During an EU Foreign and Defence Council meeting earlier today, Ministers agreed on new sanctions against the Iranian regime and Israeli settlers. Sanctions against the Iranian regime relate to its entities and individuals currently impeding safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz as the EU reiterated for the full opening of the strait and for unrestricted navigation.
Iran and the US are still locked in discussions over an agreement including on the status of the strait.
The Foreign Affairs Council also discussed strengthening Operation ASPIDES, the EU naval mission in the Red Sea, as part of broader European efforts to secure maritime trade routes amid fears of escalating conflict involving Iran and Western powers.
Ukraine was also one of the central topics discussed during the meeting. EU foreign ministers held an exchange of views with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and the Council also formally adopted new sanctions targeting individuals and entities accused of participating in the unlawful deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia. The sanctions package includes 16 individuals and seven entities linked to Russian state structures and organisations operating in occupied Ukrainian territories. European ministers further discussed accelerating military support for Ukraine, particularly air defence systems, ammunition supplies and long-range capabilities, amid continuing Russian attacks.
Canadian Foreign Minister Convention Anita Anand was also in Brussels signing Canada’s participation in the International Claims Commission for Ukraine. Canada also adopted the new EU’s sanctions against with regard to the abduction of Ukrainian children.
Full press conference text can be found here.
Newsroom
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