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The Foreign Affairs Council discussed the Russian aggression against Ukraine, after a VTC intervention of the Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, who provided an overview of the situation on the ground and Ukraine’s most urgent priorities.
The European Union has always supported a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace. […] Our position hasn't changed. For any peace plan to succeed, it has to be supported by Ukraine, and it has to be supported by Europe. […] The EU has a very clear two-point plan: first, to weaken Russia and second, to support Ukraine.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council
The ensuing EU27 discussion focused on ways to increase pressure on Russia, notably through measures to disrupt the shadow fleet. In this context, the Council was briefed by the Director of EU INTCEN, Daniel Markić, and the EU sanctions envoy, David O'Sullivan, on the impact of sanctions.
The data is very clear. The export of Russian crude oil is the lowest it has been in months. Russian tax revenues from oil are the lowest since the war started. Sanctions are hitting Russia hard and more are coming.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council
Ministers shared the opinion that going after Russia's shadow fleet should remain a priority for the EU and that work on imposing further restrictive measures on the shadow fleet should continue.
Many ministers also mentioned the importance of financial support for Ukraine.
Lastly, the Council was informed about recent attacks on Poland's railway network and other hybrid actions against European member states.
The Foreign Affairs Council exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East.
On Gaza, the United Nations Security Council resolution for an international stabilisation force is a game-changer. Peace depends on Hamas not having a role, but it also depends on international partners having a role. EU staff are already working in the Coordination Centre, focusing on humanitarian and security issues.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council
The Council discussed options to expand the use of the EU’s CSDP missions on the ground, and notably to extend the EU Border Assistance Mission (EUBAMRafah) to other crossing points. Ministers also discussed whether the EU police support mission for the Palestinian Territories (EUPOL COPPS) could take the lead in training the Palestinian police.
EU foreign affairs ministers held an informal lunch on EU-ASEAN relations with ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations countries. The focus of the discussion was on how the EU and ASEAN can deepen cooperation on geopolitical resilience and security as well as prepare for the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations in 2027.
Over the next few days, we have 70 delegations in town for our Indo-Pacific Forum. Our security is interconnected. What happens in Europe matters in Asia. What happens in Asia matters in Europe. From economic security to supply chains and the protection of critical infrastructure, working with our Indo-Pacific partners is an answer to a more dangerous world.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council
The Foreign Affairs Council exchanged views on the situation in the Sahel, and validated the principles of a renewed EU approach to the Sahel region. The focus of the approach on political and diplomatic engagement, human security and economic opportunities, and its aim is to prevent further conflict, tackle root causes of migration and counter-organised crime.
The Council discussed the situation in Sudan following the seizure of El Fasher by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and adopted restrictive measures against Abdelrahim Hamdan Dagalo, the second in command of the RSF. The EU will keep Sudan high on the agenda and discuss any other appropriate measure.
Furthermore, the EU issued a statement calling on all parties to the conflict to resume negotiations to achieve an immediate and lasting ceasefire.
The Council imposed restrictive measures on ten individuals responsible for serious violations or abuses of human rights and the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Russia.
The Council approved conclusions welcoming the pact for the Mediterranean, confirming that the Mediterranean region is a strategic priority for the EU.
The Council approved conclusions on advancing the international digital strategy for the EU. The conclusions set out an ambitious vision for how the EU will engage in global digital affairs.
