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The Council adopted a 14th package of economic and individual restrictive measures targeting high-value sectors of the Russian economy and making it more difficult to circumvent EU sanctions.
The Foreign Affairs Council then discussed the Russian aggression against Ukraine, after a VTC intervention by Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba, who updated his EU counterparts on the latest developments on the ground, and the most pressing Ukrainian needs.
The ensuing discussion focused on EU military support to Ukraine.
We need to supply Ukraine with more air defences, more ammunition and more support for the development of its own industrial capacities. Putin continues attacking, targeting mainly the energy infrastructure. It's clear that Putin wants to prove that Ukraine is vulnerable, and we have to prove that we will support Ukraine.
Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Ministers welcomed the decision adopted last week on the use of windfall profits from immobilised Russian assets, which will be allocated to the European Peace Facility. This will allow for the swift operationalisation of the windfall profits stemming from Russian assets immobilised in Europe as a result of restrictive measures for the benefit of Ukraine. This should amount to €1.4 billion available in the course of the next month.
The High Representative stressed that the Council was finalising the EU security commitments to Ukraine, and that with such decision the EU will be sending a clear message to Russia about its determination to continue supporting Ukraine.
Situation in the Middle East
The Foreign Affairs Council discussed developments in the Middle East, focusing on the situation on the ground, including the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the suffering of hostages.
The High Representative stressed that three weeks after US President Biden tabled his roadmap to a ceasefire and had received strong international support, in particular EU support, there were still no signs of a possible ceasefire. He also highlighted the insurmountable difficulties for humanitarian support in the absence of it.
In this context, the Council discussed support for the Palestinian Authority and UNRWA, as well as other UN agencies.
Ministers also touched on the rising tensions at Israel’s northern border and the serious risk of spill over in the region. The High Representative expressed support for active mediation efforts, led by the US and France to mitigate confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah, and for Lebanon and Cyprus which had been threatened by Hezbollah.
Lastly, the Council discussed EU support for finding a political solution to the conflict, and agreed to pursue and intensify cooperation with international partners to relaunch a political process towards a two state solution. The possibility of an Association Council with Israel was also discussed.
Western Balkans
EU Foreign Affairs Ministers were then joined by the six Foreign Affairs Ministers from the Western Balkans partner countries to have an informal discussion about stronger common engagement on foreign and security policy over lunch.
We are ready to further deepen the gradual integration and expand our support to the Western Balkan partners. And we expect them to stand together with us in defence of the rule based international order and in particular of Ukraine, notably on the measures taken in order to counter the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Their alignment with our Common Foreign and Security Policy is an expression of their strategic choice and commitment to EU membership. Maintaining close ties with Putin’s regime is not compatible with building a common future with and within the EU.
Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Georgia
The Foreign Affairs Council discussed Georgia, following up on the exchange of views held at the May Council. The Council discussed in particular the political developments in the country, including the adoption and enforcement of the law on transparency of foreign influence.
We have to regret that there is a widespread disinformation about the European Union and its values coming also from official actors. We heard Georgian voices at the highest level, surprisingly stating that this law is bringing the country closer to the European Union. And I want to be clear. No. This law and all the negative developments around it are pushing Georgia away from the European Union. […] We will increase our support to civil society and media, will counter disinformation and increase support to the electoral process.
Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
The Council discussed possible courses of action in case of a deterioration of the situation and will continue monitoring the situation and adapting EU measures as necessary.
Great lakes region and Tunisia
The Foreign Affairs Council exchanged views on the Great Lakes Region in Africa, including the ongoing crisis in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and its regional and geopolitical implications. The High Representative announced that the EU would soon nominate a special envoy to the region to implement the EU strategy.
Under current affairs, the Council was informed about political developments in Tunisia and discussed the need to first collectively assess the situation, and then consider how best to manage the EU partnership with the country and uphold EU support for the Tunisian people.
Council conclusions
The Council approve conclusions on:
- the Mid-Term Evaluation of the NDICI-Global Europe external financing instrument
