Foreign Affairs Council, 16/04/2018, 16 April 2018

Main results

Syria

Foreign ministers discussed the latest developments in Syria, including the aftermath to  the targeted US, French and UK airstrikes on chemical weapons facilities. Ahead of the Brussels II conference on 'Supporting the future of Syria and the region', they discussed the need to relaunch a political solution to the conflict in the framework of the UN-led Geneva process. The Council adopted conclusions on Syria.

The only way to put an end to the suffering of the Syrian people is to put all the pressure that we can on the parties, in particular the Syrian regime, to come to Geneva with a genuine intention to negotiate. Pressure needs to be exerted - otherwise the pattern of destruction will simply continue. Federica Mogherini, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

• Syria: Council adopts conclusions, 16/04/2018
• Syria: Council response to the crisis (background information)
• Supporting the future of Syria and the region - Brussels conference, 24-25/04/2018

Iran

The Council discussed Iran. Ministers reiterated their full unity for the continuing implementation of the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA). They encouraged the diplomatic efforts being made to ensure that there continues to be a strong commitment of all parties involved to the agreement.

''We reiterated our strong commitment to a continuation of the full implementation of the agreement in all its parts by everyone. This entails support for the work being undertaken in particular by France, Germany, and the UK with the US administration to address some of the concerns expressed by President Trump, within the framework of the existing agreement. Federica Mogherini, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

Ministers also discussed other issues outside the scope of the JCPOA, in particular the role of Iran in regional conflicts, not least in Syria and Yemen, as well as the EU's concerns at Iran's ballistic missiles programme and its human rights situation. These issues are addressed outside the JCPOA, including through existing EU sanctions.

Russia

The Council exchanged views on Russia. Foreign ministers unanimously reconfirmed the relevance of the five guiding principles agreed in March 2016 for the EU's policy towards Russia. They provide a flexible framework for EU relations with Russia, allowing firmness on EU values and  selective engagement where there is a clear EU interest.   

In the discussion, in the aftermath of the Salisbury attack and following-up on the European Council conclusions, foreign ministers highlighted in particular the need to strengthen the resilience of the EU and its neighbours against Russian threats, including hybrid threats. This includes Russian disinformation campaigns, in relation to which  ministers commended the work conducted by East StratComms taskforce in the European External Action Service. Foreign ministers also highlighted the importance of supporting Russian civil society and of continuing to develop people to people contacts. 

• EU-Russian Federation relations (EEAS website)