On top of the agenda was the Team Europe Global Response to the Covid-19 pandemic, which will mobilise more than EUR 36 billion in EU support for partner countries. The meeting outlined political orientations for future work, ongoing developments and challenges faced by partner countries in combating the pandemic. Director General of the World Health Organization Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus joined the discussion to share his views on the current situation.

State Secretary Kajzer made an overview of Slovenia’s assistance to developing countries in their fight against the pandemic, which includes an aid package for candidate countries in the Western Balkans, and contributions to the WHO and UNRWA. Together with the planned contributions, Slovenia will earmark almost EUR 1 million in total to combat COVID-19 in developing countries.

During a short exchange on the state of play in negotiations on a new partnership agreement between the EU and African, Caribbean and Pacific countries, the ministers were updated on the Commission’s proposed roadmap for the finalisation of negotiations and the signing of the agreement. They were also briefed on issues that remain outstanding at the current final negotiating stage.

On the basis of a Wise Persons Group report, ministers were informed of the future financial architecture for sustainable development against the backdrop of the recently revised proposal for the 2021–2027 Multiannual Financial Framework, Chapter 6 – The Neighbourhood and the World, and its impact on external action.