EU Foreign Affairs Council Addresses Ukraine, Indo-Pacific, and Middle East in Luxembourg Meeting

EU Foreign Ministers Convene in Luxembourg

The EU Foreign Affairs Council held a crucial meeting in Luxembourg on Monday, October 20, 2025, bringing together foreign ministers from across the European Union. Chaired by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, the agenda focused on three primary areas: ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine, strengthening EU-Indo-Pacific relations, and addressing the latest developments in the Middle East.

Intensified Support for Ukraine and Sanctions Against Russia

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the continued Russian aggression against Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha joined the EU foreign ministers in person to provide an update on the situation and outline Ukraine's most urgent priorities. High Representative Kaja Kallas briefed the Council on her recent visit to Kyiv, detailing progress on the EU's commitments regarding security, military training, and financial assistance for Ukraine.

Ministers reaffirmed the EU's unwavering determination to support Kyiv and discussed further military and financial aid. A key outcome was the aim to adopt a new, 19th package of EU sanctions against Russia later this week. Discussions also included a proposal, initially put forward by the Czech Republic, to restrict the movement of Russian diplomats within the Schengen area. There was broad support for the European Commission's proposal to mobilize frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's immediate defense needs, with ministers emphasizing the urgency of addressing legal and fiscal modalities.

Efforts to tighten enforcement against Russia's 'shadow fleet,' which is used to bypass oil-export restrictions, were also a prominent topic, with ministers considering more robust responses, including increased powers to board such vessels. Furthermore, in response to intensifying Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy grid, the Council invited the European Commission to propose additional measures to bolster Ukrainian energy security. Member states agreed to seek repair equipment and increase gas deliveries to Ukraine from third countries. High Representative Kallas also noted that 26 member states have committed to becoming parties to the Special Tribunal for the Crimes of Aggression against Ukraine.

Deepening EU-Indo-Pacific Partnerships

The Council also focused on enhancing EU-Indo-Pacific relations. Ministers discussed preparations for the upcoming Fourth EU-Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum, scheduled for November 20-21, 2025, in Brussels. A new strategic agenda aimed at deepening cooperation between the EU and India was a central point of discussion. Countries like Bulgaria expressed strong support for deeper partnerships with key nations in the region, including India, Australia, Japan, and Vietnam, across sectors such as security, energy, digitalization, and sustainable development. The region's strategic importance was highlighted, as it accounts for over 70% of global trade in goods and services with the EU. The Council is expected to approve two sets of conclusions specifically on India and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

Middle East Peace Efforts and Humanitarian Concerns

Regarding the Middle East, ministers reviewed the situation, including the recently achieved ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Discussions also encompassed the twenty-point peace plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. The EU's priority of advancing a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its role in supporting the peace process were key themes. The EU, being the largest financial backer of the Palestinian Authority and Gaza's biggest humanitarian donor, emphasized the readiness of its Border Assistance Mission to deploy.

The MED9 group of Southern EU countries, meeting concurrently, called for the 'immediate release' of humanitarian aid to Gaza and urged Israel to open border crossings. While potential measures against Israel had been considered, the ceasefire agreement was noted to have altered the context of these discussions.

Other Key Discussions and Bilateral Engagements

Under the 'current affairs' section, ministers addressed developments in Moldova, Sudan, and Georgia. Concerns were raised regarding the deteriorating rule of law and human rights situation in Georgia, with High Representative Kaja Kallas indicating that 'some groups' in Georgia might face the suspension of visa-free travel due to new regulations coming into force in November. Notably, Georgia was absent from a special meeting with Eastern Neighbourhood and Central Asian counterparts.

On the sidelines of the Council meeting, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with his Greek counterpart, Giorgos Gerapetritis, to discuss de-escalation of tensions in the Aegean Sea and Eastern Mediterranean. A special session with ministers from the Black Sea region and Central Asia was also planned for later in the day to discuss security and connectivity. Additionally, EU relations with Latin American countries were briefly touched upon.