“Poland continues its support within the framework of the so-called “Team Europe” package – a joint EU initiative that aims at counteracting the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects. The whole EU’s contribution (on the part of the institution and its member states) to this initiative has already exceeded EUR 37 billion, whereas Poland’s contribution amounts to EUR 25 million – this sum covers both relocating some activities within Polish bilateral assistance, and also supporting multilateral mechanisms. The EU’s prompt response in Africa as part of the “Team Europe” initiative has strengthened its general role as a strategic and trusted partner who can build effective partnerships with Africa and has contributed to fighting the anti-EU disinformation,” underlined the deputy head of Polish diplomacy. He also pointed out the need to further coordinate actions between diplomatic posts and the EU delegations which will make the EU more visible in Africa and will help to combat disinformation.

David Beasley, Executive Director of the World Food Programme, who was invited to join the discussion, shared his views on food security in Africa during the pandemic. He emphasized that if we fail to take decisive measures, the number of people affected by the lack of food security will double in the coming years.

The meeting also focused on the negotiations’ status of a new ACP-EU partnership agreement – the post-Cotonou Agreement, and the developments in Belarus which, in the face of enduring protests, require urgent response and reflection on the use of instruments which are at the EU’s disposal to support civil society. Deputy Minister Paweł Jabłoński emphasised Poland’s support and listed actions undertaken within the “Solidarity with Belarus” programme.

MFA Press Office

photo: Gabriel Piętka / MFA