At the session of the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 15 February 2016, the Hungarian delegation was headed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Parliamentary State Secretary Dr. László Szabó.
In the introductory speech to the Council meeting, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini touched on the topic of Bosnia and Hercegovina and Libya. The presiding President of Bosnia and Hercegovina officially submitted his country’s application to join the European Union on the side-lines of the Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels on 15 February. As a committed supporter of the Euro-Atlantic integration of the Western Baltic States, Hungary welcomes the submission of Bosnia-Hercegovina’s application to join the European Union.
Hungary recognises the progress made in the integration process and with regard to economic and social reform since the latest move to forge closer links with the European Union and is willing to provide further assistance towards the country’s accession process. With relation to Libya, and especially in view of the increased threat posed by the infiltration of ISIS forces in the country, the High Representative reported to EU Foreign Ministers on the composition of the National Unity Government and the status of its adoption.
One of the priority topics of the meeting was the future of EU-Belarus relations. The member states adopted Council conclusions on the issue. The decision was made to suspend restrictive measures currently in place against 170 people (including President Lukashenko) and three entities, but the arms embargo and restrictive measures on three listed persons are to be extended. During the debate, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. László Szabó represented the Hungarian standpoint that the release of political prisoners last year, the positive role played by Minsk in regional processes and the policy of opening towards the EU have created the conditions to enable a positive review of the EU’s existing policies. Hungary views the latest step by Brussels as an important indication that could contribute to maintaining the dynamic development of EU-Belarus relations.
With relation to Moldova, the Ministers discussed the recent internal political tensions, economic forecasts and opportunities for continuing the reform process called for by the EU. The member states adopted Council conclusions on the issue.
A review of the political, security and humanitarian situation in Syria was placed on the agenda in view of developments on the battlefield and as a follow-up to the Syria Donors Conference held in London on 4 February and the meeting of the International Syria Support Group in Munich.
In the presence of EU Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy Policy Miguel Arias Cañete, the Ministers debated the main directions for 2016 climate diplomacy action, the main goal of which is to facilitate the signing and realisation of the Paris Agreement (COP21) in partner countries. The member states adopted Council conclusions on the issue. Mr. Szabó reported on preparations for the Budapest World Water Summit planned for November 2016, with which Hungary wishes to contribute to EU climate diplomacy efforts.
On the side-lines of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting, EU Foreign Ministers held an informal working lunch with Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Gebran Bassil, with whom they discussed the domestic situation in Lebanon, the effects of regional security developments, migration challenges and opportunities for cooperation on anti-terrorism with the European Union. The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the member states assured their Lebanese partner of their continued solidarity and support.