Discussions of EU Defence Ministers Council and the meeting of the European Defence Agency board held on Tuesday in Luxembourg were focused on the developments in Ukraine, EU’s military operation in the Central African Republic, the EU maritime security strategy and the development of its military potential and defence industry.

He stressed that in Ukraine is not “the peaceful settlement of a regional crisis that is jeopardized but also the global stability. I believe it is now the time to reaffirm our commitment to the value of mutual understanding and conciliation.”

He also expressed the hope that the “meeting on Maundy Thursday in Geneva between the EU, the United States, Ukraine and Russia will bear concrete and tangible results that will lead to the de-escalation of the crisis. The common goal should be a free, democratic and undivided Ukraine”.

Regarding the EU maritime security strategy, Mr Avramopoulos said that “it is Union’s duty to protect its interests for a safe, open and clean marine environment, allowing the free movement of goods and people and the peaceful, lawful, fair and sustainable use of marine wealth”.