Today, the Council adopted conclusions on Mali and the Sahel recalling its strong integrated approach towards achieving stabilisation of the region. This approach includes full range of relevant instruments in the field of diplomacy, long-term development cooperation, support to human rights, stabilisation efforts, resilience building, humanitarian assistance, migration management and security, including CSDP missions.

The Council strongly condemns yesterday's terrorist attack in Bamako.

The Council reiterates its full support to the implementation of the Malian Peace and Reconciliation Agreement, with full involvement of civil society, women and youth, as the only way to restore peace and security in the country. The High Representative's participation on 5 June 2017 to the Comité de suivi de l'accord de paix (CSA) in Bamako confirms the strong commitment of the EU to the agreement. The EU also encourages an enhanced engagement of the G5 Sahel countries in the Malian peace process.

The EU commends the political leadership of the G5 Sahel countries, ECOWAS and the African Union in their efforts to support regional security, development and reconciliation. The EU welcomes the initiative of the Heads of State of the G5 Sahel on the establishment of the G5 Sahel Joint Force. The EU has been the first to announce a financial contribution, with EUR 50 million as planned support to this initiative.