Foreign Affairs Council, 13 July 2026

Main results

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine

Before the beginning of the FAC meeting, EU foreign affairs ministers held an informal exchange over breakfast with Ukraine’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, as well as the representatives of two Ukrainian human rights organisations, on Ukrainian civilian detainees.

A joint EU-Ukraine statement was issued on this matter.

• Joint statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union and by Ukraine on civilian detainees and the humanitarian consequences of Russia’s war of aggression (3 July 2026)

The Council then discussed Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, following an initial address by Minister Sybiha, who gave an overview of the situation on the ground and Ukraine’s most urgent needs.

The ensuing ministerial discussions focused on Ukraine's energy preparedness ahead of next winter – including urgent air defence support and support for the protection and repair of critical energy infrastructure – support for Ukraine and continued pressure on Russia.

Concerning the latter, the Council adopted restrictive measures against individuals and entities responsible for:

• cyber-attacks with a significant effect constituting an external threat to EU member states and malicious activities against the EU and its member states

• Russian cyber-attacks and destabilising activities: Council sanctions nine individuals and four entities (press release, 13 July 2026)

• serious human rights violations against Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian detainees both in the temporarily occupied regions of Ukraine and in Russia

• Human rights violations against Ukrainian prisoners of war: Council lists 15 individuals and one entity (press release, 13 July 2026)

• serious human rights violations in Russia, notably the repression of civil society and democratic opposition and Russia’s continued use of new technologies to restrict freedom of expression, access to information and freedom of association

• Human rights violations in Russia: Council lists four individuals and five entities over abusive surveillance (press release, 13 July 2026)
• Russia's war against Ukraine (background information)
• EU military support for Ukraine (background information)
• EU solidarity with Ukraine (background information)

Black Sea

One year following the launch of the Black Sea strategic approach, the Council reviewed its implementation and discussed proposals for the way forward.

The High Representative stressed that the EU has initiated 65 projects worth around €200 million across the region and that the EU also put forward an ambitious connectivity agenda worth billions for the years to come.

• EU strategic approach to the Black Sea region
• Co-Chairs Conclusions on Strengthening Cross-Regional Security and Connectivity (press release, 20 October 2025)

Situation in the Middle East

The Council discussed the situation in the Middle East in light of the latest developments in the region.

Iran

The Council took stock of the situation in Iran and the wider region, and the state of the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Ministers confirmed the importance of maintaining active outreach to and close coordination with partner countries in the Gulf, which play a vital role in regional stability.

During the FAC lunch break, the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) held their informal High-Level Forum on regional security and cooperation.

• Timeline - Iran and the Middle East (background information)
• EU sanctions against Iran (background information)

Gaza and the West Bank

The Council further exchanged views on Gaza and the West Bank.

Ministers reiterated their deep concern over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and stressed the urgent need for a sustained increase in humanitarian assistance, including full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access. They reaffirmed their commitment to the implementation of the comprehensive peace plan for Gaza, stressed the importance of advancing towards its subsequent phases, and reiterated their support for the two-state solution.

Ministers also discussed the deteriorating situation in the West Bank, reiterating their opposition to the expansion of illegal settlements and settler violence, and discussed possible further measures against settlements and other actions undermining the two-state solution. In this context, ministers exchanged views on options for further trade-related measures vis-à-vis the products originating in the settlements, as presented by the European Commission, in line with the European Council conclusions of June 2026.

• European Council conclusions (19 June 2026)
• EU position on the situation in the Middle East (background information)
• EU humanitarian support for Palestinians (background information)

Lebanon

The Council touched upon the situation in Lebanon. Ministers welcomed the framework agreement on ending the hostilities between Israel and Lebanon, while raising concerns for the fragile situation on the ground. They reaffirmed their support for Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and emphasised the importance of supporting the Lebanese government and armed forces, including via a future dedicated CSDP mission.

• Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon (2 July 2026)

Current affairs

Under current affairs, the Council exchanged views on EU-UN relations, in view of the UN General Affairs high-level week (22-28 September 2026). In this context, the Council approved conclusions on the EU’s priorities at the UN during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.

• Council Conclusions on EU priorities at the United Nations during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, September 2026 – September 2027
• EU cooperation with the United Nations (background information)

Ministers were also informed on the current state of play in the appointment of the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Other decisions

The Council launched the EU Partnership Mission in Armenia (EUPM Armenia) under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) to enhance the country’s resilience.

• Armenia: EU launches partnership mission to support the country's resilience against evolving hybrid threats (press release, 13 July 2026)

The Council strengthened EU sanctions on Sudan by targeting gold mining and gold exploitation to curb financing of the conflict.

• Sudan: Council strengthens EU sanctions regime by targeting gold trade (press release, 13 July 2026)

The Council appointed a new EU Special Representative for Kosovo* and extended the mandates of the current EU Special Representatives for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Horn of Africa.

• Council appoints a new EU Special Representative for Kosovo* and renews mandates for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Horn of Africa (press release, 13 July 2026)

The Council adopted two assistance measures, under the EPF to the benefit of the Moldovan Armed Forces and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, worth €120 million and €15 million respectively.

• European Peace Facility: Council adopts assistance measure to support the Republic of Moldova’s air defence capabilities (press release, 13 July 2026)
• European Peace Facility: Council adopts first-ever assistance measure for the Philippine’s maritime security (press release, 13 July 2026)