Brussels, 16 December 2021 (TDI): Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of European Affairs of Belgium Sophie Wilmes met the Deputy Foreign Minister of Greece and in charge of European Affairs Miltiadis Varvitsiotis on his visit to Brussels on the margins of the European Affairs Council and the European Council, on the 15th of December 2021.
The aim of the meeting was to discuss several agenda items included European Council coordination on COVID-19, energy prices, migration, and European enlargement, stabilization, and association process.
It was our pleasure to host @MVarvitsiotis during his visit to Brussels to attend #GAC and #EUCO 🇪🇺. We discussed a number of items on the agenda, such as European coordination on covid-19, energy(prices), migration and the enlargement dossier. 🇧🇪🇬🇷 pic.twitter.com/bE2cUjXAbF
— Sophie Wilmès (@Sophie_Wilmes) December 15, 2021
European Council Enlargement
Both ministers discussed several topics on the agenda of the European Council. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of European Affairs Sophie Wilmes said, “The fact that the Council could overcome internal objections and come to conclusions together increases European credibility and sends the right message: the enlargement perspective for the Western Balkans is preserved, but strictly based on merit. Similarly, that 4 new negotiating chapters could be opened with Serbia is a recognition of the—albeit modest—progress in the rule of law reform agenda.”
COVID-19: Omicron Variant
Both states discussed the new Omicron variant of COVID-19 and coordination of the European Council over the variant and its travel recommendations. Sophie Wilmes said, “We have to be vigilant for the Omicron variant. It is, therefore, a good idea to have travelers from third countries – even if they have been vaccinated – present a negative test result when they come to Belgium. In addition, it is important to coordinate to avoid hindering free movement in the EU.”
Evolution of Energy
Both ministers also discussed the evolution of energy prices. The geopolitical dimension of energy was also under discussion. The Deputy Prime Minister of Belgium and Foreign Minister of Greece discussed the market forces and market interference consequences.
Nous avons eu le plaisir d’accueillir pour une réunion @MVarvitsiotis, présent à Bruxelles pour assister au #CAG et #EUCO. Plusieurs points de l’agenda ont été abordés: coordination européenne sur le covid-19, prix de l’énergie, migration et élargissement. https://t.co/Vjizj9bpIY
— Sophie Wilmès (@Sophie_Wilmes) December 15, 2021
They also discussed the need for diversifying energy sources and suppliers. Both ministers emphasized the importance of more consultation between the Ministers of Foreign/European Affairs and their Energy colleagues.
Migration
Both ministers, Deputy Prime Minister of Belgium and Deputy Foreign Minister of Greece Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, discussed migration regarding the regime’s instrument of migrants in Belarus. They discussed the EU Summit and the need to act in a workable, coordinated way.
In the last, the European Union’s broader sanctions policy also discussed.
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