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Blinken and Borrell meet in New York to discuss the transatlantic relationship

23 September 2021

"The EU and the US are unique partners in addressing global challenges. Their closer cooperation, based on shared values, will contribute to international peace and security." This was stated in a statement released by the European External Action Service following a meeting in New York between the EU High Representative Josep Borrell and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Both are in the city attending the UN General Assembly.

The senior diplomats "welcomed the joint statement by President Biden and French President Macron, which followed the recent announcement of a security partnership by the US, United Kingdom and Australia and the cancellation of an Australian submarine contract with France. This statement contributes to clarify the situation. Building on it and on today’s meeting between the HR/VP and the Secretary of State, the EU and the US will work on practical steps to deepen dialogue and co-operation.

Both reaffirmed the strong alliance between the United States and the EU. They committed to deepen their engagement in addressing global challenges, including stability in the Indo-Pacific region. They underlined the relevance of EU defence efforts, which will also contribute to a stronger NATO. In this regard, the High Representative recalled the need to launch a comprehensive structured dialogue on security and defence".

High Representative/Vice-President Borrell and Secretary of State Blinken touched on other key issues of common concern, including Afghanistan and Iran, as well as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue. The High Representative/Vice-President referred to his co-operation with neighbours of Afghanistan and to the benchmarks that will determine the level of EU engagement with the Taliban. He underlined the EU’s continued commitment to the people of Afghanistan and expressed concern over the humanitarian and economic situation in the country.

As regards the JCPOA, the High Representative stressed the need for discussions to resume in Vienna. The JCPOA remains a key instrument for global non-proliferation, peace in the region and for international security, but time to return to its implementation is not indefinite, if we want to ensure it delivers fully.

The High Representative and the Secretary of State agreed to continue their discussions in the coming weeks.

source: commonspace.eu with the press service of the EEAS (Brussels)

photo: Antony Blinken and Josep Borrell in New York. (picture courtesy of the twitter feed of @JosepBorrellF

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Council of Europe launches new International Claims Commission for Ukraine

17 December 2025

Thirty-four countries and the European Union have signed a new convention establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine at a diplomatic conference co-hosted by the 46-nation Council of Europe and the Netherlands in the Hague. The diplomatic conference was attended by leaders and high-level representatives from over 50 states, including the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, and the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Dick Schoof. “Today marks a major step forward in ensuring accountability for Ukraine. The International Claims Commission represents justice and hope for tens of thousands of victims—our determination that those who have suffered will not be forgotten. I call for quick ratifications so we can get the commission rapidly up and running for the people of Ukraine,” said Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said: “We expect that every mechanism for compensation from the Register of Damage and Claims Commission to the actual payments – will start working and receive strong and sufficient international support, so that people can truly feel that any kind of damage caused by the war can be compensated. This war, and Russia’s responsibility for it, MUST become a clear example – so that others learn not to choose aggression.” “Accountability is about creating the conditions for peace that endures. And therefore, accountability is a condition of security – today and for the future. But accountability is not only about Ukraine. And it is not only about one aggressor and one victim. Accountability is about Europe. About every country in Europe. It is about whether Europe, as a whole, is willing to defend its peace,” said Maia Sandu, President of the Republic of Moldova, which currently holds the Presidency of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers. The Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Dick Schoof, said: “Every day Russia is deliberately bombarding homes, destroying businesses and damaging infrastructure in Ukraine. Russia must compensate Ukraine for the damage caused. That is why we have launched the International Claims Commission for Ukraine and we are honoured to host it.” The International Claims Commission will be the second part of a comprehensive compensation mechanism related to Russia’s war of aggression, building on the existing Register of Damage for Ukraine. The claims commission will be established within the framework of the Council of Europe and will also be open to other countries. The Register of Damage for Ukraine, created in 2023, collects and records compensation claims submitted by individuals, organisations and public bodies in Ukraine. Forty-four states and the European Union have so far joined the Register, which has already received 86,000 claims. The International Claims Commission will review, assess and decide upon claims submitted to the Register of Damage for Ukraine and determine the amount of compensation, if any, which is due in each case. The convention establishing the commission will enter into force once it has been ratified by 25 signatories, as long as sufficient funds have been secured to support its initial work.

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