EU – Jean-Yves Le Drian to attend Foreign Affairs Council meeting (Brussels, 21 Feb. 2022)

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Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian will attend the February 21st meeting of EU foreign ministers.

The security of the EU’s eastern border region will be discussed in light of the current high tensions with Russia. The minister will reiterate our three guiding principles: a strong stand on the need to respect Ukraine’s unity and territorial integrity; close coordination with our partners on European security; and a serious, rigorous dialogue with Russia to help de-escalate the situation. The ministers will also speak with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and will reaffirm the EU’s full support for Ukraine, its independence and its territorial integrity.

The ministers will discuss the commitments taken by the EU on climate diplomacy and will adopt conclusions relating to that issue. They will also exchange views on the situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina, which is in the midst of an institutional and political crisis. Lastly, they will take part in the 26th session of the EU Council – Gulf Cooperation Council, which will address the issue of regional security.

In line with statements made by President Macron and our partners engaged in combating the terrorist threat in the Sahel and West Africa and promoting peace and security in the region, Mr. Le Drian and his colleagues will discuss developments relating to the restructuring of European and international forces there.

At the end of the meeting, a cyber exercise will be held for the first time at this level; its goal is to enhance mutual aid and solidarity among member states in the event of an attack of this kind.