Last week’s agenda of the European Parliament’s plenary centred on foreign policy issues. MEP’s debated the crises in Mali and Syria, as well the EU-Iraq Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, and the Non-proliferation Treaty Review about establishing a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction.

Following the UN Security Council meeting but before a Foreign Affairs Council on 17 January, MEPs held an urgent debate on the latest developments in Mali with EU foreign policy chief, HR Catherine Ashton. They saluted France’s military engagement in Mali and called for EU Member States to show solidarity with these efforts. “What we are facing today in Mali is a matter of emergency. We have to act. Failing to do so would be a great political, strategic and humanitarian mistake,” said Ashton.

According to the HR, the EEAS and the Commission have prepared measures that will provide immediate and longer term help to the Malian Government and people. In addition, HR Ashton is working with Commissioner Piebalgs and Member States to ensure that EU financial support can be channelled effectively. “This assistance never stopped […] and is going to continue, even in difficult conditions, in order to meet the growing needs of the Malian population”, she said.

Representing the High Representative, Ireland's European Affairs Minister Lucinda Creighton took part in the next day’s EU plenary debate to discuss the situation in Syria. “We all witnessed the defiance of President Assad in his unacceptable speech, as recognized by many of our partners and the Joint Special Representative Brahimi. From our side, the EU's official statements remain unambiguous: There is no future for Assad in the political future of Syria”, she told the MEPs.

The Irish Minister also pointed out that over €500 million, of which over €350 million in humanitarian aid, is supporting refugees, Syrian youth, and the population particularly affected by the unrest. It is financing skills training, education and mentoring amongst other things.

• EEAS