Minister Buljević attends Foreign Affairs Council

On 18 April the participants (foreign and defence ministers) attended the working dinner discussing the current situation in Libya; during which they were addressed via video-link by the Prime Minister of Libya Fayez al-Sarraj. The Council pledged full support to the Government of National Accord (GNA) and to full implementation to Libyan Political Agreement of 17 December 2015.
The Council adopted conclusions reiterating the EU commitment to implement substantial measures in support of the Government of National Accord and the Libyan people totalling 100 mil EUR across different areas to be defined and prioritised in close cooperation with the  GNA and in coordination with UNSMIL. The conclusions on Libya specify contribution to the Lybian government in capacity building for the Libyan Coastguard to combat migrant trafficking among other proposals.
Prior to he second day of the Council session, Minister Buljević took part at the meeting of the EDA Steering Board, during which the EDA reported on the progress of the co-operation programmes, the implications of hybrid warfare on the development of capabilities, the political framework for the long-term defence co-operation and on the European strategic autonomy in the domain of defence industry.
Mnister Buljević emphasised the importance of the growth of small and medium-sized entreprise, particularly from the perspective of small member nations. Addressing the issue of the strategic autonomy the Minister stated that the co-operation among the member countries was crucial for the preservation and strengthening of strategic autonomy in the domain of defence but also underlined the importance of undisrupted co-operation with the  allies outside the EU.
The first part of the Council session featured the discussion on countering hybrid threats. The session was attended by the High Represenative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini and by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. High Representative Mogheriniand Commissionary Bienkowska presented the joint communication  between the High Representative and the European Commission on countering hyibrid threats, aimed to develop a model and procedures for enhanced resistance of countries to hybrid threats. The partticipants adopted the conclusions  calling for the activation of all EU instruments to counter the threats.
Speaking of hybrid threats Ministar Buljević stressed that the member nations had sufficient instruments for countering the threats in place, but needed a legislative framework towards a more intensive and coherent application, prompting the co-operation with other international organisations, primarily NATO.
The second part of of the meeting was focussed on the capability building in support of security and development. HR Mogherini updated the participants on the strategic framework for the reforms of the security sector. The building of capablities is oriented on the assistance to partner and third countries to act as promotors of security and stability at the local level.
The ministers were updated on the development of the European Global Strategy and on the intent of the EU to continue contributing to the stability and security of Afghanistan, including the support to the police in the post-2016 era.

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