Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian spoke by phone with Meliza Haradinaj-Stublla, Kosovo's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, on Wednesday, July 29. This conversation follows on from the visit to France on July 7 by Kosovo's Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti. The two ministers expressed their support for the EU's mediation with respect to the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, relaunched at the Paris summit on July 10, with the aim of reaching a comprehensive, definitive and legally binding agreement.

Mr. Le Drian also told his counterpart that France will send medical assistance to Kosovo to combat the Covid-19 epidemic. It will be delivered in the next few weeks by the ministry's Crisis and Support Center and will be in addition to the assistance provided by the EU to the Western Balkan states, notably to Kosovo.

Japan

Is France negotiating with Japan on the reciprocal opening of borders? When will it be possible to travel between the two countries again?

Based on the recommendations adopted by the Council of the European Union on June 30 and July 16, 2020, France has decided to lift the restrictions imposed on entry to its external borders of the European area for persons arriving from several third countries identified on the basis of certain health criteria, including Japan. This list of countries is subject to regular review, in coordination with our European partners, while taking into account changes in their respective health situations and conditions of reciprocity.

The restrictions instituted by the Japanese authorities on entering their country have a significant impact on both foreign residents and the activities of French companies. Together with our European and G7 partners, we are engaged in a dialogue with the Japanese Government aimed at softening these measures so that French and European residents can regain their freedom of movement while observing health precautions. Throughout Europe, Japanese residents are treated like our own citizens with respect to border restrictions.

EU – Cyberattacks

Does France support European sanctions against China, Russia and North Korea in regard to cyberattacks?

The 27 EU member states, with France's support, unanimously adopted sanctions against the perpetrators of cyberattacks targeting European interests and undermining our security.

These sanctions fall within the framework of the cyber sanctions regime adopted on May 17, 2019, and actively supported by France, and its one-year renewal on May 14.

We welcome this unanimous decision; regardless of where they come from, the perpetrators of cyberattacks on the EU and its member states must know that their actions will not go unpunished.

The diverse geographical origins of the individuals and entities designated for this first round of sanctions underscores our overall grasp of cyber threats and our determination to face up to them, regardless of their origin and without focusing on a single nation in particular. This action is therefore consistent with the global nature of this European sanctions regime.

France reaffirms its dedication and active commitment to promoting a cyberspace that is free, open and safe, and in which international law fully applies.