Extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council, 4 March 2022

Summary:

An extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) was held on 4 March 2022. The main topic in the agenda was to discuss the latest developments following Russia's military aggression against Ukraine.

Ministers called for a humanitarian corridor and highlighted the need for further support from the European Union (EU) to frontline Member States hosting the majority of those fleeing the war. They also agreed to step up work on the humanitarian front. The Council also agreed to further reduce the EU's energy dependency from Russia. Regarding the restrictive measures adopted as a consequence of Russia's decision to invade, focus was on ensuring their full implementation and closing any possible loopholes.

EU foreign affairs ministers held an informal exchange with Ukraine's foreign minister, who provided an overview of the latest developments on the ground, the urgent needs of Ukraine and the atrocities committed by the Russian forces. US Secretary of State, NATO Secretary General, UK Foreign Secretary and Canadian Foreign Minister also joined the meeting.

• Primary Source

News

BBC News, 04/03/2022: Ukraine: Liz Truss calls on international community to step up support https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-60611616

EUObserver, 04/03/2022: Allies show unity ahead of imposing more Russia sanctions https://euobserver.com/world/154485

Deutsche Welle, 04/03/2022: Ukraine: EU foreign ministers slam Russian attacks on civilians https://p.dw.com/p/481gh

---

Official

General Secretariat of the Council: Background Brief for the Meeting - Extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council, 4 March 2022 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/54666/final-background-note-fac-4-march.pdf

EU EEAS: Extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council: Remarks by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell upon arrival (4 March 2022) https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/112224/

EU EEAS: Extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council: Remarks by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell at the press conference (4 March 2022) https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/112245/

Slovenian Government: News, 04/03/2022: Foreign Minister Anže Logar attended the extraordinary meeting of NATO foreign ministers. They discussed the situation in Ukraine. https://www.gov.si/en/news/2022-03-04-minister-logar-at-the-extraordinary-meeting-of-nato-foreign-ministers-on-the-situation-in-ukraine/

German Federal Government: Article, 04/03/2022: Foreign Minister Baerbock travelling to Brussels: Coordination with NATO, G7 and the EU https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/aussenpolitik/baerbock-brussels-nato-g7-eu/2515382

France Embassy in the UK: Newsroom, 04/03/2022: EU ministers reaffirm solidarity with Ukraine https://uk.ambafrance.org/EU-ministers-reaffirm-solidarity-with-Ukraine

---