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Foreign Affairs Council – 17 June 2019

The Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) will take place in Luxembourg on 17 June. It will be chaired by the High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HRVP), Federica Mogherini.

The FAC will discuss Current Affairs, the effectiveness of the EU Common Foreign and Security Partnership (CFSP) as well as the EU’s Global Strategy, Sudan, and over lunch with the Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, the Middle-East Peace Process.

Current Affairs

We expect HRVP Mogherini to debrief Ministers on her trip to the Horn of Africa and the developing political situation in the region. HRVP Mogherini will also provide an update on recent developments in Venezuela, including on the International Contact Group and Lima Group Ministerial meeting held in New York on 3 June. We expect Iran to be raised following Iran’s announcement to partially cease meeting commitments under the Iran nuclear deal and given the upcoming 60-day deadline. We expect HRVP Mogherini and Ministers to consider next steps as we seek to avoid further escalation.

CFSP effectiveness and the EU Global Strategy

Foreign Ministers will consider how the EU can improve its approach to foreign and security policy. Defense Ministers will join Foreign Ministers for a strategic debate on the EU’s Global Strategy and how it works internationally. They will consider the EU’s role on security, burden sharing and coherence among defense initiatives

Sudan

Following the UK’s request, Ministers will discuss the situation in Sudan, taking stock of recent political events, including the Sudanese security forces’ use of violence on civilians, and consider how the EU should respond to support the African Union in ensuring a transition to civilian rule.

Lunch on MEPP with the Jordanian Foreign Minister

The Jordanian Foreign Minister is expected to join EU Ministers to discuss the Middle East Peace Process, prior to the EU-Jordan Association Council. Ahead of the publication of the Kushner Plan, the UK will reiterate its support for a two state solution and encourage all parties to keep an open mind once the Plan is published. The UK will note the importance of HRH King Abdullah II’s role as custodian of the Christian and Muslim holy sites, and reiterate our long-standing position on Jerusalem.

Council Conclusions

The Council is expected to adopt conclusions on Effective Multilateralism; Security and Defence; Central Asia Strategy; the EU’s Engagement in the Black Sea Region; Strengthening the ban on anti-personnel mines; and Human Rights guidelines on safe drinking water and sanitation.

Rt Hon Sir Alan Duncan MP

Minister for Europe and the Americas