Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I attended the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg on 16 April. The Council discussed Syria, Iran, the Western Balkans, Russia and the EU’s External Financing Instruments. Council Conclusions were adopted on Syria, South Sudan, malicious cyber activities and on Chemical Weapons.

I was glad to have the opportunity to discuss Syria with my EU colleagues, especially in light of the most recent horrific chemical attack which took place in Douma and the response by the US, the UK and France. My colleagues and I adopted Council Conclusions on Syria, and examined what the EU can do to help bring about a peaceful end to the conflict and full legal accountability.

The meeting also gave the Council an opportunity to take stock of how the EU manages relations with Russia, following the Salisbury attack, and developments in Syria. I welcomed this timely exchange, and believe that the EU’s five guiding principles on Russia have served us well.

In addition, Ministers discussed the situation in Iran and stressed the importance of the implementation by all parties of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

Over lunch, the Council held a detailed and positive discussion on the Western Balkans, ahead of the EU-Western Balkans Summit in May. Finally, we had the opportunity to address recent developments in Gaza and in Venezuela, as well as the future of the EU’s external financing instruments.