European External Action Service

The American Academy in Berlin has awarded the Henry A. Kissinger Prize to HR/VP Kaja Kallas in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the transatlantic relationship.⁣ Read full speech from HR/VP here: europa.eu/!WBhCf7 ⁣ Photo credit: Chris Marxen / American Academy in Berlin

This week, world leaders gathered in Paris for the Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit, focused on tackling global malnutrition and hunger.  Today, the EU reaffirmed its commitment to food security with a new pledge of €6.5 billion until 2027. Read more: europa.eu/!7hFGGP

Central Asia, a vital bridge along the historic Silk Road, continues to play an essential diplomatic role. Today, the 20th EU-Central Asia Ministerial meeting in Turkmenistan brings together representatives from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. The European Union's upcoming first-ever EU-Central Asia Summit on 4 April signals a deepening commitment to regional prosperity, security, and collaboration. Watch the full episode and check this link to learn more about EU–Central Asia relations: europa.eu/!tf4f69

HR/VP Kaja Kallas concluded her visit to the Middle East, calling for a return to negotiations with a clear message: “In a new war, both sides lose. Hamas must release all hostages and Israel must fully reinstate humanitarian aid into Gaza. Negotiations must resume.”   The HR/VP met with Egyptian, Israeli and Palestinian representatives to discuss the conflict in Gaza, to recall the importance of humanitarian assistance and the immediate return of the ceasefire-hostage release agreement.

Through the Preparedness Union Strategy, presented today, the EU strengthens its ability to prevent and respond to crises.   New measures will help tackle a wide range of risks, such as cyberattacks, sabotage, disinformation, and climate-related risks, ensuring the security and welfare of EU citizens.   By taking a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, we will work with EU Member States to better anticipate threats and respond more effectively.   Read more: europa.eu/!jHYrd6

Today, the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) launched celebrations to mark 25 years of their unique partnership.   Guided by the Joint Vision for 2030, Africa Agenda 2063, and the EU’s political priorities, this partnership continues to drive impactful change.   This unique collaboration is built on four key pillars: Prosperity, People, Planet, and Peace, Security & Governance.   Watch the video to hear insights from young African activists on the importance of this partnership.   #AUEU25

Today, Belarusians mark Freedom Day, which commemorates Belarus’ declaration of independence in 1918. The EU stands in solidarity with the people of Belarus and will continue to support all those who keep working tirelessly towards justice, freedom and democracy in their country. Over 1,200 political prisoners remain unjustly detained in Belarus. All of them must be freed and perpetrators must be held accountable. #StandwithBelarus #ДзеньВолі

The use of capital punishment persists globally, despite scientific evidence demonstrating its ineffectiveness as a tool of justice. Each month, we present verified data to document that the death penalty is irreversible, undermines fundamental human dignity, and shows no statistically significant deterrent effect. Check out the infographic for this month’s updated figures. Source: www.worldcoalition.org

The White Paper for European Defence was published earlier this week and opens the conversation on how the EU can take greater responsibility for its own defence. It sets out a roadmap to make this happen, and we will work with EU Member States to put it into practice. This is just the beginning of a broader reflection on how to protect peace and security in Europe. Learn more from the infographic. Read full information: europa.eu/!q8XnKw

EU leaders met in Brussels for the European Council. The discussions covered Ukraine, the Middle East, competitiveness, European defence, the next MFF, migration, oceans, multilateralism and the Western Balkans. Following their discussions, they agreed to prioritise simplification, lowering energy prices and mobilising private savings in order to unlock necessary investments. Read the main results here: europa.eu/!96V7vB European Commission