Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Marija Pejčinović 26 February attended a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, which discussed three topics – Moldova, Venezuela and the Middle East peace process.
The Council discussed the situation in Moldova, saying that important steps had been taken to draw the country draw closer to the EU and in implementing the association agreement. The ministers expressed their commitment to Moldova’s EU integration and stressed the importance of further efforts in implementing the necessary reforms, especially the judicial reform, combating corruption, ensuring democratic frameworks such as election legislation and media freedoms, as well as in the financial and banking sectors, and improving the business and investment environment. The EU will continue to assist Moldova along that path bilaterally, as well as through the Eastern Partnership. Pejčinović Burić said Croatia would assist Moldova by transferring its EU integration know-how and experiences.
Due to constant deterioration of the situation in Venezuela and the crisis spilling over into the neighbourhood, including refugees, the ministers discussed measures to prompt democratic solutions in order to achieve political stability and held those affected by the crisis the most. Situation will continue to be monitored and, if need be, further sanctions will be considered. The EU remains focused on the humanitarian aspects of the crisis and will continue working on ensuring humanitarian aid deliveries. Pejčinović Burić also expressed concern over the 5000-strong Croatian community, emphasizing that Croatia would continue the efforts to ensure they get the necessary assistance.
The Middle East peace process, which has been at a standstill for long, was also on the agenda. Ministers from the EU member states have had two informal meetings recently, one with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the other with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abass. On Monday they met with the foreign ministers of the six Arab League countries.
The EU foreign ministers also talked about the situation in Syria, welcoming the UN Security Council’s passing of Resolution 2401.