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The Foreign Affairs Council meeting of defence ministers took place in Brussels and was chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.
Updated threat analysis
At the beginning of their meeting, EU defence ministers were briefed on the updated comprehensive EU threat analysis.
EU support to Ukraine
Over a working lunch, the Council discussed EU military support for 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 for an informal exchange by Ukrainian defence minister MykhailoFedorov (via video link) and NATO Deputy Secretary General RadmilaShekerinska (in person).
The Ukrainian defence minister presented the most urgent battlefield needs and perspectives on further developing cooperation and integrating Ukrainian companies into the European defence technological and industrial base.
Ukraine's experience shows how quickly modern warfare evolves and also the lessons learned must shape our policy decisions. Defence innovation has to become a political priority.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council
The ensuing ministerial discussion focused on EU-Ukraine defence industrial cooperation, including the implementation of the defence component of the Ukraine Support Loan, the European Peace Facility (EPF) and other EU instruments.
The High Representative stressed that the EU was delivering on military support for Ukraine, which would receive the first disbursement of the €90 billion loan in June, but also emphasised the importance of continued bilateral support to meet Ukraine’s needs. She announced that EU defence ministers agreed on the need to find solutions to mobilise EPF funds, and concrete proposals would be tabled.
The High Representative provided an update on the EU’s contribution to security guarantees, including through strengthening the EU Satellite Centre and the ‘fourth pillar’ of actions to support efforts to counter hybrid threats, defence sector reform and veteran reintegration, which was presented to EU foreign ministers at the April Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg.
The Council exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East and its implications for European defence and security, including threats and challenges, current availability of core defence capabilities, and the impact on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
[The] Strait of Hormuz is caught in a grey zone between war and peace. We support all diplomatic initiatives to have a way out and prevent further escalation. Closure of the world's most important shipping lane is untenable. EU naval operations in the region can play a vital role in restoring energy and trade flows.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council
On freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, EU defence ministers took stock of various diplomatic initiatives. The High Representative provided an update on Operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES and the Council discussed the possibility of reinforcing and extending the operation when the conditions are appropriate.
The situation in Lebanon was also addressed. Ministers discussed the status of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), the mandate of which expires at the end of 2026, and the possibility of an EU mission.
The afternoon session ended with a discussion on the implementation of the EU’s defence readinessagenda, in line with the European Council conclusions of March 2026.
Deterrence works if it is credible. Showing weakness only invites aggression.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council
The ministerial discussion was preceded by a short presentation by thePresident of the Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD), Micael Johansson.
The discussion then touched on ongoing work on the priority capability areas and towards an EU-wide market for defence equipment.
The High Representative stressed the importance of removing the political and operational obstacles slowing down the implementation of the defence readiness agenda, while ministers emphasised the need for the industry to deliver on time and at scale.
The Council adopted an assistance measure worth €15 million under the European Peace Facility to strengthen the military and defence capabilities of the armed forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Before the meeting, the European Defence Agency (EDA) steering board – convened at ministerial level – discussed the strategic strengthening of the agency.
The discussion followed the conclusions of the European Council in October 2025 and March 2026, which called for a reinforced role for the EDA in European defence capability development, collaborative research, and joint acquisition efforts.
Acreditarea de presă pentru summiturile internaționale desfășurate în afara Uniunii Europene va fi gestionată de autoritățile guvernamentale din țara-gazdă.
