Press Release: Council meeting of Foreign Affairs, Luxembourg, 14-15 April 2014

Main results of the Council:

The Council condemned actions undertaken by armed individuals in cities of Eastern Ukraine. These attempts at destabilising Ukraine had to come to an end. The Council also decided to expand the list of those subject to asset freeze and visa ban.

The Council reiterated its strong support for Ukraine's unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and called upon Russia to do likewise. It demanded Russia to call back its troops from the Ukrainian border and immediately withdraw the mandate of the Federation Council to use force on Ukrainian soil.

The Council also signalled that the EU is ready to assist Ukraine in the field of civilian security sector reform. All options would be examined, including a possible mission under the Common Security and Defence Policy, and a decision will be taken at the next Foreign Affairs Council.

In addition, the Council approved macro-financial assistance to Ukraine to support the country's economic stabilisation and reforms. € 1 billion could be made available to contribute to covering Ukraine's urgent balance-of-payments needs as identified in the government's economic programme supported by the IMF.

The Council also adopted temporary tariff cuts on Ukrainian goods, ahead of the application of the Association Agreement. The reduction of customs duties was expected to enter into force on 23 April.

The Council moreover strengthened EU sanctions against persons responsible for misappropriating Ukrainian state funds. It targeted four additional persons in Ukraine with an asset freeze.

Council of the European Union: Press Release, 14.04.14: Council conclusions on Ukraine. Foreign Affairs Council, Luxembourg, 14 April 2014 http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/142223.pdf

Council of the European Union: Press Release, 14.04.14: Council conclusions on Bosnia and Herzegovina Foreign Affairs Council meeting, Luxembourg, 14 April 2014 http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/142215.pdf

http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/142212.pdf http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/142212.pdf

Council of the European Union: Press Release, 14.04.14: Council conclusions on Central African Republic. Foreign Affairs Council, Luxembourg, 14 April 2014 http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/142241.pdf

ESO: Background information: Council approves financial support and trade measures for Ukraine http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-approves-financial-support-and-trade-measures-for-ukraine-imf-approves-17bn-ukraine-bailout-package/

Council of the European Union: Press Release, PRES/14/220: EU extends freeze of misappropriated Ukrainian state funds http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/142196.pdf

ESO: Background information: Council approves EU-guarantee for EIB external operations for the 2014-20 period http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-approves-eu-guarantee-for-eib-external-operations-for-the-2014-20-period/

European Council / Council of the European Union: TV N ewsroom: Foreign Affairs Council - April 2014 http://tvnewsroom.consilium.europa.eu/event/foreign-affairs-council-april-2014

European Council / Council of the European Union: TV N ewsroom: Foreign Affairs Council (Defence) - April 2014 http://tvnewsroom.consilium.europa.eu/event/foreign-affairs-council-defence-april-2014

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