EU - Foreign Affairs Council, 20 November 2025 Main results

 Foreign Affairs Council, 20 November 2025

Main results

Russian aggression against Ukraine

The Foreign Affairs Council discussed the Russian aggression against Ukraine, after a VTC intervention of the Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, who provided an overview of the situation on the ground and Ukraine’s most urgent priorities.

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

The European Union has always supported a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace. […] Our position hasn't changed. For any peace plan to succeed, it has to be supported by Ukraine, and it has to be supported by Europe. […] The EU has a very clear two-point plan: first, to weaken Russia and second, to support Ukraine.

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

The ensuing EU27 discussion focused on ways to increase pressure on Russia, notably through measures to disrupt the shadow fleet. In this context, the Council was briefed by the Director of EU INTCEN, Daniel Markić, and the EU sanctions envoy, David O'Sullivan, on the impact of sanctions.

The data is very clear. The export of Russian crude oil is the lowest it has been in months. Russian tax revenues from oil are the lowest since the war started. Sanctions are hitting Russia hard and more are coming.

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

Ministers shared the opinion that going after Russia's shadow fleet should remain a priority for the EU and that work on imposing further restrictive measures on the shadow fleet should continue.

Many ministers also mentioned the importance of financial support for Ukraine.

Lastly, the Council was informed about recent attacks on Poland's railway network and other hybrid actions against European member states.

Russia's war against Ukraine (background information)

EU military support for Ukraine (background information)

EU solidarity with Ukraine (background information)

Situation in the Middle East

The Foreign Affairs Council exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East.

On Gaza, the United Nations Security Council resolution for an international stabilisation force is a game-changer. Peace depends on Hamas not having a role, but it also depends on international partners having a role. EU staff are already working in the Coordination Centre, focusing on humanitarian and security issues.

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

The Council discussed options to expand the use of the EU’s CSDP missions on the ground, and notably to extend the EU Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) to Rafah to other crossing points. Ministers also discussed whether the EU police support mission for the Palestinian Territories (EUPOL COPPS) could take the lead in training the Palestinian police.

EU position on the situation in the Middle East (background information)

EU humanitarian support for Palestinians (background information)

Informal lunch of EU-ASEAN ministers

EU foreign affairs ministers held an informal lunch on EU-ASEAN relations with ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations countries. The focus of the discussion was on how the EU and ASEAN can deepen cooperation on geopolitical resilience and security as well as prepare for the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations in 2027.

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

Over the next few days, we have 70 delegations in town for our Indo-Pacific Forum. Our security is interconnected. What happens in Europe matters in Asia. What happens in Asia matters in Europe. From economic security to supply chains and the protection of critical infrastructure, working with our Indo-Pacific partners is an answer to a more dangerous world.

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

EU-Indo Pacific Ministerial Forum, 20-21 November 2025 

The Sahel

The Foreign Affairs Council exchanged views on the situation in the Sahel, and validated the principles of a renewed EU approach to the Sahel region. The focus of the approach on political and diplomatic engagement, human security and economic opportunities, and its aim is to prevent further conflict, tackle root causes of migration and counter-organised crime.

Sahel: Council extends regional advisory and coordination cell until 31 January 2026 (press release, 8 July 2025)

EU Regional Advisory and Coordination Cell for the Sahel (RACC) (EEAS) 

Sudan

The Council discussed the situation in Sudan following the seizure of El Fasher by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and adopted restrictive measures against Abdelrahim Hamdan Dagalo, the second in command of the RSF. The EU will keep Sudan high on the agenda and discuss any other appropriate measure.

Furthermore, the EU issued a statement calling on all parties to the conflict to resume negotiations to achieve an immediate and lasting ceasefire.

Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/2369 of 20 November 2025 amending Decision (CFSP) 2023/2135 concerning restrictive measures in view of activities undermining the stability and political transition of Sudan 

Sudan: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union, 20 November 2025

Sudan: Council approves conclusions on the ongoing conflict (press release, 20 October 2025)

Sudan (background information)

Other agenda items

The Council imposed restrictive measures on ten individuals responsible for serious violations or abuses of human rights and the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Russia.

Human rights violations in Russia: EU sanctions an additional ten individuals (press release, 20 November 2025)

The Council approved conclusions welcoming the pact for the Mediterranean, confirming that the Mediterranean region is a strategic priority for the EU.

One Sea, one Pact, one Future: Council approves conclusions on the Pact for the Mediterranean (press release, 20 November 2025)

The Council approved conclusions on advancing the international digital strategy for the EU. The conclusions set out an ambitious vision for how the EU will engage in global digital affairs.

Council approves conclusions on a strategy for the EU’s engagement in global digital affairs (press release, 20 November 2025)