Foreign and Defence Ministers met yesterday in Brussels for discussions during which they established EUNVFOR MED – a Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) Mission targeting the disruption of human smuggling networks in the Mediterranean.

This follows the agreement reached last month by the European leaders to mobilise all efforts at its disposal to prevent further loss of life at sea and to tackle the root causes of migration, in cooperation with the countries of origin and transit.

During the Joint Session, Ministers of the Foreign Affairs and the Interior discussed the security challenges in the neighbourhood, including the situation in Libya and Ukraine and the EU’s engagement on migration, in the Mediterranean and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Malta stressed that it was essential to cooperate with the EU’s ‘neighbours of the neighbours’ in order to address the instability surrounding Europe.

The Joint meeting also focused on the EU’s role as a security provider in preparation for the European Council of June. Ministers Vella and Abela stressed that it was necessary for the EU to adapt its security outlook in view of the ever-changing international scenario. In this context, it was important that the CSDP Mission is able to react promptly and efficiently so that the EU protects its own citizens, its interests and values as well as ensure security in the immediate neighbourhood.

Foreign Affairs Ministers then held an exchange on the Middle East Peace Process. This was the first discussion by Ministers following the formation of a new Israeli government. Ministers reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to a two-state solution and noted the short window of opportunity that the EU had, together with international and regional actors, to push both sides towards a resumption of talks.

Minister Vella emphasised that the EU needs to reaffirm its commitment to the two-state solution, consider how it can assist in bringing about a resumption of the peace process and once it resumes how it can play a more direct role.

He also called for exploring how the EU can assist in the arriving at intra-Palestinian reconciliation, which will be key in redressing the unsustainable situation in Gaza, referring to the Swiss initiative in this regard.

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