Foreign Minister Aivis Ronis took part in the meetings of the European Union's General Affairs Council

The General Affairs Council heard the presentation of the priorities of the Belgian presidency, including the practical implementation of the Europe 2020 Strategy, the response to the financial and economic crisis, climate change, the revision of the EU's multiannual financial framework, as well as the implementation of the Stockholm multiannual programme on justice and home affairs.

Within the framework of the General Affairs Council, the ministers followed up on the European Council's meeting on 17 June, and the action agenda in order to deliver the aims of the Europe 2020 Strategy. An agreement was reached on the initial directions for economic governance and further work on the regulation of financial services. The ministers also discussed preparations for the European Council on 16 September when the strengthening of the EU's global role will be debated, including relations with the EU's global partners. The September European Council is expected to review the enhancement of the EU economic policy co-ordination.
It is significant that the General Affairs Council approved the proposal from the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton for a Council Decision establishing the organisation and functioning of the European External Action Service. During discussions, the Foreign Minister of Latvia Aivis Ronis emphasised that, when planning the development of the EEAS, a solution has to be sought to performing consular functions in crisis situations and additional attention should be directed toward co-operation with NATO. Minister Ronis urged support of a proportional representation of all the Member States in the EEAS, thus achieving balanced geographical coverage within the service.
Taking forward the European Council decision on launching accession negotiations with Iceland, the EU Foreign Ministers agreed on the negotiating framework to be approved at the Accession Conference with Iceland on 27 July.
At the Foreign Relations Council, the ministers discussed the current situation in Sudan in view of the referendum on South Sudan's self-determination, well as the warrant for the arrest of President Omar al-Bashir of Sudan issued by the International Criminal Court.
The Foreign Affairs Council adopted a resolution of the Council of the European Union on sanctions against Iran, implementing and accompanying the UN Security Council resolution of 9 June. The ministers discussed the current situation in the Middle East Peace Process and the Gaza Strip. The foreign ministers also talked about the Western Balkans in view of the opinion issued on 22 June by the UN's International Court of Justice in the case of the legitimacy of Kosovo's declaration of independence.
Before the EU General Affairs Council and Foreign Affairs Council, the foreign ministers of the Baltic and Nordic countries convened for their traditional meeting, chaired by Foreign Minister Aivis Ronis. The ministers exchanged opinions on the agenda points of the Foreign Affairs Council and the General Affairs Council. Minister Ronis briefed his colleagues about a recent visit by President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers to Serbia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. When talking about Central Asia, the Minister highlighted the significance of the region's countries in the context of international community efforts in Afghanistan.

Press and Information Division

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