Foreign Affairs Council, 16 March 2015

Africa - The Council held an in-depth discussion on EU relations with Africa, covering peace and security, prosperity and partnership.

The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, said: 'We discussed the need to move from a donors recipient relationship to a full political partnership with Africa. We fully understand that African stability is European stability and that we share common interests, not only bilaterally, but also on global level'.

Libya: The Council called on all Libyan parties to participate constructively in the UN-facilitated dialogue in Rabat to ensure the rapid formation of a national unity government.

As soon as a unity government is in place, the EU stands ready to enhance its support to Libya. The Council invited the High Representative to present proposals on possible CSDP activities in support of the security arrangements, as part of wider policy options.

EU regional strategy for Syria and Iraq as well as the ISIL/Da'esh threat: The Council adopted a strategy outlining how the EU and member states are planning to counter the threat posed by ISIL/Da'esh and help restore peace and security in Syria and Iraq.

The EU aims at a comprehensive effort addressing the underlying dynamics of the conflicts, through diplomacy and support for political reforms, economic development and reconciliation between different ethnic groups. For the years 2015 and 2016, the Commission has allocated €1 billion to the implementation of the strategy.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: The Council agreed for the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with Bosnia and Herzegovina to enter into force, advancing the country on its path towards the EU.

• Primary Source

Council of the European Union: Foreign Affairs Council, 16.03.15: Background briefing http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/fac/2015/03/Background-brief_foreign-affairs-16-March_pdf/

ESO: Background information: Somalia: EU extends training mission http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-somalia-eu-extends-training-mission/

ESO: Background information: Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on Crimea http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-declaration-by-the-high-representative-on-behalf-of-the-eu-on-crimea/

ESO: Background information: Central African Republic: EU military advisory mission gets green light http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-central-african-republic-eu-military-advisory-mission-gets-green-light/

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on Bosnia and Herzegovina http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-conclusions-on-bosnia-and-herzegovina-3/

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on Ebola http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-conclusions-on-ebola/

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on Mali http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-conclusions-on-mali-2/

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on the Gulf of Guinea action plan 2015-2020 http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-conclusions-on-the-gulf-of-guinea-action-plan-2015-2020/

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on the EU regional strategy for Syria and Iraq as well as the ISIL/Da'esh threat http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-conclusions-on-the-eu-regional-strategy-for-syria-and-iraq-as-well-as-the-isil-daesh-threat/

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on Libya http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-conclusions-on-libya-4/

Deutsche Welle, 16.03.15: EU foreign ministers talk intervention in Libya, possible Bosnia EU-membership http://dw.de/p/1EriN

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