On 13 July 2026, the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Artjoms Uršuļskis, will attend a meeting of the European Union (EU) Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, Belgium.
Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. The ministers’ discussions will focus on continued support for Ukraine, particularly Ukraine’s preparedness for the coming winter in the energy sector, as well as pressure and restrictive measures against Russia, including curbing the shadow fleet. At the meeting, participants are expected to agree on the 21st package of sanctions, as well as to approve sanctions in response to human rights violations in Russia, Russia’s hybrid activities in Europe and the cyberattacks it has carried out. Prior to the meeting, the EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland, Helen McEntee, together with Ukrainian non-governmental organisations, will hold an informal discussion on the dire humanitarian situation in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory and human rights violations against detained Ukrainian civilians. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha, will participate in the meeting.
Implementation of the EU’s strategic approach to the Black Sea region. One year after the adoption of the EU's strategic approach to the Black Sea region, EU foreign ministers will discuss progress in implementation the strategy and proposals for future work, based on the strategy’s implementation report.
The situation in the Middle East. Discussions will focus on the memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran concluded on 15 June 2026 and developments concerning the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Ministers will exchange views on Gaza, the West Bank and the situation in Lebanon.
The Third EU–Gulf Cooperation Council High-Level Forum on Regional Security and Cooperation and a meeting of the Palestine Donor Group will also take place.
Foreign ministers will discuss EU-UN relations in preparation for the UN General Assembly High-Level Week, which will take place from 22 to 28 September 2026.
The Foreign Affairs Council deals with matters relating to external action, including the common foreign and security policy, the European security and defence policy, external trade, and development cooperation. The Council’s main task is to ensure the unity, consistency, and effectiveness of the EU’s external action.