Foreign Affairs Council, 21 April 2026

Main results

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine

The Council today discussed Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, after an intervention via VTC by the Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, who offered an overview of the situation on the ground and Ukraine’s most urgent needs.

The ensuing ministerial discussion focused on further support for Ukraine, including through the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan for the years 2026-2027, and ways to further increase pressure on Russia in a comprehensive manner, including through the 20th sanctions’ package and further restrictive measures.

At the end of the meeting, the High Representative announced broad support to move ahead with the fourth pillar of European security guarantees, focused on the reform of the defence sector, enhanced cyber/hybrid support, and demining efforts, as well as support for war veterans.

Furthermore, the Council adopted restrictive measures against two additional entities responsible for Russia’s continued hybrid activities, in particular propaganda and disinformation, and also decided to extend EU restrictive measures against those responsible for actions aimed at destabilising, undermining or threatening the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Moldova, until 29 April 2027.

• Russian hybrid threats: EU lists two entities over information manipulation activities (press release, 21 April 2026)
• Republic of Moldova: EU restrictive measures extended until April 2027 (press release, 21 April 2026)
• Russia's war against Ukraine (background information)
• EU military support for Ukraine (background information)
• EU solidarity with Ukraine (background information)

Situation in the Middle East

The EU foreign affairs ministers discussed the situation in the Middle East in light of the latest developments across the region.

Lebanon

The session started with an informal exchange with the President of the Council of Ministers of the Lebanese Republic, Nawaf Salam, which focused on the situation on the ground and the agreement on cessation of hostilities with Israel.

Ministers stressed the humanitarian consequences of the conflict and highlighted the importance of further supporting Lebanon.

Iran

EU ministers subsequently focused on the situation in Iran and the Gulf. The High Representative debriefed the foreign affairs ministers on her recent visit to the region and highlighted the importance of working closely with regional partners to ensure security and de-escalation.

Ministers stressed the importance of continuing diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and bring a lasting solution for the conflict.

At the end of the meeting, the High Representative announced that there was a political agreement to widen the EU sanctions regime to target also those responsible for breaches to the freedom of navigation.

• Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the ceasefire agreed by the United States and Iran (9 April 2026)
• Timeline - Iran and the Middle East (background information)
• EU sanctions against Iran (background information)

Israel and Palestine

The Council discussed Israel and Palestine.

The High Representative informed ministers about the outcome of the meetings of the Global Alliance for the implementation of the two-state solution and the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee, that she co-chaired the day before, and reaffirmed the importance of the effective implementation of the peace plan in line with the UN Security Council Resolution 2803.

As to relations with Israel, the High Representative announced that there was no unanimity on the proposal tabled by some member states for a full or partial suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.

The situation in the West Bank and EU engagement through CSDP missions were also raised.

• EU position on the situation in the Middle East (background information)
• EU humanitarian support for Palestinians (background information)

Syria

In preparation for the first EU-Syria political dialogue planned for 11 May, the Council discussed best ways to support the transition in the country.

• European Council conclusions, 20 March 2025
• Syria: Council approves conclusions (press release, 23 June 2025)
• Syria (background information)

South Caucasus

Ministers exchanged views on the EU relations with South Caucasus, with a focus on developments in the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process. In this context, various ministers stressed that progress in that process is a real opportunity for the region, and that the EU is significantly stepping up its support for it.

The Foreign Affairs Council also discussed the EU-Armenia relations ahead of the first Summit that will take place on 4-5 May in Yerevan, and endorsed the summit’s deliverables. The Council decided to establish the EU Partnership Mission in Armenia (EUPM Armenia) under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), alongside the on-going EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA), as a further contribution in the efforts to enhance Armenia’s democratic resilience and its ability to manage crises.

• Armenia: EU establishes a new civilian mission to contribute strengthening the country’s resilience (press release, 21 April 2026)
• First ever EU-Armenia summit to take place on 4 and 5 May 2026 (press release, 26 March 2026)
• Armenia (background information)

Taking into account the outcome of the visit of the President of the European Council to Baku on 11 March, ministers discussed EU relations with Azerbaijan and the parameters for possible EU reengagement with the country.

• Joint press statement by President of the European Council, António Costa, and President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev (11 March 2026)
• Azerbaijan (background information)

Finally, the Council reviewed the situation in Georgia and discussed EU pressure in response to the ongoing democratic backsliding. At the end of the meeting, the High Representative stressed that there were no signs of improvement, and that ministers had an explicit message that the Georgian government needs to change the course of action.

• Georgia (background information)

Sudan

Marking more than three years since the conflict began on 15 April 2023, the Council reviewed the war in Sudan, where fighting continues between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their respective affiliated militias amidst unprecedented violations of human rights, a catastrophic humanitarian situation, and the largest displacement crisis worldwide.

The Council held its discussion on Sudan following the 3rd International Sudan Conference in Berlin on 15 April 2026. The event was co-hosted by the EU alongside France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the African Union.

The EU issued a statement on the matter confirming its commitment to Sudan’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and strongly rejecting any unilateral attempt to establish parallel governance that could risk the partition of the country.

• Sudan: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union marking three years of war (press release 21 April 2026)
• Co-Host Communiqué - International Sudan Conference Berlin (15 April 2026 - Federal Foreign Office)
• EU and Member States pledge over €812 million in response to crisis in Sudan - European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (15 April 2026 – European Commission)
• Sudan (background information)

Other items and decisions

During the meeting, Latvia raised the issue of the participation of Russia in Venice Biennale 2026.

Lithuania informed the Council of the Belarus Supreme Court’s recent decision to designate the European Humanities University (EHU) as an "extremist organisation”.

Finally, the Belgian minister debriefed the Council on his mission to the Western Balkans.

The Council today approved conclusions on “EU energy and climate diplomacy – strengthening sovereignty and advancing the global clean transition”.

• EU energy and climate diplomacy: Council approves conclusions (press release, 21 April 2026)