In the debate on the global implications of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, State Secretary Raščan underlined Slovenia's commitment to continuing its efforts to provide aid to Ukraine. To date, Slovenia has provided humanitarian aid worth more than 3.2 million euros for Ukraine. Adequate attention is also devoted to food security and aid to partner countries. In the poorest countries, poverty and hunger are rising at an alarming rate, as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine crisis drive up food, fertiliser and energy prices. Global food security is at risk due to the blocking of Ukrainian ports, which prevents the export of grains and other agricultural products from Ukraine. So far, Slovenia has contributed 900 thousand euros for the World Food Programme.

At the meeting, the European Commission outlined the plans for the implementation of the European Financial Architecture for Development and the preparations for the Global Education Summit to be held in September on the margins of the UN General Assembly.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi joined the ministers for a working lunch to talk about the crisis in Ukraine, the main challenges on the ground and the possibilities of enhanced cooperation.

The ministers later approved Council conclusions on Least Developed Countries and the 2021 Annual Report on the implementation of the European Union’s External Action Instruments.