EU - Foreign Affairs Council Foreign Affairs Council, 27 January 2025 Main results

 EU - Foreign Affairs Council

Foreign Affairs Council, 27 January 2025

Main results

Russian war of aggression against Ukraine

The Foreign Affairs Council discussed the Russian aggression against Ukraine, after a VTC intervention by Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha, who updated his EU counterparts on the latest developments on the ground, and the most pressing Ukrainian needs.

In the ensuing EU27 discussion, ministers discussed how to step up EU military support to Ukraine and agreed on renewing the EU restrictive measures in view of the Russian Federation’s continuing actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine for a further 6 months, until 31 July 2025.

Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council</p>

Europe is Kiev's largest international donor. We have provided over €134 billion in total. But it's clear that Ukraine needs more. The frontline is moving west, but it should be moving east. Ukraine requires more ammunition, air defence, trained soldiers points that Foreign Minister Sibiya reiterated also today via video. More military support for Ukraine and stronger sanctions on Russia are two sides of the same coin. More military support for Ukraine is very important for our own security as well.

Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine: Council extends economic restrictive measures for a further 6 months (press release, 27 January 2025)

EU response to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine (background information)

EU solidarity with Ukraine (background information)

EU-US relations

The Foreign Affairs Council discussed the EU relations with the United States, following the inauguration of President Trump.

The ministerial discussion aimed to forge a common understanding among member states on transatlantic relations: identify challenges, agree on priorities, map opportunities for a positive agenda and coordinate engagement.

At the end of the meeting, the High Representative stressed that the policies of the new US administration have major implications on the European Union and that Europe needs to close ranks and stay united.

Europe is an economic heavyweight and geopolitical partner, and the  United States is our closest ally. Our adversaries are cooperating very closely. So should we. Europe and North America are stronger and safer together.

Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council

EU-US relations (background information)

Situation in the Middle East

The Foreign Affairs Council exchanged views on EU support to Syria and the easing of the EU’s sanctions framework.

Today, we reached the political agreement to begin easing sanctions on Syria. This could give a boost to Syrian economy and help the country get back on its feet. While we aim to move fast, we also are ready to reverse the course if the situation worsens. And in parallel, we will scale up humanitarian aid and recovery efforts.

Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council

Concerning the situation in Israel and Gaza, the Council welcomed the release of hostages and the ceasefire announced on 15 January.

The High Representative announced that the EU will be supporting the implementation of the ceasefire including by redeploying the EU civilian mission to Rafah to supervise border checks.

She also announced that the situation was ripe to have a EU-Lebanon Association Council in 2025.

The ministerial discussion also touched on Iran, as member states made clear that the practice of detaining foreign nationals for political leverage must end.

Israel/Palestine: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU welcoming the ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza (18 January 2025)

EU position on the situation in the Middle East

EU humanitarian support for Palestinians (background information)

Current affairs

Under Current Affairs, the Council exchanged views on Moldova, Georgia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Democratic Republic of the Congo: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the latest escalation in eastern DRC (25 January 2025)

Hybrid threats

The Council had an informal breakfast discussion on hybrid threats.

Russia's hybrid actions are increasing in frequency and intensity […] The Baltic Sea has seen major cases of damage of undersea installations. Our failure to deter such actions sends dangerous signal to any aggressor. Weakness invites them in. Together now we are strengthening our situational awareness, preparedness and resilience.

Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council

Council conclusions and other decisions

The Council approved conclusions on the priorities of the European Union in United Nations Human Rights fora in 2025

United Nations Human Rights Fora: Council approves EU priorities for 2025 (press release, 27 January 2025)

The Council also:

- appointed Peter Sørensen as EU Special Representative (EUSR) for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, from 1 February 2025 to 28 February 2026

Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue: EU appoints a new Special Representative (press release, 27 January 2025)

- adopted a decision on the partial suspension of the visa facilitation agreement with Georgia

Georgia: Council suspends visa-free travel for diplomats and officials (press release, 27 January 2025)

- imposed restrictive measures on three individuals involved in cyber-attacks against Estonia

Cyber-attacks: three individuals added to EU sanctions list for malicious cyber activities against Estonia (press release, 27 January 2025)