The Council discussed minimising the negative impact of the conflict in the Middle East on Ukraine as it fights the Russian aggressor.

Maintaining support for Ukraine must remain Europe’s priority

underlined Deputy Prime Minister Radosław Sikorski.

Poland’s top diplomat called on Hungary to unblock the EU loan for Ukraine and adopt the 20th package of sanctions against Russia. At the same time, he pointed to risks carried by Hungary’s reliance on Russian raw materials. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha outlined the current situation on the front line and in the energy sector.

When debating the situation in the Middle East, Deputy Prime Minister Sikorski called for coordinated efforts to stabilise energy prices in Europe. He also expressed openness to using EU naval missions in the region for stabilisation operations in the Strait of Hormuz once the active phase of conflict with Iran ends.

EU foreign ministers also talked with India’s top diplomat about further strengthening of cooperation. Referring to the conclusions of the latest EU–India summit, it was agreed that the mutual relations require a new momentum.

Deputy Prime Minister Sikorski also took part in an informal discussion regarding the work on a new European Security Strategy. He pointed to the key assumptions that should be reflected in the Strategy, among them recognising Russia as the main threat to the EU in both short- and long-term perspective and enhancing European defence capabilities considerably.

 

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The Council of the European Union is where ministers from all EU countries meet in ten different configurations to negotiate and adopt EU laws.

Foreign Affairs Council is responsible for the EU’s foreign policy, and manages its diplomatic relations with the rest of the world. It decides on security and defence matters, concludes trade agreements, and establishes international partnerships.