Yemen: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU..

 

Press material Friday 12 January 2024

● Council of the EU   12/01/2024 21:13 | Press release | Yemen: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU welcoming the UN Security Council resolution strongly condemning Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping   The EU welcomes the adoption of the United Nations Security Council resolution 2722 of 10 January that is strongly condemning Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping. Upholding freedom of navigation in the Red Sea is vital to the free flow of global commerce and regional security. As recalled by UNSC resolution 2722, States have the right to defend their vessels against these attacks in accordance to international law. The EU echoes UN Security Council demand that these attacks, which impede global commerce and undermine navigational rights as well as regional peace and security, cease immediately. The EU urges restraint by the Houthis to avoid further escalation in the Red Sea and the broader region. In this context, the EU recalls the obligation of all States to respect the arms embargo under the UN Security Council resolution 2216 (2015). The EU will continue to contribute to regional stability.

Press material Friday 12 January 2024

● General Secretariat   12/01/2024 17:03 | Press release | Forward look: 15 - 28 January 2024   Overview of the main topics and events at the Council of EU and European Council for the coming fortnight. Economic and Financial Affairs Council, 16 January 2024 The Belgian presidency will present its work programme for the next six months. In the context of the European Semester 2024, the Council will seek to approve conclusions on the alert mechanism report 2024 and the annual sustainable growth survey 2024. It will aim to approve the 2024 recommendation on the economic policy of the euro area. Ministers will discuss the economic and financial impact of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. The Presidency will present the state of play of legislative proposals in the field of financial services. Read more Foreign Affairs Council, 22 January 2024 The January 2024 Foreign Affairs Council will discuss the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, along with other Current Affairs issues. Read more Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 23 January 2024 The Belgian presidency will give a presentation of its work programme in the field of agriculture and fisheries. The Council will also exchange views on trade-related agricultural issues, as well as on the strategic dialogue on the future of agriculture in Europe. Additionally, ministers will hold a first discussion on the proposal for a forest monitoring framework. Read more Other meetings Eurogroup, 15 January 2024 Informal meeting of environment ministers, 15-16 January 2024 Informal meeting of trade ministers, 22-23 January 2024 Informal meeting of justice and home affairs ministers, 24-26 January 2024 Indicative calendar of meetings under the Belgian presidency (1 January - 30 June 2024) Belgian presidency website

Press material Friday 12 January 2024

● Council of the EU   12/01/2024 13:01 | Press release | Guatemala: Council establishes dedicated framework of restrictive measures in support of democracy   The Council today established a dedicated framework for restrictive measures in support of democracy and a peaceful and orderly transfer of power in Guatemala. Today’s decision will allow the European Union to hold accountable those obstructing a democratic transition following the 2023 general elections, which resulted in a clear victory of President-elect Bernardo Arévalo, as attested by the EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Guatemala. "The EU maintains its firm and unequivocal support for democracy in Guatemala. The adoption of this framework is part of this commitment. It shows we stand with the people of Guatemala and against those who are undermining the country’s democracy. The EU is looking forward to working closely with the future administration of President Arévalo and I am pleased to travel to Guatemala to personally witness the transfer of power." Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Thanks to this new framework, the EU will be able to impose restrictive measures against individuals and entities responsible for actions that undermine democracy, the rule of law and a peaceful transfer of power in Guatemala, including through persecution or intimidation of public officials, democratically-elected authorities, civil society, media and judicial operators among others, as well as through financial misconduct concerning public funds and the unauthorised export of capital. Any targeted restrictive measures shall consist of a travel restriction for individuals and an asset freeze for individuals and entities. In addition, persons and entities in the EU shall be forbidden from making funds and economic resources available to those listed. The EU as a long-standing partner of Guatemala, remains fully committed to support inclusive and sustainable development in the country to the benefit of all. Promoting and strengthening democratic governance and the rule of law is always an indispensable part of this effort. Background On 28 August 2023, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal of Guatemala declared the official results of the second round of the presidential elections held in the country on 20 August 2023. On 5 October 2023, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy issued a statement on behalf of the EU expressing deep concern over persistent attempts to undermine the election results through selective and arbitrary legal and procedural actions in line neither with Guatemala’s constitution nor international and regional standards subscribed to by Guatemala and stating that further actions to overturn the outcome of the elections and undermine democracy and the rule of law would have an impact on Guatemala’s relations with the EU. On 8 December 2023, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy issued a statement condemning attempts to nullify the results of the general and presidential elections in Guatemala, based on spurious allegations of fraud and stated accountability should be sought for those obstructing a democratic transition. The EU agreed in principle to adopt a framework allowing for targeted restrictive measures against those responsible for these actions. The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell will be attending the inauguration of President Bernardo Arévalo on Sunday 14 January 2024. Guatemala: Statement by High Representative Josep Borrell on the latest developments in Guatemala, 8 December 2023 Guatemala: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the situation after elections, 5 October 2023 EU Delegation to Guatemala