European Union - Jean-Yves Le Drian’s participation in the Foreign Affairs Council (Brussels, 18 mars 2019)

After reaffirming the EU’s attachment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, five years after the illegal annexation by Russia of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, the ministers will discuss the following main points:

• Moldova: Following the parliamentary elections on February 24 which were marred by irregularities and in the context of the formation of a new government coalition, France will call for vigilance with regard to respect for the rule of law and for efforts to encourage the effective implementation of the reforms provided for by the association agreement.

• China: The ministers will discuss EU relations with China ahead of the European Council meeting on March 21 and the EU-China summit in Brussels on April 9.

France will underscore the need for the EU to maintain its unity vis-à-vis China and for greater reciprocity in EU-China relations, especially with respect to trade and the opening up of public procurement. It will reaffirm the importance of continuing our cooperation with respect to the implementation of the Paris climate accord. The discussions will be followed by a lunch attended by the ministers and Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi.

• Yemen: France will argue in favor of strengthening EU support for the Stockholm process and for the efforts of the UN special envoy in order to promote the resumption of discussions on a comprehensive political framework, the only way to find a lasting solution to the conflict.

The Foreign Affairs Council will adopt human rights guidelines on non-discrimination in the EU’s external action.