EU foreign ministers, meeting on 15 June 2026, adopted new sanctions against Russia and Moldova, discussed support for Armenia, the situation in the Middle East, and EU-China relations, and concluded an agreement with Canada on the SAFE procurement instrument.
Over breakfast, ministers exchanged views with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan following the 7 June parliamentary elections, which High Representative Kaja Kallas said delivered a clear message for peace, sovereignty, and closer ties with Europe despite Russian interference. The EU is working on a major economic support package for Armenia and will soon launch a new partnership mission.
On Ukraine, ministers heard from Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha via video conference about the situation on the ground and an overnight Russian attack on the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra cathedral. The Council adopted 81 additional thematic listings targeting Russia's military-industrial complex, energy revenues, propaganda, and human rights violations, and imposed restrictive measures against six individuals for destabilising Moldova. Ministers agreed to advance work on the proposed 21st sanctions package.
On the Middle East, the Council took note of the US-Iran framework agreement to extend the ceasefire by 60 days and restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, while highlighting the need to curb Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. On Lebanon, ministers discussed the humanitarian situation and EU support, including a €100 million European Peace Facility assistance measure for the Lebanese armed forces, and the possibility of a future CSDP mission. On Israel and Palestine, ministers expressed concern over Gaza's humanitarian situation, discussed support for the Palestinian Authority reform process, and exchanged views on further policy options including new listings and trade-related measures following the 28 May 2026 sanctions against extremist Israeli settlers and Hamas figures.
Over lunch, ministers discussed EU-China relations, with Kallas noting that Beijing remains a decisive enabler of Russia's war and that the EU is assessing reports of Chinese military training Russian personnel. Ministers also discussed countering Chinese disinformation and strengthening European defence supply chains.
Under current affairs, the Council touched on appointing a new High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina and received an update on Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Poland briefed on a White Paper on Russian sabotage, Romania on its SEECP chairmanship, and Romania and Bulgaria on the Black Sea Maritime Security Hub. The Council formally concluded the EU-Canada agreement on the SAFE procurement instrument and adopted conclusions on Global Gateway.
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