Foreign Minister Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk attends Foreign Affairs Council
11.12.2023
Held in Brussels on 11 December 2023, the meeting of EU top diplomats focused on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the developments in Israel and the region, and the situation in the Sahel.
The discussion provided a good opportunity to stress that Ukraine’s future is in the European Union. Minister Szynkowski vel Sęk emphasised that the December session of the European Council (14–15 December 2023) is the right time for a decision to launch accession negotiations with Ukraine. This is a key step to increase the security and stability of the European Union and to demonstrate its credibility. The head of the Polish MFA also stressed that reform proposals submitted by the European Parliament do not guarantee the strengthening of the EU. On the contrary, they limit the competences of Member States in such areas as foreign policy and security, and thus undermine the EU’s position in the international context. In a situation of an immediate threat to Europe’s security and stability, Member States continue to play a key role in shaping and implementing adequate responses.
Minister Szynkowski vel Sęk pointed out that Poland actively participates in work aimed at the EU’s adoption of the 12th round of sanctions against Russia.
“We are hoping the new restrictions will be accepted as soon as possible. We are in favour of continuing efforts to further increase sanctions, including by limiting the possibilities of circumventing them,” he emphasised.
During the discussion on the developments in Israel and the region, the top Polish diplomat expressed his disappointment that the ceasefire, thanks to which the civilian population in the Gaza Strip received humanitarian aid, has been broken. The minister noted that the truce also enabled the release of a significant number of hostages. Renewed fighting has further deteriorated the catastrophic situation in Gaza. The military operation in the Gaza Strip not only has expanded its geographical scope, but it has also become more intense. In this context, Minister Szynkowski vel Sęk stressed that Poland has decided to make an additional contribution of PLN 8.6 million to UNRWA, UNICEF, and the World Food Programme to provide assistance to the Palestinian civilian population.
