State Secretary for Political Affairs Frano Matušić on Monday in Brussels participated in a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC).
The Council discussed the continuation of the European Union’s support to Ukraine in the context of Russian aggression, with an emphasis on the EU’s security obligations as well as the military and defence aspects, and the situation in the Middle East and Belarus.
The Council adopted a Decision to establish the Ukraine Assistance Fund within the EPF, which will provide an additional 5 million euros for Ukraine. During the discussion, opinions were also exchanged on the continuation of activities related to the training of Ukrainian soldiers, highlighting the importance of demining operations, as well as further strengthening EU defence capacities. Regarding the situation in the Middle East, concerns were expressed over the further escalation of conflict and the increasingly dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Calls were made for de-escalation, urgent release of hostages, and provision of humanitarian assistance to the residents of Gaza.
Discussions also took place on the recent parliamentary elections in Belarus, expressing concern about the deterioration of human rights conditions.
State Secretary Matušić addressed the situation in Ukraine, recalling Croatia’s experiences from the Homeland War regarding the prosecution of war crimes, demining, post-conflict transition, and rehabilitation of war victims. Regarding support for Ukraine, he informed that Croatia’s current assistance to Ukraine amounts to 266 million euros. He welcomed the Council’s decision regarding the Ukraine Assistance Fund, as well as the approach to the new EU defence-industrial strategy.
During the meeting, an informal exchange of views on EU-US relations took place, with the participation of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Discussions also focused on further support for Ukraine and cooperation in addressing global challenges. Speaking about the war in Ukraine, Matušić expressed concern about the possible spill-over effect on the wider region and the European Union's neighbourhood, further emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus on the Western Balkans. Regarding the situation in Gaza, he highlighted concerns about the humanitarian situation and emphasized the need to ensure assistance to the residents of Gaza. He welcomed Cyprus’ initiative and the opening of a maritime corridor between Cyprus and Gaza to ensure necessary humanitarian aid through that route. He also expressed the expectation for Israel to open as many land routes as possible for delivering aid to Gaza, while urging urgent release of hostages and prevention of further escalation of conflict.
The Council also discussed relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the situation in Niger and Haiti, and reflected on the recent visit of ministers from Italy and Austria to Bosnia and Herzegovina, who expressed support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European path and the opening of negotiations with the EU.
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