FM Pejčinović Burić attends informal meeting of EU foreign ministers (“Gymnich”)

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Marija Pejčinović Burić attended an informal meeting of the EU foreign ministers (“Gymnich”), held 30-31 August 2018 in Vienna as part of Austria’s presidency of the Council of the EU.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Marija Pejčinović Burić attended an informal meeting of the EU foreign ministers (“Gymnich”), held 30-31 August 2018 in Vienna as part of Austria’s presidency of the Council of the EU.

Topics on the agenda included recent developments in the Middle East, transatlantic relations, the Western Balkans and effective multilateralism. The ministers also briefly discussed migrations and Venezuela.

The discussion on the Middle East focused on the Peace Process, notably the modalities of the EU’s engagement with Israel and Palestine, the situation in Gaza and financing of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). The ministers also discussed Syria and the efforts to preserve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

The first day of the meeting confirmed the importance of transatlantic relations and cooperation, especially in regards to responding to global challenges. For Croatia, crucial are the EU and US efforts in stabilizing Southeast Europe and its Euro-Atlantic integration.

On the second day, the ministers discussed Southeast Europe. They underlined the importance of continued dedication to the European perspective, based on individual achievements and measurable progress, as well as on the implementation of reforms and respect for values as a precondition of further progress on their EU journey. Pejčinović Burić welcomed the EU’s stronger focus on the enlargement policy and confirmation of membership prospects for all six countries. “Southeast European countries must demonstrate the political will and clear commitment to reforms and fulfilment of EU membership criteria, which primarily concerns war heritage, reconciliation and outstanding bilateral issues. The enlargement policy must continue to be based on strict and fair conditions and on the principle of individual achievements,” the minister said.

The last part of the Gymnich traditionally sees the EU foreign ministers joined by counterparts from the candidate countries (Albania, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Turkey). This time they discussed effective multilateralism and cooperation in promoting a rules-based global order.

Organized by Austria’s presidency, on the fringes of the Gymnich an informal meeting was held with ministers from Southeast Europe and Turkey and relevant experts on the topic of key infrastructure and digitalization. They discussed key challenges in the context of digital revolution, global challenges and geopolitical completion, as well as the prospect of joint initiatives and action in supporting the Euro-integration processes of Southeast European partners. 

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