreign and Security Policy has achieved a great deal for Ukraine over the past three years. With the package put together by the European Commission, we are now strengthening Europe through greater investment in defence. Germany has a special responsibility here – both for the people of Ukraine and for a strong and united Europe.

Today, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock will meet her European counterparts in Luxembourg at the Foreign Affairs Council for the last time to discuss and prepare decisions for a strong EU in the world, which will assume greater responsibility for prosperity and security on our continent in the coming years.

Safeguarding support for Ukraine and strengthening sanctions against Russia

Three years after Russia launched its attack on Ukraine, it is clear that the EU must continue to stand united to provide Ukraine with all the support it needs and to keep up the pressure on Russia. Germany is particularly committed to intensifying EU sanctions against Russia and to implementing them effectively. At the beginning of the meeting, there will be a virtual exchange with Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha to discuss the way forward.

The first few weeks of April are devoted to security policy. The EU Defence Ministers met in Warsaw on 1 and 2 April, and the NATO Foreign Ministers convened in Brussels on 3 and 4 April. A recurring issue on the agenda was the question of how we can invest more in European defence and support Ukraine in the long term.

Germany supports the initiative of the European External Action Service to provide five billion euro for two million rounds of artillery ammunition. In March, the European Commission presented a White Paper with ideas for making Europe more secure by 2030. The ReArm initiative will enable us to invest more in armaments and defence in Europe. The EU member states must now swiftly reach a decision on the details and implementation.

Stabilisation in the Middle East

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic. In order to put an end to the people’s suffering, a ceasefire is needed in the very near future and the hostages held by the Hamas terrorists must be released. Israel must allow unrestricted access for humanitarian assistance. It is vital for the people of Gaza that we develop and coordinate plans for the future and for reconstruction together with our Arab partners. Following the EU Foreign Affairs Council, the EU Foreign Ministers and the EU will hold discussions with the Palestinian Authority.

The situation in Syria is also back on the agenda of the Foreign Affairs Council. The EU is continuing its efforts to support successful reconstruction and the transition process. Further easing of sanctions is also important in this regard. Foreign Minister Baerbock will present the results of her most recent trip to Syria to her counterparts. It is clear that Syria is facing major challenges and that the newly appointed government must be judged by its actions.

Prospects for accession in the Western Balkans

The security of the Western Balkans is essential for the security of the EU. It is clear that the EU stands by its promise of a structured accession process. The main priority at the present time is to protect the state integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Germany and Austria have imposed national travel bans on three key officials of the Republika Srpska who are undermining Bosnian statehood. Furthermore, we are not supporting any new projects that would benefit the Republika Srpska financially.

Yesterday, High Representative Kaja Kallas hosted a dinner with the Foreign Ministers of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.