In Brief

EU's Foreign Affairs Council decided to extend for another six months (until 31 July 2025) the restrictive measures against Moscow, in view of Russia's continued actions destabilizing the situation in Ukraine. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha, also joined the discussion via videoconference.
EU Ministers of Foreign Affairs signed a roadmap for lifting the sanctions on Syria, starting with key sectors such as energy where relief is needed most urgently.
The EU agreed to deploy forces at Gaza’s border with Egypt to bolster the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, while reiterating its support for a two-state solution as the foundation for lasting peace in the region.
The EU adopted additional restrictive measures against three Russian individuals responsible for a series of cyberattacks carried out against the Republic of Estonia in 2020. The individuals listed are officers of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (GRU) Unit 29155.
The EU's Foreign Affairs Council was briefed during the breakfast session on the current hybrid threats landscape.
The FAC appointed Mr. Peter Sørensen as EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, in order to contribute to a comprehensive normalisation of the relations between Serbia and Kosovo.

Situation Report

Hybrid threats

The EU's Foreign Affairs 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.

HR/VP Kaja Kallas,
High Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, President of the Foreign Affairs Council

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.

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.

HR/VP Kaja Kallas,
High Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, President of the Foreign Affairs Council

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.

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 an 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.

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 for the European Union and that Europe needs to close ranks and stay united.

Other Affairs

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