Highlights of the Foreign Affairs Council of 16 July 2018, in Brussels

Main results

Libya

The Council discussed Libya following the visit by the High Representative Federica Mogherini to the country on 14 July, where she inaugurated the premises of the European Union Delegation in Tripoli. EU foreign ministers welcomed the return of a permanent physical EU presence in Libya, which highlights the importance of the EU's work for the stability, security and prosperity of the country.

On the political process, we believe that the work towards elections must be accelerated, and we are supporting it. We also believe that a proper constitutional and legal framework must be in place before elections take place. On the economic front, we agreed that we should increase our work with the United Nations to ensure that revenues from oil can be distributed in a transparent manner. On migration, we agreed to keep our focus on cooperation and partnership with Libya, but first and foremost with the United Nations agencies and the African Union. Federica Mogherini, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

Foreign ministers reiterated their support to UN Secretary General's Special Representative Ghassan Salamé. They noted with satisfaction that the recent crisis in the Oil Crescent had been resolved, while underlining the importance of addressing its causes. They also highlighted the results of the EU's work on the ground on migration, in particular the support for the IOM and UNHCR, which has, for example, allowed for the voluntary return of 28 000 migrants to their country of origin.

Eastern Partnership

The Council discussed the Eastern Partnership, ahead of the Eastern Partnership ministerial meeting in October. Foreign ministers reaffirmed the commitment of the EU to the region, to the reform agenda and to the priorities identified as the '20 deliverables for 2020', to achieve stronger economy, governance, connectivity and society. The Council confirmed the continuing relevance of the tailored-made and differentiated approach, allowing each of the six countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine) to choose the level of ambition they aspire to in their relations with the EU.

Ministers noted the progress made in the six countries. They also underlined the need to step up reforms in areas such as governance, justice, the fight against corruption, economic reform and the business environment. They expressed particular concern over the situation in the Republic of Moldova.

Finally, ministers highlighted the importance of using the opportunity to the 10th anniversary of the partnership in 2019 to highlight the EU's commitment to the region.

North Korea

Over lunch, foreign ministers discussed the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). They reiterated their full commitment to support efforts towards complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula and the EU's readiness to facilitate steps towards this objective. In line with the EU's policy of critical engagement, they also underlined the importance of continuing to maintain pressure through sanctions, while keeping channels of communication open. They also agreed to encourage the DPRK to sign and ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty as a logical step to transforming recent positive political statements into verifiable and legally binding commitments.

International Criminal Court

The Council adopted conclusions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute (17 July). The Council highlights the valuable contribution of the ICC to the fight against impunity. At a time when the rules-based international order is facing increased pressure, the strengthening of its criminal justice system is more important than ever. The Council recalls that the EU has been a strong supporter of the Court since its creation and has used the instruments at its disposal to help increase support of the Court. These conclusions were adopted without debate.