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The Foreign Affairs Council 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, especially in terms of air defence systems and energy infrastructure.
In the ensuing discussion, numerous ministers condemned Russia’s missile attacks against civilians, and the recent attack against the Children’s Hospital in Kyiv.
The Council then focused on EU military support to Ukraine, touching on the need to unblock EU support under the European Peace Facility. Concerning the use of windfall profits stemming from immobilised Russian assets, the High Representative updated EU Ministers on progress towards the first transfer of €1.4 billion expected at the beginning of August, that will be used to finance the acquisition of priority military equipment (air defence, artillery systems and ammunition), as well as procurement from the Ukrainian defence industry.
Then the Council discussed the next steps following the Summit on Peace that recently took place in Switzerland. In this context the High Representative stressed that the EU must do more to engage global partners all around the world, and that the Zelenskyy’s Peace Formula remains the only real peace plan supported by the EU.
The only one who is pro war is Putin, who is calling for Ukraine’s partition and rendition as preconditions for any talks and any ceasefire. And he sends reminders every day in the form of thousands of missiles, drones, glide bombs, and more military offensive. So, if you want to talk about the war party, talk about Putin, not about the European Union.
Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Lastly, the High Representative announced that the informal meetings of the Defence and Foreign Affairs Ministers scheduled for the end of August would take place in Brussels.
European Investment Bank
Over lunch EU Ministers of Foreign Affairs had an informal exchange of views with the President of the European Investment Bank, Nadia Calviño.
Ministers welcomed the EIB’s expanding role in the area of security and defence industry, expressed interest on going even further, and called for delivery of short term support to Ukraine. They also welcomed the stepped up EIB Group support for Ukrainian energy system and business.
The EIB President also confirmed the EIB’s commitment to contribute to financial stability in the West Bank and support the Palestinian Authority reform agenda, in line with the Commission support.
Situation in the Middle East
The Foreign Affairs Council discussed the situation in the Middle East, focusing on the situation on the ground, including the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the situation of hostages.
The Council was briefed by the EU Special Representatives for Human Rights, Olof Skoog, and for the Middle East Peace Process, Sven Koopmans.
After nearly ten months -290 days- the war in Gaza continues raging, and we witness new forced evacuations of exhausted civilians. There are more than 17 000 orphans in Gaza. And humanitarian access, which was always difficult, has now imploded.
Virtually everyone in Gaza is dependent on aid to survive. 96% of Gaza population is acutely food insecure. You can say whatever you want, but this is a horror, unbearable, and we must do everything we can to stop it. For the sake of our own humanity.
Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
The High Representative noted that, unfortunately, negotiations for a ceasefire and the release of hostages had no positive outcome in sight.
During the debate, ministers discussed risks of regional escalation, and the latest advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice. They also discussed how to build on cooperation with the Arab partners and other partners towards a meaningful process toward the two-state solution.
The Council also exchanged on how best to step up the EU support for the Palestinian Authority, to prevent its collapse to the benefit of both Palestinians, and Israelis. In this context, EU Ministers were updated by the Commission on EU political and financial assistance to the Palestinian Authority, in the form of a substantive multiannual support package which will support the Palestinian Authority reform agenda.
Lastly, the Council took stock of the ongoing preparations for the EU-Israel Association Council.
Current affairs
Under Current Affairs, the Council exchanged views about digital diplomacy, on the basis of a recent progress report by the EEAS and the Commission.
Council conclusions and other decisions
The Council approved conclusions on opening up of a visa liberalisation dialogue with Armenia.
The Council also adopted assistance measures under the European Peace Facility in support of the Armed Forces of Armenia and of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.
Lastly, the Council prolonged the EU restrictive measures in view of the Russian Federation's continuing actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine until 31 January 2025, and listed four individuals and two entities over serious human rights violations, including torture and systematic and widespread sexual and gender-based violence.
