EU Council

Three years since the outbreak of war in Sudan, the EU reiterates its commitment to supporting: ➡️ Sudan’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity ➡️ the humanitarian response ➡️ the Sudanese people’s aspirations for democratic governance More: link.europa.eu/WVKx8b

Today, the EU has agreed to establish a new civilian mission in Armenia. The mission will contribute to strengthening Armenia’s resilience and crisis response capacity. More information ➡️ link.europa.eu/XmV6NC

EU energy & climate diplomacy @EUCouncil conclusions stress the EU’s commitment to use foreign policy tools to lead on climate action and the clean transition to strengthen 🇪🇺 sovereignty, economic security & global resilience 👇 link.europa.eu/XhBgkD

Today transport ministers from the 27 EU member states discussed the impact of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East on the transport sector, and in particular: ➡️ approaches for EU coordination ➡️ priority measures Read the main results here: link.europa.eu/wrkGhN

The EU has adopted additional sanctions targeting two entities responsible for Russia’s continued hybrid activities, particularly propaganda and disinformation. Find out more on EU sanctions addressing Russia’s hybrid activities ➡️ link.europa.eu/NvyfWP

The Council gives the final green light to new EU rules to fight corruption, with: •harmonised offences across the EU •tougher penalties for individuals & companies •better prevention, investigation & prosecution More info➡️ link.europa.eu/tF6tCn

Today EU transport ministers are discussing the impact of the crisis in the Middle East on 🚗 transport fuels in the EU. Want to find out where the EU's 🛢️crude oil for gasoline and diesel comes from? Read our infographic: link.europa.eu/3Kk4ct

The EU has renewed sanctions against those responsible for destabilising, undermining or threatening activities in #Moldova and its democratic institutions. 🇪🇺🇲🇩 The EU remains unwavering in its support for Moldova, including its resilience. More info ➡️ link.europa.eu/jGB74P

It was a pleasure to speak with the Prime Minister of Pakistan, @CMShehbaz . I expressed my sincere gratitude to Pakistan for its tireless efforts and extended my best wishes for the upcoming crucial period. The world is watching with great expectation the next meeting between the United States and Iran, which should take place in Islamabad as soon as possible. We hope that an agreement will be reached to bring an end to the conflict and lead to the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The European Union supports all ongoing efforts towards peace in the Middle East.

Peace and stability in the Middle East are a priority for the EU, working closely with our key partners in the region such as Jordan. In that spirit, it is always a pleasure to count on the wisdom of the @KingAbdullahII . In our call today, I reiterated that the EU stands by its partners in these challenging times and supports all ongoing diplomatic efforts. The full and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz remains a priority. We remain gravely concerned by the situation in Lebanon. The EU will continue to support the authorities to disarm Hezbollah, as the only way to restore Lebanon’s stability. We stand ready to support the country with humanitarian aid and reconstruction. The situation in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, remains high on our mind too. EU leaders will be exchanging with partners on the situation in the Middle East at the informal meeting in Cyprus later this week.

75 years ago today, 🇧🇪 🇫🇷 🇮🇹 🇩🇪 🇳🇱 🇱🇺 signed the Paris Treaty, with the aim of pooling their coal and steel production. It was the first step towards lasting peace and economic cooperation in post-war Europe, and a key milestone in #EUhistory. More info➡️link.europa.eu/Dwrfq6

The EU and its 27 member states together are the leading donor of humanitarian aid to populations affected by disasters around the globe. Our assistance saves lives, prevents and alleviates human suffering and maintains human dignity. More info ➡️ link.europa.eu/B9PKR4

The 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon is excellent news. It must now be implemented and verified on the ground. It is essential that Israel and Lebanon engage in meaningful negotiations that deliver concrete results - for the sake of their peoples and the prospect of a sustainable peace. The EU will continue to support Lebanon. Empowering the authorities to disarm Hezbollah is the only sustainable solution for restoring Lebanon’s stability.

Last night, Russia launched yet another horrendous attack against civilian targets in Ukraine. As people slept in their homes, the cities of Kyiv, Dnipro, Odesa, and Kharkiv were struck by dozens of ballistic missiles and hundreds of drones. Russian armed forces deliberately carried out follow-up strikes on Ukrainian emergency services as first responders arrived to save lives. Our thoughts are with those wounded and the families of the victims of these outrageous attacks. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has failed, and so it chooses to deliberately terrorize civilians. Russia must stop this war of terror. A comprehensive, just, and lasting peace for Ukraine based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law must be achieved. To that end, the EU will continue to increase the pressure on Russia. And we will uphold our steadfast support for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russian aggression.

The EU is committed to securing sustainable peace in the Middle East and free passage in the Strait of Hormuz.

Pleased to meet the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani @TamimBinHamad in Doha. We discussed efforts to de-escalate the situation in the region with two priorities in mind: Working towards a more stable and lasting ceasefire that could pave the way to sustainable peace in the region.    Restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The EU is committed to strengthening its strategic ties with Qatar and the Gulf partners, particularly on energy security, trade and investments and humanitarian cooperation.

Pleased to make my first visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in the shadow of the unjustifiable attacks the country recently suffered. I conveyed the EU’s full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its people. We greatly value Saudi Arabia’s stabilising role and efforts to promote dialogue and diplomacy. It is crucial that the momentum of the US-Iran ceasefire agreement is maintained and that all parties engage in good faith to achieve a sustainable, comprehensive agreement. Iran’s leadership should seize this opportunity to address the concerns of the international community - on nuclear, on ballistic missiles, on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and on its support to proxies in particular Hezbollah. Diplomacy is the only path towards lasting peace.

My invite to EU Leaders for an informal EUCO hosted by President @Christodulides in Cyprus on 23-24 April. Our focus: ▫️Europe’s response to a challenging geopolitical environment ▫️Preparing the ground for an agreement by the end of the year on the EU’s next long-term budget

In my meeting with President of the UAE, Sheikh @MohamedBinZayed, I expressed my gratitude for the assistance and attention given to the safety of the 200 000 EU citizens living in the UAE. We discussed how the EU and the UAE can cooperate more closely to bring stability back to the region and protect our shared interests. The EU is committed to working with partners in the region to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, guarantee the safe passage of ships around the Arabian Peninsula, and to support all diplomatic efforts for lasting peace in the Middle East.

The euro is one of the key symbols of European integration. It brings real benefits for individuals , businesses and the economy . Find out what the euro does for you ➡️ link.europa.eu/C4FFgk