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The Foreign Affairs Council discussed the Russian aggression against Ukraine, after an intervention by Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha, who joined EU ministers in person to update them on ongoing diplomatic developments, the situation on the ground, and Ukraine’s most urgent priorities.
We all support the efforts to achieve a ceasefire, but Russia is escalating the frequency and intensity of its attacks. Just last night, we had again in Kyiv five casualties. This demands we respond with strength.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council
The Council then discussed military support to Ukraine. In this context, the High Representative announced that member states’ pledges already accounted for 80% of the target set by the two-million-round initiative.
EU ministers then touched on the 18th package of individual and economic sanctions on Russia, currently under discussion, and held a discussion on Russia's hybrid actions against European countries, on the basis of a briefing by the Director of EU INTCEN, Daniel Markić.
Over a working lunch, the Foreign Affairs Council discussed relations with China, including China’s actions that affect EU security, such as China’s support to Russia and its war of aggression against Ukraine, and China’s hybrid activities (e.g. cyberattacks and Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference - FIMI). The Director of EU INTCEN, Daniel Markić, provided a briefing.
China is one of the largest trading partners, and we have a few issues like climate change where we cooperate. But every relationship requires a dose of realism. China enables Russia's war against Ukraine. […] It carries out cyberattacks. It interferes in our democracies. It uses coercive trade practices. These aspects strain our relationship and make it increasingly hard to continue as before.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council
Situation in the Middle East and Libya
The Foreign Affairs Council was preceded by an informal breakfast to discuss the latest developments in Iran. In this context EU ministers restated the EU’s call for de-escalation and a diplomatic outcome, and confirmed the EU position that Iran must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon.
On Gaza, the High Representative stressed that the EU priorities are clear: return to full ceasefire, full humanitarian access, and the release of all hostages. She informed the Council about her outreach with Israeli authorities and the messages passed to Minister Saar, including on the need to lift the blockade on food and medicines. The High Representative also presented to the Council the review of Israel's compliance with Article 2 of EU-Israel Association Agreement, and ministers had an exchange of views on it
I will now address the results of the review with Israel. Our first goal is to change the situation on the ground and help the humanitarian aid get in, and help the people. So today was the beginning of the debate and not the end.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council
Regarding Libya, the Council discussed how the EU can further support the UN-led mediation process with a view to a durable political solution.
Under current affairs, the High Representative referred to the rapidly deteriorating situation in Georgia, where a new wave of repression is targeting opposition leaders, civil society organisations, independent broadcasters and protestors, and Georgian authorities are spreading disinformation on the EU and its member states.
The Council approved conclusions on Syria and the priorities that the EU will follow at the upcoming 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (September 2025 – September 2026).
