Blog Archive
Statement by Federica Mogherini on the ceremony on the laying down of arms in Colombia
After more than five decades of conflict, the Colombian peace process has become irreversible today with the end of FARC´s disarmament. Eamon Gilmore, Special Envoy for the peace process in Colombia, participated yesterday on my behalf in a historic ceremony in Colombia in the department of Meta, celebrating this crucial step forward. It consolidates the progress that has been achieved in the past few months, thanks to the firm commitment of both parties, to ensure that the provisions of the Peace Agreement are being effectively implemented. I encourage both parties to pursue their work towards implementing the remaining provisions of the Agreement. The European Union will continue to stand by Colombia in its commitment to the cause of peace through intensive political dialogue and cooperation programmes. Mr. Gilmore will keep working to assist this process and to intensify his contacts with all relevant Colombian and international actors. We will encourage and support all steps towards a sustainable and lasting peace, which end violence, empower communities, and brings security and prosperity to all...Federica Mogherini in Crans Montana on the eve of the Conference on Cyprus
Federica Mogherini, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, was in Crans Montana on Tuesday evening for the working dinner opening the new round of the Conference on Cyprus under UN auspices, with the leaders of the two Cypriot communities Mr Anastasiades and Mr Akinci, and the guarantor countries – Greek Foreign Minister Kotzias, Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu and UK Foreign Secretary Johnson. The European Union has always supported and accompanied the negotiations on a settlement for Cyprus, and will keep doing so in this crucial phase. The EU is present as an observer also at this round of talks, with a team that will stay during the entire session of the Conference, providing the expertise of all EU institutions and services. European Commission First Vice-President Timmermans will be at the Conference this morning where he will represent President...Discours au Comité de Suivi de l’Accord de Paix au Mali
Seul le discours prononcé fait foi Monsieur le Président, Monsieur le Haut Représentant, chers amis, Je voudrais d’abord en mon nom personnel, en celui de ma délégation et de l’Union européenne, souhaiter un Ramadan Karim à toutes et tous. Je suis ravie d’être ici avec vous, les acteurs clé de la paix au Mali. Et c’est un honneur pour moi de vous porter le message de l’Union Européenne : un message de soutien, et un message de responsabilité. La renaissance du Mali est possible, si nous tous travaillons, ensemble, pour un nouvel élan de paix. Ce pays est une terre de traditions anciennes et de grande vitalité culturelle. Jusqu’à peu, les trésors de Tombouctou attiraient des visiteurs du monde entier. La guerre civile et le terrorisme sont des fardeaux qui ont ralenti le Mali, et imposé d’énormes souffrances à tous les Maliens. Nous savons aussi que l’instabilité régionale a eu un impact négatif sur les événements au Mali. L’idéologie des terroristes n’a rien à voir avec les traditions culturelles et religieuses de ce pays. Ils ont aussi détruit “matériellement” ces traditions et vos trésors – un crime contre le peuple du Mali mais aussi contre un patrimoine de toute l’humanité. Pour faire face à la menace terroriste, la communauté internationale s’est engagée fermement aux côtés du peuple et des institutions du Mali. Les attaques de ces derniers jours sont une nouvelle tentative de créer des divisions parmi nous: notre réponse ne peut qu’être une unité renouvellée. Dans quelques instants, je vais annoncer un soutien encore plus important de l’Union européenne au processus de paix au Mali. Mais d’abord, permettez-moi...Federica Mogherini meets with the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu
Federica Mogherini, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, met today with Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu in the margins of the Conference of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). They exchanged views on bilateral relations, the Middle East peace process and regional issues. One day before the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the 6-day war, the High Representative reiterated her call for an end of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. A concerted international effort led by the Quartet and working with partners in the region, offer good opportunities to focus on the preservation of the two-state solution as the only viable way of achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace. In this context, High Representative Mogherini discussed with Prime Minister Netanyahu how concrete progress can be reached. She also reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to work together with both Israel and Palestinians to this end, as well as key regional and international players, the Middle East peace process remaining a top priority for the EU’s foreign policy and...Federica Mogherini assistera au Sommet de la Communauté Economique des Etats de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (CEDEAO) au Liberia et se rendra au Mali pour la rencontre des ministres du G5 Sahel
Le 4 juin, la HR/VP entamera une visite en Afrique de l’Ouest et dans la région du Sahel. Cette visite a pour objectif de renforcer la coopération de l’UE avec les pays de la région à travers la gestion de défis communs en matière de paix, sécurité et développement économique. La première étape commencera au Libéria où la HR/VP Mogherini s’adressera au Sommet de la Communauté Economique des Etats de l’Afrique de l’Ouest afin de réitérer le soutien de l’UE à l’organisation régionale. En marge du Sommet, la HR/VP tiendra une série de rencontres bilatérales avec des Chefs d’Etat et de Gouvernement. La visite se poursuivra au Mali du 4 au 6 juin. La HR/VP Federica Mogherini rencontrera le Président du Mali, Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, le Ministre des Affaires étrangères Abdoulaye Diop et d’autres membres du gouvernement malien pour discuter des relations bilatérales ainsi que du soutien important qu’apporte l’UE à la stabilisation, au processus de paix et réconciliation nationale, et au développement du pays. Dans ce contexte, elle participera également à une réunion du Comité de suivi de l’Accord (Accord de Paix) le 5 juin. La HR/VP assistera ensuite à la 3ème rencontre des Ministres du G5 Sahel à Bamako avec les Ministres des Affaires étrangères du Burkina Faso, du Mali, de la Mauritanie, du Niger et du Tchad. Cette 3ème rencontre ministérielle du G5 sera l’occasion de confirmer que l’UE se tient prête à soutenir davantage les projets concrets initiés par les pays du G5 Sahel afin de renforcer notre coopération face aux défis communs, tels que l’éradication de la pauvreté, l’emploi des jeunes et la lutte...Federica Mogherini visits Argentina
Bilateral political and economic relations, as well as support to regional integration and to multilateralism were at the core of the High Representative and Vice President of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini’s second visit to Argentina, which took place today. HR/VP Mogherini met in Buenos Aires with President Mauricio Macri and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Susanna Malcorra. The European Union and Argentina are strong partners in promoting multilateralism in the current international context, a rules-based world order, human rights and fundamental freedoms, the implementation of the Paris agreement on climate change, as well as free and fair trade. The meetings reconfirmed their shared commitment to the UN system to ensure peace, security and sustainable development. Mogherini stressed with both interlocutors that Argentina can count on the European Union’s support during its G20 presidency and in preparation of the WTO ministerial meeting in December. During the meetings, developments in Latin America were addressed. On Venezuela, Mogherini reaffirmed the EU’s support to regional initiatives and appreciated Argentina’s engagement to stop the violence, foster political dialogue and promote reconciliation among Venezuelans, in compliance with the constitutional norms and democratic procedures. Mogherini praised Argentina as the pro tempore Mercosur presidency, in particular in advancing negotiations on a new EU-Mercosur trade agreement. Rapid and good progress has been made so far, and both sides agreed to maintain their focus on shared objectives so as to overcome any remaining obstacles and to reach a deal by the end of the year. Mogherini used the opportunity to congratulate Minister for Foreign Affairs Malcorra on her new position and thanked her for her personal friendship and...Federica Mogherini’s phone conversation with Libyan Prime Minister Serraj and Foreign minister of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed
The High Representative and Vice-President Federica Mogherini spoke today with Libyan Prime Minister Fayez Al Serraj and the Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed, to discuss the recent political developments concerning Libya. The HRVP expressed her appreciation and support for the meetings between Prime Minister Serraj and General Khalifa Haftar that took place in the United Arab Emirates. The European Union, Mogherini stressed, will continue to encourage and accompany the political process in Libya with all means at its disposal so that all Libyans can unite for a secure, peaceful and prosperous country. This can be achieved only through the positive engagement and contribution of all...Interview to Interfax: “Return to better relations with Russia possible, linked to resolution of conflict in eastern Ukraine”
Interview to Interfax correspondents Alexander Korzun and Viktor Onuchko ahead of my visit to Russia. Read on Interfax’ website Question:Ms. Mogherini, what are you going to bring to Moscow? Can your first visit to Russia since you took office in 2014 be viewed as evidence of a softening EU position on Russia and a sign of the prompt overcoming of the crisis in bilateral relations? Does Russia remain a partner for you, or do you share the position of NATO on the need to deter Russia as a potential threat to the security of European countries? Answer: Our relations with Russia are not what they used to be, nor are they what we would wish them to be. But the European Union is still the first trading partner for the Russian Federation, the first source of foreign direct investment, and Russian students are the first beneficiaries of the Erasmus+ program to study in the EU Universities, just to mention a few areas where our ties remain important to both of us. Not to mention our cooperation on some key foreign policy issues. So, my visit to Moscow shows what for me, for the European Union, is vital: in the world of today, you need to be frank on points of disagreement, build spaces for engagement and cooperation, and seek common solutions whenever and wherever our interests converge.Our points of disagreement are well known, but our channels of communication have always remained open. Contacts at all levels are constant on all the files that are priorities for both of us: bringing an end to the devastating war in Syria, the crisis...Interview to The Times of India: “In spite of Brexit, EU remains a global power, most relevant partner for India”
Interview by Indrani Bagchi. Read of The Times of India’s website You were believed to be the reason for the India-EU summit to be put on hold in 2014. What’s your view of the relationship now? Last year we had a very successful summit in Brussels. I have met regularly with Indian ministers, and I am looking forward to this visit – as the issues at stake are many and important. We cooperate intensively on security issues – from Afghanistan to the Horn of Africa – and on global matters such as sustainable development and climate change. During this visit we will also focus on trade and other bilateral dossiers, with one strong message: in spite of Britain’s decision to leave, EU remains a global power, the first global market, and the most relevant partner for India. What will it take for the India-EU free trade agreement to go through? A free trade agreement can be a win-win for EU and India. So we are working to conclude a comprehensive and ambitious agreement, to bridge our differences in areas such as market access for some goods and services, geographical indications and public procurement. We have proposed to hold a High Level Economic and Trade Dialogue so as to move forward and address sensitive issues of both sides. Sweden is the latest victim of terror in EU. What is the thinking among EU leadership about how to tackle growing terror in Europe? First of all, terrorism is a threat not just for Europe, but for the entire international community. Inside EU we have intensified cooperation among our police forces and intelligence services. But we need to understand the magnitude of the challenge and tackle the social and economic dimension of radicalisation and recruitment, both globally...Federica Mogherini holds bilateral meetings during her visit to India
Federica Mogherini, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission (HR/VP), is today and tomorrow on an official visit to New Delhi and met with the Prime Minister of India, Mr Narendra Modi. HR/VP Mogherini also met with the Minister of External Affairs, Smt. Sushma Swaraj, and with the Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr. M J Akbar. During the talks the two sides discussed in depth a broad range of issues of common interest. The European Union and India are natural partners, they share fundamental values of democracy and diversity, economic interests and robust trade relations, common security challenges, and a direct interest in the stabilisation of many fragile areas, from the Korean Peninsula to Afghanistan. The EU and India expressed their common interest and commitment to strengthen their cooperation on the world stage, both bilaterally and in multilateral fora, on common priorities such as multilateralism, climate change, sustainable development, free and fair trade, security and defence – notably on maritime security – and counterterrorism. In view of the 14th bilateral India-EU Summit to be held later this year in New Delhi, the European Union and India agreed to further strengthen and deepen their bilateral relations. In particular, taking stock of progress made on decisions taken last year at the 13th EU-India Summit in Brussels, it has been agreed to deepen cooperation in foreign policy, security and defence, trade, investments, climate change, water, new and renewable energy, environment, ICT, space, research and technology, urbanisation, and to strengthen people-to-people contacts, including student exchanges through the Erasmus programme. During her visit, Mogherini opened the...Speech at Tsinghua University: “Europe and Asia. Building a Cooperative Global Order”
Check against delivery Together with the 60th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome, we celebrate the 30 years of a programme, Erasmus, that has guaranteed youth exchanges and student exchanges, including between Europe and China. I was looking at the numbers now – and then I’ll come to topic I promise – but, nearly 3000 students and professors have been selected to move between Europe and China in last couple of years thanks to this programme. So, we also have a framework for practical cooperation and not only for the very relevant and very useful exchanges at this level. So, coming to the topic of our exchange today. First of all I would like to thank you for this opportunity to meet. For me, every time I visit a country and every time I visit China – now it’s my third time in this capacity [as EU High Representative/Commission Vice-President] – I meet with students, with young people like you, also to listen to you and I always learn a lot. I always get great ideas, aspirations and hope – and we really need some hope in tough times like ours. We all have the impression to live in times of global disorder, when instability seems to spread from one corner of the world to the other. If you take the conflict in Syria: events in the Middle East can destabilise the whole world. We are all concerned and we all have a responsibility to work for peace and reconciliation there. And in the same way, if we look at this part of the world, everyone understands that a...Interview to Xinhua: EU-China cooperation “has never been so important”
Interview by Zheng Jianghua, Shuai Rong. Read on Xinhua’s website BRUSSELS, April 17 (Xinhua) — The cooperation between the European Union (EU) and China has never been so important in a moment when multilateral global governance is open to doubt, EU’s High Representative for Foreign affairs and Security Policy and European Commission Vice Presdent Federica Mogherini told Xinhua in an exclusive written interview ahead of her visit to China. China will be Mogherini’s first stop of her seven-day diplomatic trip kicking off from April 18, followed by India and Russia. In China, Mogherini will co-chair the 7th EU-China Strategic Dialogue with Chinese State Councillor Yang Jiechi on April 19, in order to lay the groundwork for the 19th EU-China Summit in Brussels scheduled for June. “The European Union and China share the view of a global order based on multilateralism and on the UN system: our cooperation has never been so important, in a moment when multilateral global governance is put in question from many sides,” Mogherini said. She underscored that a greater engagement from China in world affairs can “open so many opportunities, on so many issues of common interest,” noting that a Chinese special envoy attended the international conference on supporting the future of Syria and the region earlier this month, and praising China’s crucial role in the Afghanistan peace process. “I know there are people in the world who have concerns about a more confident and outward-looking China. I don’t share this view,” she said, adding, “China can play a very positive role on so many fields, from Afghanistan to Syria, and we Europeans are ready...Discours lors des célébrations des 30 ans d’Erasmus à l’Université d’Alger III
Seul le texte prononcé fait foi! Merci beaucoup et je voudrais vraiment commencer par vous remercier pour l’hospitalité; car c’est ma deuxième visite ici en Algérie et c’est la première fois que je suis à l’Université. C’est vraiment pour moi un plaisir spécial d’être ici et j’aimerais vraiment vous remercier et aussi m’excuser pour le retard; j’ai eu une très bonne et très longue rencontre avec le Premier Ministre [Abdelmalek Sellal] et c’est pour cela que je commence avec un peu de retard et je vous remercie de votre patience et de m’avoir attendue. Chers Ministres, Excellences, Messieurs et Mesdames les ambassadeurs, mais surtout chers étudiants, Pour moi c’est vraiment un plaisir de m’adresser à vous aujourd’hui, surtout les étudiants, tant de jeunes visages de ce pays. Sans vouloir minimiser l’importance de mes réunions officielles qui sont très importantes, surtout dans un moment crucial des relations de partenariat entre l’Union européenne et l’Algérie qui est en train de beaucoup s’intensifier; mais mes rencontres avec les jeunes constituent toujours la partie la plus stimulante de mes visites et de mes déplacements à l’étranger. Il est d’autant plus important de parler avec vous aujourd’hui que nous vivons des temps particulièrement difficiles dans notre région, surtout marqués, souvent – trop souvent –par la violence et l’absence de dialogue et de recherche d’un terrain commun. L’absence de dialogue, l’absence de cet engagement pour chercher un terrain commun semblent parfois ouvrir la porte à une situation où les armes prédominent sur la force de la politique et de la diplomatie. Je sais que beaucoup d’entre vous ont étudié les sciences politiques et je sais...Federica Mogherini meets with the Syrian opposition representatives to discuss the political process and support for resilience inside Syria
As a first follow up of the Brussels conference on the future of Syria and the region, the HRVP Federica Mogherini met today with the President of the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) Mr Anas al-Abdah, the Prime Minister of the Syrian Interim Government (SIG) Mr Jawad About Hatab and the Head of the Assistance Coordination Unit Mr Mouhammad Hassno, and their delegation. While the conflict has entered its seventh year and the military confrontation continues to create inhumane suffering to the population, as the horrific attack in Idlib has reminded the whole world, the European Union remains actively engaged in supporting Syrians inside and outside Syria, through the humanitarian and the political work. The Syria strategy endorsed by the Foreign Affairs Council on the 3 April and the outcome of the Brussels conference will be the framework for the further initiatives the European Union will take. The European Union will continue to provide support to education and job creation, support for local civilian governance structures in opposition held areas, including by working with the Syrian Interim Government. Avoiding the collapse of local and state administrations is also indispensable to guarantee a future to a sovereign, independent, united and democratic Syria. To this aim, Federica Mogherini and her interlocutors discussed the practical support the European Union can continue to give to the Syrian opposition to accelerate the UN mediated talks in Geneva for a political settlement that can bring about a genuine political transition, based on relevant UNSC Resolutions. While stepping up its engagement on the political track, the European Union will continue to improve the daily lives of all Syrians, and stands...Europe is what we make of it. Speech at the PES/Together event in Rome for #EU60
First of all thank you for organising this. Thank you Gianni (Pittella), thank you all. It is good to be surrounded by friends in a moment that is important for Europe and our Union – and by the way in my city, so it’s even more pleasant to be here, back home, in all senses …