On 13 July 2026, the Council of the European Union (Foreign Affairs) adopted or approved 21 non-legislative items, including launching a Partnership Mission in Armenia, assistance measures under the European Peace Facility for the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Philippines, and the Republic of Moldova (including lethal-force equipment), extending mandates for EU Special Representatives for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Horn of Africa, appointing an EU Special Representative for Kosovo, and adopting restrictive measures against cyber-attacks, Russia's destabilising activities, the situation in Russia, serious human rights violations, and Sudan's stability. It also approved conclusions on UN priorities for the 81st UNGA session (September 2026–September 2027), the EU Defence Capability Planning Process, a Common Understanding of threats, the EU-CELAC roadmap 2026–2027, a joint statement on electronic-transmission customs duties, an EU-India climate partnership memorandum of understanding, an EU position on the US AGOA waiver request, and withdrawal of a cryptographic product. Coreper approved most items on 8 July 2026; the EU DCPP was approved on 24 June 2026, and the Kosovo appointment on 10 July 2026.
The Council decision launching the EU Partnership Mission in Armenia establishes a civilian mission under the Common Security and Defence Policy to support Armenia's security sector reform and crisis management. The European Peace Facility assistance measures for the Armed Forces of the DRC, Philippines, and Republic of Moldova include lethal-force equipment, marking a significant step in EU security support. Mandate extensions for EU Special Representatives for Bosnia and Herzegovina (amending Decision (CFSP) 2024/2081) and the Horn of Africa ensure continuity in EU diplomatic engagement. The appointment of an EU Special Representative for Kosovo is made without prejudice to status, per UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion.
Restrictive measures adopted target cyber-attacks, Russia's destabilising activities, the situation in Russia, serious human rights violations, and Sudan's stability, reinforcing the EU's sanctions regime. Other approvals include EU priorities at the UN for the 81st General Assembly, the EU Defence Capability Planning Process to coordinate member states' defence investments, a Common Understanding of threats to align strategic assessments, the EU-CELAC roadmap 2026–2027 for bi-regional cooperation, a joint statement on electronic-transmission customs duties to support digital trade, authorisation to sign an EU-India climate partnership MoU, an EU position on the US AGOA waiver request regarding trade preferences, and withdrawal of a cryptographic product from the market.
EU member states will implement the new sanctions and defence planning, while Armenia, Moldova, DRC, and the Philippines receive EU security assistance. The EU defence industry may benefit from increased coordination under the DCPP. Human rights organisations may welcome the sanctions on serious violations, while Russia faces additional restrictive measures.