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Good morning,

I am coming from the European Humanitarian Forum. A lot of people gathered there to discuss about how to provide humanitarian support to many people in the world, more than ever. About 350 million people in the world are in extreme need. I am not talking about poor people; I am talking about people that are in an extremely dangerous situation. 

The European Union is one of the most important provider of humanitarian support. 

Things were already dire before 24 February, but with this war of aggression against Ukraine, the humanitarian situation around the world has become extremely dangerous. Not only in Ukraine, [but also] in many parts of the world. This war is sending shockwaves in terms of high prices of energy [and] food. Well, at least we can say that the deal to take the grain out of Ukraine [Black Sea Grain Initiative] and export food has been prolonged.

Congratulations to the United Nations and to Turkey for this diplomatic effort. Let’s hope that it will be implemented efficiently and without delays because if not, the consequences will be counted in terms of human life losses. 

The first part of today’s meeting will be – as always – about the situation in Ukraine. We will listen [to] Minister [for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Dmytro] Kuleba. We will discuss among ourselves [about] the situation on the ground – what is happening there - and how we can continue supporting Ukraine.

In the afternoon, we will have a Jumbo meeting together with the Ministers of Defence. And together, [Ministers for] Foreign Affairs and Defence will – I hope – reach the agreement on providing ammunitions to Ukraine. You know that there is a three-track approach to provide ammunitions for about €2 billion, in order for Ukraine to be able to continue defending themselves. I hope that the Ministers will – all of them – engage in a final discussion and agree on a very important decision for this afternoon. Otherwise, we will be in difficulty in order to continue supplying arms to Ukraine.

Two important things have happened with respect to the war in Ukraine. 

The first [one which] I already mentioned: the Black Sea [Grain] agreement [is] good news.

The second [thing which is] also important is the International Criminal Court (ICC) decision with respect to President Putin, which is very important and is a game changer. I know that Russian authorities are dismissing this decision from the International Criminal Court saying “Well, in the end, Russia is not a signatory of this treaty.” Let’s look at the practical consequences of that [decision]. If President Putin travels to one of the more than 130 countries who have signed this international treaty, he should be immediately arrested. 

If he travels to one of the members of this international agreement, he should be immediately arrested. And this is something that should be taken very much into consideration, because, well, we can negotiate whatever we want, but this decision of the Court remains valid. It is there. President Putin will be arrested if he travels to more than 130 countries.

Second point on the agenda, Tunisia. A dire situation economically [and] politically. The President of Tunisia [Kaïs Saïed] is facing a situation, where political instability comes together with a dire economic situation. No agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) yet. Unacceptable statements about sub-Saharan migrants. All that makes Tunisia to be put on the table of the Ministers for a first discussion. I think that maybe I will have to travel to Tunisia, but let's see first [what is] the position of the Ministers today.

You know it is one year of the Strategic Compass. So, we will discuss where we are one year after the [adoption of the] Strategic Compass, to see if we have to speed up our work on that. 

Yesterday, [we had a high-level meeting with] Kosovo [and] Serbia. Long discussions, finally an agreement that will be considered as an integral part of the European path for both. It will be part of the chapters of the negotiation with Serbia -Chapter 35 - and it will be included in the normalisation documents and requirements for Kosovo. So now it is something compulsory [binding] and we will have to watch closely the implementation. Both parties agreed [and] committed to do it, so let’s watch carefully how it is going to happen. 

Q&A

Q. How soon is can the European Union deliver what Ukraine is asking for in terms of ammunition? 

As I said, we are providing €2 billion to buy ammunition. We know what kind of ammunition Ukraine needs. We know. 155mm, 152mm, 102mm, depending on the material they have, some coming from the Soviet era, some coming from our recent support. We will provide the ammunition they need, and we know what they need. No problems on that. 

Q. How confident are you on your joint procurement proposal? Because countries like Germany are rather opting for the national way. 

Nothing excludes [the other]. Look, we have the purpose to provide ammunition to Ukraine, the quicker and in the greater quantity possible, at the cheapest price. Let’s be practical. Quick, cheap and the necessary amounts. If Germany has a way of doing that, and nothing excludes [the other], the important thing is to go ahead together as much as we can. There is a proposal, a project from the European Defence Agency (EDA). 15 Member States have joined this project, it does not exclude other actions. 

Q. Vous cherchez des munitions et des armes partout. Qu’est-ce que vous dites à la Suisse qui refuse d’autoriser la réexportation des siennes ? Ce qui pourrait vous aider à envoyer plus d’armements. 

On leur a déjà dit, mais moi, je m’occupe des États membres.  

Q. Are there enough ammunition if you are willing to put a billion [of euros] on the table, is there actually enough of 155mm shells in Europe to help with that? 

We have to produce more, and in order to produce more, we have to increase our production capacity. And in order to increase our production capacity there have to be clear prospects for demand. That is why, there are three tracks that go together. 

First, the ones [ammunitions] that we already have. Second, the ones that have to be produced. Third, the industrial capacity to produce more. It is one after the other and all together, it makes a comprehensive and coherent package. Funding is there. Capacities are there. They have to be increased and Member States have to act together in order to be more efficient.  

Let’s be practical: do not go into battle of competences and egos. We have to provide ammunition to Ukraine quickly, in a greater quantity and in better economic [and] financial conditions for us. This is [what] the discussion is about. 

Q. Are you confident that they will come in time and that Ukraine will have the ammunition as quick as possible? And why? 

Yes, I am confident, certainly, because I am not an optimist, I am an activist. 

Q. For the Donors’ Conference meeting today, how can you help Syria with all the sanctions they have? Are you going to work on [inaudible], for example?

We are not going to talk about it. 

Q. Are you sure that this war is not going to escalate and extend to another country if you rise this support for Ukraine? 

Certainly, I am not sure.