Council of the EU 15/06/2026 20:01 | Meetings | Main results - Foreign Affairs Council, 15 June 2026

 Council of the EU

15/06/2026 20:01 | Meetings |

Main results - Foreign Affairs Council, 15 June 2026

 

The Foreign Affairs Council exchanged views on the latest developments related to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, including the war in Iran. Ministers also discussed EU relations with China. Before the meeting, ministers had an informal breakfast with their counterpart from Armenia.

Foreign Affairs Council, 15 June 2026

Main results

Informal discussion with Armenian Foreign Minister

EU foreign ministers exchanged views over breakfast with the Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ararat Mirzoyan. The informal discussion took place against the backdrop of the 7 June parliamentary elections and focused on their outcome amidst unprecedented Russian interference and persistent hybrid attacks.

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

Elections delivered a clear message: the Armenian people voted for peace, sovereignty, and closer ties with Europe. Russia's heavy pressure and economic coercion failed to sway the vote.

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

Ministers discussed further ways to support Armenia’s resilience, its democratic path and economic diversification. The EU High Representative stressed that the EU is already working on a major economic support package to help Armenia withstand Russia's unfair trading restrictions, and that the new EU partnership mission in Armenia will soon be launched.

Armenia: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the outcome of parliamentary elections (8 June 2026)

Armenia: Council appoints Head of Mission for European Union Partnership Mission (press release, 9 June 2026)

EU-Armenia summit, 4-5 May 2026

EU relations with Armenia (background information)

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine

The Council discussed Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, after an informal exchange of views with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha. The Ukrainian minister - who was connected via videoconference - offered an overview of the situation on the ground, Ukraine’s most urgent needs, and an update on the overnight Russian attack, including on the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra cathedral, one of the most significant religious sites of the country and a UNESCO World Heritage one.

The ensuing ministerial discussion showed that EU ministers were united in their willingness to keep supporting Ukraine and increasing pressure on Russia.

Western sanctions have already cost Russia an estimated €1 to €1.3 trillion. These euros are not spent on waging war on Ukraine. Increasing the pressure also means isolating Russia internationally. As Russia bombs cathedrals, Europe should not roll out the red carpet for Russian artists and athletes that support the Kremlin's war. Culture and sport should not be a tool to whitewash aggression.

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

In light of the Russian actions aimed at destabilising, undermining or threatening the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Moldova, including actions aimed at subverting its democratic processes, the Council decided today to impose restrictive measures against six individuals. The Council adopted 81 additional thematic listings - 34 individuals and 47 entities - targeting Russia’s military-industrial complex, energy revenues, propaganda efforts and human rights violations.

Ministers also touched on the newly proposed 21st sanctions package against Russia, and agreed that work on it must advance swiftly.

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine: new EU sanctions target energy revenues, the military-industrial complex, propaganda and human rights violations (press release, 15 June 2026)

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 next agenda item focused on the situation in the Middle East in light of the latest developments in the region.

Iran

The Council took note of the recently announced framework agreement between the United States and Iran to extend the current ceasefire by 60 days and restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, which should remain open and toll-free. It also highlighted the need for further work on curbing Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missiles programmes.

The announcement by United States and Iran of a deal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz marks a potential breakthrough. It can give much-needed space for deeper negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme and other critical issues. The toughest phase of the talks still lies ahead.

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

EU foreign affairs ministers also took stock of the outreach to and coordination with partner countries, including of the High Representative’s recent visit to Pakistan and contacts with the Gulf countries. In this context the High Representative stressed that, from economic leverage to nuclear expertise, the EU stands ready to contribute to a sustainable resolution.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the ceasefire agreed by the United States and Iran (9 April 2026)

Leaders’ statement on the two-week ceasefire concluded between the United States and Iran (press release, 8 April 2026)

Timeline - Iran and the Middle East (background information)

Lebanon

The Council discussed the dire humanitarian situation in Lebanon, amid the continued hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, and exchanged views on EU support for Lebanon and its people, including through the recently adopted bilateral assistance measure for the Lebanese Armed Forces under the European Peace Facility (EPF) worth EUR 100 million.

Ministers further emphasised the importance of guaranteeing the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon and discussed the possibility of enhanced engagement of the EU in the country, including via a future dedicated CSDP mission. 

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on Israel and Lebanon (6 June 2026)

European Peace Facility: Council adopts EUR 100 million assistance measure in support of the Lebanese Armed Forces (press release, 4 June 2026)

European Council conclusions, 19 March 2026 

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

EU sanctions against Iran (background brief)

Israel and Palestine

The Council held an exchange of views on Israel and Palestine. Ministers expressed their deep concern over the critical humanitarian situation in Gaza, stressing the need to ensure access to humanitarian aid, and touched upon the EU support for the reform process of the Palestinian Authority ahead of the Palestine Donor Group in July.

Ministers also discussed the deteriorating situation in the West Bank, in particular the growing violence and the expansion of the Israeli illegal settlements. Following the adoption of additional restrictive measures against extremist Israeli settlers and Hamas leading figures on 28 May 2026, the Council also exchanged on further policy options, including new listings and trade-related measures.

Extremist Israeli settlers: EU lists four entities and three individuals (press release, 28 May)

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

EU humanitarian support for Palestinians (background information)

European Council conclusions, 19 March 2026 

EU-China relations

Over lunch, EU foreign affairs ministers discussed the state of play of relations between the European Union and China against the backdrop of current geopolitical developments. The exchange in FAC focused on foreign and security aspects, ahead of the European Council of 18-19 June 2026.

EU-China summit, 24 July 2025 (meeting page)

EU-China trade: facts and figures (background information)

European Council conclusions, 29-30 June 2023 

From distorting subsidies, growing trade imbalances, and a near monopoly of critical raw materials, the list of issues remains long. Reducing dependencies with China won't be easy or cheap, but it's necessary and urgent.

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

Concerning foreign aspects, the High Representative stressed that Beijing remains a decisive enabler of Russia's war against Ukraine and that the EU is carefully assessing new and verified reports according to which the Chinese military would have been training Russian military personnel to fight in Ukraine.

The Council also discussed how to counter China's disinformation activities and strengthen European defence supply chains.

On the Indo-Pacific, EU ministers reaffirmed that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea clearly defines lawful conduct and serves as a foundation for security in the region.

China: High Representative/Vice-President speaks to State Councillor/Foreign Minister Wang Yi, 3 April 2026 (EEAS website) 

EU-China summit, 24 July 2025 (meeting page)

4th EEAS Annual Report on Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference Threats 

EU-China trade: facts and figures (background information)

Current affairs

Under current affairs, the Council touched upon the process of appointing a new High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Ministers were also updated on the resurgence of Ebola virus disease in the Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Any other business and other decisions

Under other business:

Poland briefed ministers on the recent White Paper on Russian Acts of Sabotage and Subversion against Members of the Council of the Baltic Sea States

Romania informed member states on the priorities of the incoming Romanian Chairmanship-in-Office of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP)

Romania and Bulgaria briefed their counterparts on the Black Sea Maritime Security Hub

In light of the Russian-funded operations aimed at disrupting the parliamentary elections of September 2025 in the Republic of Moldova, the Council decided today to impose restrictive measures against six individuals.

Republic of Moldova: Council lists six individuals for actions destabilising the country (press release, 15 June 2026)

The Council formally concluded the agreement between the EU and Canada, thus making Canada the first non-European country to participate in the SAFE procurement instrument.

SAFE: Council concludes agreement with Canada (press release, 15 June 2026)

The Council also adopted conclusions on Global Gateway, reaffirming it as the European Union’s worldwide investment strategy for building mutually beneficial partnerships and mobilising public and private resources to bridge the global investment gap.

Global Gateway: Council adopts conclusions on the EU’s global investment and partnership strategy (press release, 15 June 2026)

Meeting files

Preparatory documents

List of A items, non-legislative activities 

Provisional list of A items 

Provisional agenda 

Background brief