Foreign Affairs Council (Development), 18 May 2026

Main results

The Foreign Affairs Council, in its Development configuration, took place in Brussels and was chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.

Future of external action

The Council discussed the future of the EU’s external action taking into consideration shifting geopolitical and geoeconomic contexts. Ministers underlined that development cooperation remained a central pillar of the EU’s external relations and stressed the importance of preserving the Union’s credibility as a principled, predictable and reliable partner, while adapting to a rapidly changing global landscape marked by growing competition, reduced levels of official development assistance (ODA) and increasing pressure on the multilateral system.  

Discussions among ministers focused on how development cooperation can promote sustainable development in partner countries while advancing the EU’s strategic interests. Ministers also discussed how to make EU external action more focused, impactful and visible, while highlighting the importance of enhancing coordination between development, economic and foreign policy objectives. To this end, the exchange also touched upon the role of the Development configuration of the Foreign Affairs Council as an important forum to shape EU’s external policy priorities.

The Council adopted conclusions calling for a stronger EU approach to fragility, development cooperation and sustainable development in partner countries.

• Fragility and development: Council adopts conclusions on a stronger and more coordinated EU approach (press release, 18 May 2026)

The role of Global Gateway in our external action

EU development ministers also exchanged views on the role of the Global Gateway strategy in the EU’s external action. Launched in 2021, the strategy mobilises public and private resources to support sustainable investments in key sectors worldwide.

In light of geopolitical shifts impacting the EU's economic security, strategic autonomy and resilience, ministers emphasised that Global Gateway could serve as a tool for the EU to translate external policy priorities through a Team Europe approach and mutually beneficial partnerships. Ministers discussed the role of the strategy moving forward, notably on how it can deliver on the priorities and needs of partner countries while balancing EU strategic interests.

Ministers also stressed the added value of the Team Europe approach and discussed ways to make best use of the contribution of member states, European financial institutions and the private sector. They finally raised the need for effective coordination and governance structures to ensure coherent implementation of the strategy, as well as a more agile and strategic communication.

• Global Gateway (background information)
• Global Gateway: Council endorses flagship project list for 2026 (press release, 10 December 2025)
• Global Gateway (European Commission)

The impact of the Iran war

Ministers addressed the global consequences of the Iran conflict, focusing on disruptions to energy and transport, risks to food security and fertiliser supply, and considering how EU development cooperation can respond to these challenges both bilaterally and multilaterally.

Ministers also expressed concern about the wider geopolitical implications of the conflict, including pressures on migration, the multilateral system and the rules-based international order. They underlined the importance of continued EU engagement with partner countries and relevant international fora to mitigate the impact of the crisis and preserve international cooperation in addressing global challenges.

The discussion also focused on the EU and member states’ ongoing and planned initiatives to strengthen resilience in partner countries and support those most affected by the conflict.

• EU position on the situation in the Middle East (background information)

Other decisions

The Council decided to renew the EU’s restrictive measures targeting individuals and entities linked to the former al-Assad regime in Syria until 1 June 2027, while de-listing seven entities.

• Syria: Council renews restrictive measures targeting the former al-Assad regime for one year and de-lists certain entities (press release, 18 May 2026)