Determined and united – Europe’s responsibility in an insecure world

Russia is unabatedly pursuing its brutal war of aggression against Ukraine – every single day, every single night. The EU member states stand firmly by Ukraine’s side. It’s clear that Europe must take on significantly more responsibility for its security, its defence and its sovereignty. Today’s Foreign Affairs Council is very much focused on this new role Europe wants to assume.

War in Ukraine – a clear European position, and specific support

At the top of the agenda is Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The EU reiterates its clear position that a ceasefire is urgently needed in order to enable true peace negotiations. At the same time, there must be no compromises at the cost of, or without the involvement of, Ukraine. Its sovereignty and territorial integrity are of crucial importance.

The EU is working – including with the United States – to counter Russia’s efforts to play for time, as well as to further expand joint support. This includes military and humanitarian assistance, as well as defining the framework conditions for a ceasefire.

Today’s talks between EU Foreign Ministers are a continuation of recent consultations in Lviv, London and Kyiv. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha will participate in the beginning of the meeting.

Germany remains a reliable partner. In 2025 alone, the German Government plans to provide 7 billion euro in military assistance. An additional 8.25 billion euro have been earmarked up until 2029. Moreover, Germany is contributing to the EU initiative to deliver ammunition, and only recently it pledged an additional 40 million euro in humanitarian assistance. Since the war began, Germany’s humanitarian engagement in Ukraine has totalled 1.46 billion euro.

The EU is also taking determined action with regard to sanctions: Through its 17th sanctions package, it is targeting Russia’s industrial-military complex and what is referred to as its shadow fleet – important sources of income for the Russian state that Russia uses to sustain the war effort. Additional measures are being prepared to ramp up pressure on Moscow and to stymie attempts at destabilisation.

The Middle East – humanitarian assistance and the search for political solutions

Another major item on the agenda is the situation in the Middle East, particularly in Israel, Gaza and Syria. The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip remains dramatic. The EU is calling for swift and unimpeded access for aid supplies, as well as serious negotiations on a ceasefire. The release of all hostages being held by Hamas also remains key.

In Syria, the focus is on economic recovery. To further support the country’s stabilisation and to prevent other actors from exploiting the vacuum that has arisen, the EU will loosen additional sanctions that have been imposed on Syria.

The partnership between the EU and Africa – working together for peace, prosperity and mobility

21 May will see the first EU-AU meeting at the level of Foreign Ministers in more than three years. The meeting will also mark the 25th anniversary of cooperation between the European Union and the African Union. The aim is to continue implementing the Joint Vision for 2030 that was adopted in February 2022, and to make preparations for the next summit meeting.

Topics on the agenda include peace and security, economic prosperity, multilateral cooperation and migration and mobility. The EU is seeking to deepen cooperation, on an equal footing and on the basis of shared interests and mutual responsibility.

Germany will, together with its EU partners, actively help further develop the partnership. Today, the EU is already Africa’s largest partner for trade and investment.