Clément Beaune, Minister Delegate for European Affairs, attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, is chairing today's General Affairs Council in Luxembourg.
He and his counterparts will engage in preparations for the European Council meeting of June 23-24. Ahead of that meeting, he will emphasize that France supports giving Ukraine and Moldova immediate candidate status combined with a roadmap, as President Macron stated in Kyiv last week. Mr. Beaune will reiterate our continued support for Ukraine on the humanitarian, economic, political and military fronts. He will also mention the meeting between EU and Western Balkan leaders on June 23, which will focus on the European prospects of the countries of that region.
Mr. Beaune will exchange views with his counterparts on the proposals formulated in conjunction with the Conference on the Future of Europe. He will underscore the consistency of the priorities emphasized by European citizens with the agenda of the French Presidency of the EU Council, especially in the areas of security, the climate, regulation and the digital transition.
The ministers will also discuss the United Kingdom's latest worrying initiatives on Ireland and Northern Ireland. Mr. Beaune will once again stress the importance of abiding by the commitments that have already been made and will note that the EU, which has shown flexibility over the past few months, stands united and ready to respond firmly.