Foreign Affairs Council
The Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) ensures the unity, consistency and effectiveness of the European Union's external action.
The Foreign Affairs Council is responsible for the EU's foreign policy, and manages the EU's diplomatic relations with the rest of the world.
It decides on security and defence matters, concludes trade agreements and establishes international partnerships.
Areas of work of the Foreign Affairs Council
The Council takes decisions aimed at bolstering the EU's defence industry and its military capabilities, and other defence-related measures.
The Council shapes the EU's position on world trade and plays a crucial role in trade agreements with non-EU countries and regions.
The Council frames the EU's development cooperation policy and international partnerships, including through the Global Gateway.
The Council decides the EU's response to crises across the world, such as Russia's war against Ukraine and the crises in Gaza, Afghanistan, Venezuela and Sudan.
The Council adopts sanctions targeting individuals and entities responsible for certain actions such as terrorism or undermining and threatening territorial integrity.
The Council promotes human rights worldwide, sets the EU's strategic priorities at UN fora and adopts sanctions in view of human rights abuses.
Recently discussed
Russia's war against Ukraine
Middle East and North Africa
European defence readiness
EU relations with the rest of the world
How the Foreign Affairs Council works
The Foreign Affairs Council brings together ministers responsible for foreign affairs, defence, trade or development from all member states. Depending on the agenda, it meets in four different compositions.
Foreign Affairs
The Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) is composed of the EU foreign affairs ministers. It meets approximately once per month, mostly in Brussels and a few times a year in Luxembourg. It is chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Foreign ministers also come together twice a year for an informal meeting, known as 'Gymnich'.
Defence
The FAC (Defence) is composed of the EU ministers for defence, who in some member states may be the ministers for foreign affairs. It meets at least once every six months and is chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
Trade
The FAC (Trade) is composed of the EU ministers for trade, who in some member states may be the ministers for foreign affairs or for the economy. It meets at least once every six months and is chaired by the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU. In addition, it meets in the margins of the annual WTO ministerial meeting.
Development
The FAC (Development) is composed of the EU ministers for development, who in some member states may be the ministers for foreign affairs. It meets at least once every six months and is chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
The Foreign Affairs Council implements the strategic guidelines set by the European Council in foreign affairs matters. Relevant European Commissioners also participate in the meetings.
The work of the Foreign Affairs Council is prepared by Coreper, composed of the permanent representatives of the governments of the member states, with the support of the Political and Security Committee (PSC) and around 30 specialised working parties.
Chair of the Foreign Affairs Council
The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy conducts the EU's common foreign and security policy and chairs the Foreign Affairs Council.
Kaja Kallas is the current High Representative. She is also vice-president of the European Commission and the head of the European External Action Service, the EU's diplomatic service.
Work programme during the Irish presidency
The Irish presidency’s priorities include support for Ukraine, peace and security in the Middle East, defence readiness, cybersecurity, resilience to hybrid threats, maritime security, global partnerships, trade policy, development cooperation and humanitarian assistance.
The Irish presidency works closely with the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to strengthen the EU’s role as a principled global actor, uphold the international rules-based order and promote human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
Related news
Chemical weapons: EU sanctions six individuals involved in Navalny’s poisoning and death Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain countries concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Russia
Press contacts
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Maria Daniela Lenzu Press officer
Foreign Affairs, Security & Defence Issues, Development
- +32 470 88 04 02
- +32 2 281 21 46
- @daniela_lenzu
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Carlo Zarcone Press officer
Foreign Affairs, Trade, Corporate communication
- +32 471 33 31 73
- +32 2 281 70 66
- @carlozarconeeu
- @carlozarconeeu.bsky.social
If you are not a journalist, please send your request to the public information service.
All Council configurations
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Agriculture and Fisheries Council
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Competitiveness Council
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Economic and Financial Affairs Council
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Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council
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Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council
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Environment Council
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Foreign Affairs Council
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General Affairs Council
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Justice and Home Affairs Council
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Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council
Last review: 6 July 2026