The European Union needs to strengthen its geopolitical role, take on responsibility for its security, and provide security to others, particularly in its neighbourhood, Croatia's Foreign and European Affairs Minister Gordan Grlic-Radman said on Monday, ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers.

“Today, we will discuss how to strengthen the EU’s geopolitical role and strategic resilience. The coronavirus crisis has shown us how much we depend on each other, hence the EU has to able to take over responsibility for its security and to provide security to others, particularly in our neighbourhood,” Grlic-Radman said.

The ministers are attending a regular monthly meeting to discuss the geopolitical influence of new digital technologies on security and defence, including cyber security.

The agenda will most likely include an exchange of views on opportunities and challenges for the EU in the global race with new technologies, possible next steps for the Union to take in that regard, and its relations towards global partners and third countries.

Prior to the meeting, the ministers will have a working breakfast with Egypt’s foreign minister Sameh Hassan Shoukry. They will also have a working lunch with Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Yair Lapid.