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Conseil des affaires étrangères, 28 septembre 2026
Main results
The Foreign Affairs Council with defence ministers took place in Brussels and was chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.
EU support to Ukraine
EU defence ministers discussed EU military support to Ukraine,against the background of the latest developments on the ground and ongoing diplomatic efforts to reach a just and lasting peace backed by robust security guarantees.
EU ministers were joined by the Minister of Defence of Ukraine, Evgeniy Khmara, via VTC for an informal exchange. The Ukrainian minister presented the most urgent battlefield and financial needs and perspectives on advancing cooperation and integrating Ukrainian companies into the European defence technological and industrial base.
The ensuing ministerial discussion focused on air defence, the European Peace Facility (EPF), the EU Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM) Ukraine, and Russia’s shadow fleet.
Air defence remains the key priority for Ukraine. We see the attacks every day. Ukraine's defence minister, Khmara, made this very clear again.
Kaja Kallas,High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council
Ministers took stock of efforts to strengthen Ukraine's air defence capabilities. The High Representative recalled that procurement plans worth €28.3 billion have already been approved under the Ukraine Support Loan, including the future purchase of Patriot missiles. Ministers also highlighted the need for immediate deliveries from existing stocks and a ramp-up of production capacities.
The Council recently agreed on the mobilisation of €6.6 billion under the European Peace Facility for military support to Ukraine. The High Representative underlined that the EPF remains one of the EU's central instruments for supporting Ukraine and announced discussions with member states on replenishing the facility beyond its current funding cycle.
On military training, ministers agreed the first step of the strategic review of EUMAM Ukraine, extending the mission's mandate for another two years. The mission will also establish a coordination cell in Kyiv to strengthen military education and facilitate the exchange of battlefield lessons.
Finally, the High Representative updated the ministers on the naval CSDP efforts to counter the activities of Russia’s shadow fleet, including flag verification boardings of suspicious vessels.
The Council exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East and its implications for European defence and security, including freedom of navigation, Russia’s escalating hybrid campaign, and the upcoming review of the defence procurement directive.
On freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, as well as in the Red Sea, EU defence ministers took stock of different diplomatic initiatives. Furthermore, the High Representative provided an update on Operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES and the need for additional national assets to ensure the Operation can effectively support freedom of navigation across Bab-el-Mandeb.
Ministers also expressed growing concerns over Russia’s escalating hybrid campaign, aimed at weakening European unity and solidarity. The discussion focused on EU-level response options, including the recently announced emergency security protocol, continued coordination with NATO where appropriate, and enhancing relevant instruments at the EU’s disposal.
Russia's sustained acts of sabotage, arson and airspace violations persist. On the EU side, sanctions against perpetrators and the expulsion of Russian diplomats bite, but we need to look into what more we can do.
Kaja Kallas,High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council
The Commission provided an update on the work towards the revision of the defence procurement directive. The meeting was an opportunity for ministers to provide further guidance to the Commission.
Any other business and other decisions
Under ‘other business’, Denmark provided an update on Greenland in the light of the latest developments, including the agreement recently sealed between Denmark, Greenland and the United States to amend and supplement the 1951 Defence Agreement.
The Council approved the first five European defence projects of common interest under the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP).
The Council also decided to renew the mandates of the EU Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point (EUBAM Rafah) and of the EU Police Mission in the Palestinian Territories (EUPOL COPPS) for nine months until 30 June 2027.
The Council also decided to strengthen the EU Space Threat Response Architecture to respond to increased irresponsible and hostile behaviour in the space domain.
On the same day, the Council decided to sanction a further 10 individuals and 17 entities over the systematic unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia, as well as to impose restrictive measures on 10 Russian individuals over the barring of the Yabloko opposition party from the State Duma elections.
Before the beginning of today’s FAC Defence meeting, the European Defence Agency (EDA) Steering Board – convened at ministerial level – welcomed and exchanged views on the first annual defence readiness report, prepared by the EDA ahead of the European Council meeting of 15-16 October. The Board also approved the first phase of the strengthening of the Agency, building on a phased approach presented in May 2026.
Europe needs a decisive change in the scale and pace of defence investment, capability development, innovation and industrial capacity.
Kaja Kallas,High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council
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