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Conselho dos Negócios Estrangeiros, 12 de outubro de 2026
Main results
Security impact of an enlarged EU
EU ministers exchanged views on the security impact on an enlarged Union, ahead of the October European Council strategic discussion on the matter.
The ministerial discussion explored opportunities and challenges of enlargement for EU security, including how candidate countries and potential candidates can contribute to strengthening EU security and defence.
Enlargement has been the EU's most successful foreign policy tool for decades. [...] Many candidate countries are already significantly contributing to our security. Ukraine, of course, is Europe's first line of defence against the Russian aggression. Moldova and our Western Balkan partners contribute to EU missions and operations.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council
Ministers focused on the areas of foreign, security and defence cooperation to be prioritised, and how the accession process can further support regional stability, normalisation and good neighbourly relations.
Ministers agreed to deepen security and defence cooperation with candidate countries,based on their progress and alignment with the EU. They also confirmed the importance of strategic communications on the positive aspects of enlargement.
Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and escalating hybrid campaign targeting the EU and member states
EU foreign affairs ministers discussed Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the escalating hybrid campaign targeting the EU and its member states, after an informal exchange of views with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, AndriiSybiha.
There was support today among ministers for a truce on striking energy infrastructure between Ukraine and Russia, provided Moscow adheres to it. But a ceasefire cannot work if only one party honours it. There is a clear understanding that now is not the time to ease pressure on Moscow.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council
The ministerial discussion focused on the EU’s response to Russia’s intensified hybrid actions, as well as its support for Ukraine and pressure on Russia.
Concerning pressure on Russia, the Council adopted the largest-ever package of listings targeting almost 1600 individuals and entities in Russia’s military-industrial complex, and 77 additional listings against those involved in the illegal so-called 'elections' for the Russian State Duma, held in September 2026 in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.
The High Representative said that pressure on Russia will be maintained through more sanctions — including through a 22nd package of restrictive measures —, sanctions enforcement, actions against the shadow fleet, the attribution of and collective reaction to hybrid attacks, and better intelligence sharing.
Additionally, the Council discussed the need to work on a swift implementation of the entry ban for former Russian ex-combatants, and the possibility to restrict the movement of Russian diplomats and reduce the number of Russian tourist visas.
When it comes to our collective response, we need a mechanism to consult and to act rapidly. And this is why we will propose an emergency security protocol as part of our European security strategy. This must come with a set of ready to deploy response tools.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council
Concerning support for Ukraine, the High Representative welcomed Ukraine’s decision to pass the necessary laws that will allow for opening negotiations on two additional enlargement clusters. The Council also discussed Ukraine's financing gap for 2027, and the need for EU member states to play a lead role in supporting the country’s financing needs.
Lastly, EU ministers discussed preventing the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes to international sporting competitions under Russian or Belarusian flags and possible EU action against those destroying Ukrainian cultural heritage.
The Council discussed the situation in the Middle East, focusing on the latest developments in Iran and the Gulf region, notably the issue of freedom of navigation, and on Israel and Palestine.
Iran and the Gulf
The Council addressed the escalating tensions in the Gulf and the Red Sea, including the attacks against Saudi Arabia and the disruption of maritime security and freedom of navigation, notably in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Ministers jointly condemned the recent attack on the Riyadh airport by the Houthis and stressed the importance of de-escalation, maintaining diplomatic engagement with regional partners and pursuing diplomatic efforts towards a negotiated outcome.
They also underlined the need to restore freedom of navigation in accordance with international law, including through the EU’s maritime security operations, notably EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, and discussed the need to strengthen its capabilities. In this context, several ministers welcomed the EU-led “no fees/no tolls” pledge to protect international shipping lanes and oppose unlawful, unilateral fees, tolls, or restrictions that hinder freedom of navigation.
Keeping the Red Sea open is in Europe's strategic interest. International waters, the arteries of our economy must remain open to everyone, not whoever can pay.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council
Lastly, EU ministers also discussed the deteriorating situation in Yemen, emphasising the importance of supporting the internationally recognised Yemeni government, advancing efforts towards a political settlement and addressing the severe humanitarian needs in Yemen and the Horn of Africa.
Ministers exchanged views on the situation in Israel and Palestine, ahead of the upcoming electoral cycle in the region. In this regard, ministers regretted the postponement of the Palestinian legislative elections and underlined the importance of engaging with the Palestinian Authority to ensure that elections can take place in the near future. They also discussed developments in EU-Israel relations in the context of the upcoming Israeli elections.
The EU remains ready to support the process, including through our EU election observation mission. After 20 years without the legislative vote, Palestinian institutions need renewed legitimacy.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council
More broadly, the Council discussed the situation in Gaza and the West Bank. Ministers expressed deep concern about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and stressed the need for rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access at scale, as necessary conditions to make progress in the implementation of the comprehensive peace plan. They also discussed the deteriorating situation in the West Bank, including settlement expansion and settler violence.
Ministers also touched upon the situation in Lebanon, reiterating the EU’s support for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They welcomed the establishment, via a Council decision, of the EU support mission in Lebanon (EUSM Lebanon) to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces and support stability in the country.
Under current affairs, the Council touched upon the situation in Georgia, expressing grave concern over the country's democratic backsliding, the situation of opposition parties, and the implementation of foreign agents' legislation. A more in-depth discussion on Georgia is expected to take place at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting in January 2027.
Under ‘any other business’, Belgium and the Netherlands addressed the ministers on the International Criminal Court (ICC), in the light of the restrictive measures recently announced by the US on the ICC and its judges
The Netherlands also raised the issue of the EU's restrictive measures on transnational organised crime.
France referred to Algeria in the context of recently adopted trade restrictions on French imports.
Cyprus updated ministers on the Memorandum of Understanding signed on 10 July by Türkiye and the secessionist entity in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus for the development of an undersea natural gas pipeline.
Other decisions
The Council imposed restrictive measures on a further three individuals and four entities responsible for supporting the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s weapons of mass destruction programmes and violating UN sanctions.
The Council also extended the framework for restrictive measures against the proliferation and use of chemical weapons for five years, until 30 October 2031.
The Council decided to extend the mandate of the Security Sector Reform in Iraq (EUAM Iraq) until 31 October 2028.
In the margins of the meeting
Before the start of the FAC meeting, EU ministers held an informal breakfast discussion dedicated to countering foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) and strategic communication campaigns.
Documentos da reunião
Documentos preparatórios
Atualmente este documento está disponível apenas na(s) seguinte(s) língua(s):
A acreditação dos média para cimeiras internacionais realizadas fora da União Europeia será assegurada pelas autoridades governamentais do país de acolhimento.
