Highlights from the Foreign Affairs Council of 25 June 2018, held in Luxembourg

Main results

Security and defence cooperation

Today, with both foreign ministers and defence ministers, we took important decisions to take forward our work on EU defence in preparation for the European Council. We also decided to increase even more our cooperation with NATO. We are determined to continue this excellent cooperation, because the security challenges we face are huge and require our full determination to work together. Federica Mogherini, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

In their discussion on EU security and defence cooperation, foreign affairs and defence ministers touched upon key defence initiatives, including permanent structured cooperation (PESCO), military mobility, the initiatives proposed in the framework of the future multiannual financial framework (the European Defence Fund and the European Peace Facility), the fight against hybrid threats and the importance of strengthening EU's resilience to such threats, and civilian capability development.

The Council adopted conclusions on security and defence. It also adopted a decision setting out governance rules for projects undertaken under PESCO, and approved the overarching high-level part of the military requirements for military mobility within and beyond the EU.

Ahead of the forthcoming NATO Summit (11-12 July), foreign ministers and defence ministers also exchanged views on EU-NATO cooperation with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. Against the background of recent challenges in the transatlantic relationship, they underlined the continuing good collaboration on security and defence between the two organisations, in full complementarity. They highlighted the important progress made on the 74 concrete actions implementing the July 2016 Joint Declaration between the President of the European Council, the President of the European Commission and the Secretary General of NATO. They encouraged further cooperation, in particular on military mobility and on countering hybrid threats.

Yemen

EU foreign ministers discussed the latest developments in Yemen together with UN Special Envoy (UNSE) Martin Griffiths, who briefed them on his peace plan. Ministers exchanged views on ongoing EU efforts, including political outreach, and in particular the regional dialogue with Iran on Yemen, as well as humanitarian and development support. They explored ways to strengthen the UN-led process. The Council adopted conclusions on Yemen.

Myanmar / Burma

The Council placed 7 individuals under restrictive measures in light of the situation in Myanmar/Burma. The individuals subject to sanctions are Myanmar/Burma army (Tatmadaw), border guard and police officials, listed because of their involvement in or association with atrocities and serious human rights violations committed against the Rohingya population in Rakhine State in the second half of 2017. This decision was adopted without debate.

Venezuela

The Council decided to put 11 individuals holding official positions under restrictive measures. The persons listed are responsible for human rights violations and for undermining democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela. This decision was adopted without debate.

Horn of Africa and the Red Sea

The Council discussed and adopted conclusions on the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea. Foreign ministers highlighted the strategic importance of the region for the EU. They expressed their support for efforts aimed at the creation of an organised and inclusive regional forum for dialogue and cooperation around the Red Sea.

EU Global Strategy

The Council reviewed the implementation of the EU Global Strategy based on the second progress report. Ministers welcomed the important progress made and called for continued implementation in all the priorities areas identified in the strategy.