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Informal discussion with Armenian foreign minister
EU foreign ministers exchanged views over breakfast with the Armenian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ararat Mirzoyan. The informal discussion took place against the backdrop of the 7 June parliamentary elections and focused on their outcome amid unprecedented Russian interference and persistent hybrid attacks.
The elections delivered a clear message: the Armenian people voted for peace, sovereignty, and closer ties with Europe. Russia's heavy pressure and economic coercion failed to sway the vote.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council
Ministers discussed further ways to support Armenia’s resilience, democratic path and economic diversification. The EU High Representative stressed that the EU is already working on a major economic support package to help Armenia withstand Russia's unfair trading restrictions, and that the new EU partnership mission in Armenia will soon be launched.
The Council discussed Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, after an informal exchange of views with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine AndriiSybiha. The Ukrainian minister - who joined via video conference -offered an overview of the situation on the ground, Ukraine’s most urgent needs, and an update on the overnight Russian attack, including on the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra cathedral, one of the most significant religious buildings in the country and a UNESCO world heritage site.
The ensuing ministerial discussion showed that EU ministers were united in their willingness to keep supporting Ukraine and increasing pressure on Russia.
Western sanctions have already cost Russia an estimated €1 to €1.3 trillion. These euros are not spent on waging war on Ukraine. Increasing the pressure also means isolating Russia internationally. As Russia bombs cathedrals, Europe should not roll out the red carpet for Russian artists and athletes who support the Kremlin's war. Culture and sport should not be a tool for whitewashing aggression.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council
In the light of the Russian actions aimed at destabilising, undermining or threatening the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Moldova, including actions aimed at subverting its democratic processes, the Council today decided to impose restrictive measures against six individuals. The Council adopted 81 additional thematic listings - 34 individuals and 47 entities - targeting Russia’s military-industrial complex, energy revenues, propaganda efforts and human rights violations.
Ministers also touched on the newly proposed 21st sanctions package against Russia, and agreed that work on it must advance swiftly.
The next agenda item focused on the situation in the Middle East in the light of the latest developments in the region.
Iran
The Council took note of the recently announced framework agreement between the United States and Iran to extend the current ceasefire by 60 days and restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, which should remain open and toll-free. It also highlighted the need for further work on curbing Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.
The announcement by the United States and Iran of a deal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz marks a potential breakthrough. It can give much-needed space for deeper negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme and other critical issues. The toughest phase of the talks still lies ahead.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council
EU foreign affairs ministers also took stock of the outreach to and coordination with partner countries, including of the High Representative’s recent visit to Pakistan and contacts with the Gulf countries. In this context the High Representative stressed that, from economic leverage to nuclear expertise, the EU stands ready to contribute to a sustainable resolution.
The Council discussed the dire humanitarian situation in Lebanon, amid the continued hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, and exchanged views on EU support for Lebanon and its people, including through the recently adopted bilateral assistance measure for the Lebanese armed forces under the European Peace Facility (EPF) worth €100 million.
Ministers further emphasised the importance of guaranteeing the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon and discussed the possibility of enhanced engagement by the EU in the country, including via a futurededicated CSDP mission.
The Council held an exchange of views on Israel and Palestine. Ministers expressed their deep concern over the critical humanitarian situation in Gaza, stressing the need to ensure access to humanitarian aid, and touched on the EU support for the reform process of the Palestinian Authority ahead of the meeting of the Palestine Donor Group in July.
Ministers also discussed the deteriorating situation in the West Bank, in particular the growing violence and the expansion of the Israeli illegal settlements. Following the adoption of additional restrictive measures against extremist Israeli settlers and leading Hamas figures on 28 May 2026, the Council also exchanged views on further policy options, including new listings and trade-related measures.
Over lunch, EU foreign affairs ministers discussed the state of play of relations between the European Union and China against the backdrop of current geopolitical developments. The exchange in the Foreign Affairs Council focused on foreign and security aspects, ahead of the European Council of 18-19 June 2026.
From distorting subsidies, growing trade imbalances, and a near monopoly of critical raw materials, the list of issues remains long. Reducing dependencies on China won't be easy or cheap, but it's necessary and urgent.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council
Concerning foreign aspects, the High Representative stressed that Beijing remains a decisive enabler of Russia's war against Ukraine and that the EU is carefully assessing new and verified reports according to which the Chinese military has been training Russian military personnel to fight in Ukraine.
The Council also discussed how to counter China's disinformation activities and strengthen European defence supply chains.
On the Indo-Pacific, EU ministers reaffirmed that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea clearly defines lawful conduct and serves as a foundation for security in the region.
Under current affairs, the Council touched on the process of appointing a new High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Ministers were also given an update on the resurgence of Ebola virus disease in the Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Any other business and other decisions
Under other business:
Poland briefed ministers on the recent White Paper on Russian Acts of Sabotage and Subversion against Members of the Council of the Baltic Sea States
Romania informed member states about the priorities of the incoming Romanian Chairmanship-in-Office of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP)
Romania and Bulgaria briefed their counterparts on the Black Sea Maritime Security Hub
In the light of the Russian-funded operations aimed at disrupting the parliamentary elections of September 2025 in the Republic of Moldova, the Council today decided to impose restrictive measures againstsix individuals.
The Council formally concluded the agreement between the EU and Canada, thus making Canada the first non-European countryto participate in the SAFEprocurement instrument.
The Council also adopted conclusions on Global Gateway, reaffirming it as the European Union’s worldwide investment strategy for building mutually beneficial partnerships and mobilising public and private resources to bridge the global investment gap.
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