Foreign Affairs Council, 20 July 2015

Main results

Last week, with the historic agreement with Iran on its nuclear programme, we have seen very concretely that diplomacy in the long run can deliver. I am pleased to report that EU ministers expressed their unanimous support to the agreement. Perseverance can pay, and we also discussed what European diplomacy can do to improve the situation in Libya and in the Middle East. Federica Mogherini, The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

Iran

The Council welcomed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, agreed on 14 July in Vienna, ensuring that Iran's nuclear programme will be exclusively peaceful.

• Council conclusions on the agreement on Iran's nuclear programme, 20 July 2015

Libya

The Council was briefed by UN Special Representative Bernardino Leon on the initialling of a political agreement by the vast majority of Libyan parties. Ministers discussed what more the EU can do to bring the missing parties on board and to further support the efforts towards the formation of a government of national accord. The EU stands ready to support such government when formed, both economically and politically. 

Aware of the sense of urgency, ministers discussed the possibility of adopting sanctions against spoilers of the dialogue process. The decision to impose such restrictive measures can be taken at any time, if and when needed.

Middle East peace process

The Council discussed the Middle East peace process and approved conclusions.

• Council Conclusions on the Middle East peace process

EU action plan on human rights and democracy

The Council adopted the new EU action plan on human rights and democracy for 2015 to 2019 "Keeping human rights at the heart of the EU agenda".

• Council adopts new EU action plan on human rights and democracy

• Outcome of the Council meeting