Foreign Affairs ministers meeting in Brussels on 31 January in the Council chaired by High Representative Catherine Ashton, analysed the situation in Egypt after the considerable loss of life during demonstrations over the last few days. Ministers in charge of Foreign Affairs recognised the legitimate democratic aspirations of the Egyptian people and urged the Egyptian authorities to embark on an orderly transition to a process of genuine democratic reform and take  urgent, concrete and decisive measures.

The Council of the European Union has urged Egyptian authorities to respect and protect human rights including freedom of assembly and freedom of expression, urging them to take appropriate measures to assure the security of all citizens and their property and to protect the cultural heritage. In their conclusions, ministers called for an immediate end to looting.

As the European Union did after the recent events which took place in Tunisia following popular  demonstrations, EU ministers also urged on Egyptian authorities to immediately release all peaceful demonstrators who have been detained. It is also urgent, and the Council has expressed so, that Egyptian authorities restore all communication networks without delay and to guarantee unhindered access to all media, including the Internet.

EU support to an orderly and peaceful transition in Egypt

The Council has urged the Egyptian authorities to embark on an orderly transition through a broad-based government leading to a genuine process of substantial democratic reform with full respect for the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms, paving the way for free and fair elections. Egyptian authorities should seek a peaceful and constructive way forward based on a serious and open dialogue with all political forces ready to abide by democratic norms and with civil society.

Finally, the Council has reiterated EU support for a democratic, pluralist and stable Egypt as a key partner, mindful of its important regional role, and sharing the goal of building stability, peace and prosperity in the Mediterranean and Middle East region. The EU is committed to accompanying, through a partnership, the Egyptian transformation process by mobilising, reviewing and adapting existing instruments to support political, economic and social reforms.