Brussels: European Union Civilian Mission to Moldova to be launched today
The launch of the European Union Civilian Mission to the Republic of Moldova, as well as continued assistance in the country's defence sector, are the topics to be discussed at the European Union Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels today and tomorrow. Also on the agenda are issues such as countering the effects of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, and providing support for the country.
One of the topics on the agenda is the launch of the European Union Civilian Mission to Moldova, Romanian Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu said at the start of the meeting. The head of diplomacy in Bucharest expressed his hope that the mission will start operating by the end of this month.
"In the context of the effects of the Russian military aggression, I will welcome today the launch of the European Union civilian mission in the Republic of Moldova, which will be led by a Romanian diplomat and I am proud of this. Last time, at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting, we took the decision to establish the Civilian Mission, and today we will launch the mission itself and I hope that by the end of this month it will start its work. At the same time, I will present the procedure that Romania has launched together with the other states to sanction those who act against the stability of the Republic of Moldova", said Bogdan Aurescu.
At the same time, foreign ministers from the EU bloc countries will discuss Russia's aggression against Ukraine and countering its effects, as well as support to the country. Officials will also discuss the approval of a new sanctions package imposed on Russia, said EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, who will chair the meeting.
"We will of course talk about the situation in Ukraine and a new sanctions package imposed on Russia. We will exchange views on the Western Balkans and the Horn of Africa. During a working lunch, we invite our counterparts from the Western Balkans to discuss the situation in the region," said Josep Borell.
The Council will also discuss, among other issues, Central Asia, Tunisia and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Ministers are expected to endorse the civilian Common Security and Defence Policy Pact, as well as conclusions on the EU's cyber defence policy and the humanitarian funding gap.
