EU FMs to convene on Egypt violence

Foreign Ministers of the European Union (EU) will meet on Wednesday in Brussels for a Council meeting to decide on possible responses to Egypt violence, including review of the EU-Egypt ties. According to an EU statement, the Council is expected to reiterate its calls for an end to violence, its full support for dialogue and an inclusive political process, as well as the democratic future of Egypt, leading to the holding of free and fair elections and the establishment of a civilian government. "On the basis of input from the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the Commission, including factual and up to date information on the current state of play in the EU - Egypt relations, the Council is expected to decide on possible response," said the statement. In recent weeks, the EU has further stepped-up its efforts to promote dialogue and a peaceful solution to the Egyptian crisis through its constant engagement with all parties, including during the last visits by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, on 17 and 29-30 July. The EU Special Representative, Bernardino Leon, has also been in constant contact with all parties and partners on the ground. The President of the European Council, Van Rompuy, and President of the European Commission, Barroso, reiterated in a statement on 18 August that "the EU will remain firmly engaged in efforts to promote an end to violence, resumption of political dialogue and return to a democratic process". The EU sees Egypt as a neighbor and a major partner in a region of strategic importance for the EU. The relations are assured by an Associations Agreement which came into force in 2004. The agenda of the EU-Egypt relation is outlined in a jointly agreed action plan under the European Neighbourhood Policy. The cooperation focuses on democratic reform, economic modernization, social reform and migration issues. Trade is another important subject of relations, said the statement.