Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot took part in the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting held in Brussels on November 20.
He emphasized French efforts to build strong European momentum in the fight against drug trafficking. He proposed the imposition of sanctions on transnational organized crime, targeting criminals who have fled abroad and those who assist them by freezing their assets, banning them from setting foot on European soil, and prohibiting them from engaging in any transactions with the EU.
With regard to Ukraine, the Minister noted that the very principle of peace, which is desired by both Europe and Ukraine, cannot be considered until a ceasefire is in effect on the front lines. He reminded his counterparts that the European effort is guided above all by staunch support for Ukraine, noting President Zelenskyy’s visit to Paris on November 17. He also stressed the importance of stepping up pressure on Russia, mentioning European efforts to prepare a 20th sanctions package by the end of the year.
The member states also discussed the operational applications of European support for the Gaza peace plan, with the Minister reiterating that the EU would play a full role in these efforts. He backed the idea of having European forces train Palestinian security forces and stressed France’s support for the Palestinian Authority’s institutional and constitutional reform efforts. On the humanitarian front, he reiterated that France intended to cohost a conference with Egypt focused on the humanitarian situation before the end of the year.
The Foreign Affairs Council also discussed a response to the severe humanitarian crisis in Sudan. At France’s initiative, the member states decided to sanction Abdelrahim Dagalo, the deputy commander-in-chief of the Rapid Support Forces, as part of its unwavering fight against impunity.
