Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP)
EU Member states have committed themselves to a Common Foreign Security Policy for the European Union.
In 2019, I visited as Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs the Simon Bolivar bridge, a 300 metres long bridge spanning Venezuela and Colombia. The bridge is named after the Venezuelan statesman and it was until the Venezuelan economic crisis a popular crossing point for citizens to shop across the border. Today, the bridge is a point where many Venezuelan refugees start the journey to look for a better future. At the time, I could witness the dire situations that many Venezuelans migrants and refugees are escaping from and the risks and misery they face. 5 million Venezuelan refugees and migrants have by now sought safety and new opportunities across the world, mostly in neighbouring countries. During my visit, I was already appointed as EU High Representative and was committed to organise European and international support for the refuges and migrants. The visit at the crossing over the Táchira River confirmed how badly this is needed.
The coronavirus pandemic will very likely deteriorate our security environment in the years to come, increasing the need for a stronger European Union security and defence policy, and for a stronger Union in the world.
The European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) reached yesterday out to Ukrainian institutions caught up in the fight against Covid-19 by donating protective equipment to those on the frontline who are putting their lives and well-being at risk.
A portable thermal imaging fever system helps border & customs officials to identify from a distance whether travellers have an above normal body temperature.
The EU Capacity Building Mission in Mali coaches since two years the Crisis Management Centre of the Ministry for Security and Civil Protection which coordinates currently the Malian response to the Corona-pandemic.
Josep Borrell takes office as the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission (HR/VP).
