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The Council of the European Union on Monday (19 April) approved conclusions affirming the EU's determination to renew and strengthen its strategic partnership with its Southern Neighbourhood in the Mediterranean and the Sahel.

The European Union (EU) announced on Monday (19 April) to step up its influence in the Indo-Pacific region in a bid to protect its interests and counter China’s rising economic power.

While it appears that relations will continue with their ups and downs in somewhat dramatic fashion, the two sides are clumsily edging towards some sort of reconciliation. Both NATO and the EU would be much relieved.

In a telephone conversation with the Ukrainian President, the European Council President Charles Michel expressed the EU's continued support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders. Michel reiterated his call on Russia to respect the OSCE principles and commitments on the transparency of military movements.