There are extremely important issues to be discussed at the Informal Meeting today.
First of all, there will be a discussion on the EU’s Strategic Compass with special reference to the threats against the EU. One region from which such threats emanate is the Eastern Mediterranean, and I think that on this basis, there should be an open discussion about what kind of threats the EU faces in this region and how to tackle them; how to address violations of international law and challenges to the sovereignty of EU Member States.
Furthermore, tomorrow’s EU-Africa talks are of particular importance. Following my visits to five African countries, I think there are many things to be discussed. Africa is the continent with the fastest growing population and the fastest growing economy, it forms a part of the planet’s future. The EU, being an economic area next to Africa, has plenty to discuss with it and a lot to contribute to its future.