The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, is in Brussels today to take part in the meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council.
The agenda includes Ukraine, the Middle East, the situation in the Sahel, and the crisis in Sudan.
On Ukraine, ministers will focus primarily on financial and energy support to Kyiv, on maintaining sanction pressure on Moscow ahead of the 20th EU sanctions package, and on efforts to counter Russia’s shadow fleet. Discussions will also cover the EU’s engagement in support of a ceasefire and coordination with the United States. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrij Sybiha, will join the meeting by video-link. Minister Tajani will reaffirm Italy’s commitment to energy security and to strengthening Ukraine’s defence capabilities, including through the 12th military assistance package currently under preparation. In terms of reconstruction, Tajani will highlight the mapping exercise under way to identify Italian entities and companies in the energy sector capable of providing generators, turbines, substations and other equipment for delivery to Kyiv. On measures to counter the shadow fleet, the Minister will underscore the experience and operational capacities of the European naval missions Irini, Atalanta and Aspides.
Following the adoption of the UN Resolution on the international stabilisation force and transitional governance for Gaza, ministers will assess the contribution of the EU and its Member States to the US Peace Plan, as well as the role of the EU missions on the ground – the EU Border Assistance Mission at the Rafah Crossing Point (EUBAM Rafah) and the EU Police and Rule of Law Mission for the Palestinian Territories (EUPOL COPPS) – to which Italy stands ready to further increase its contribution. The discussion will also address Gaza’s reconstruction – in view of the forthcoming Conference hosted by Egypt – and humanitarian assistance. Tajani will recall Italy’s leading role, including the appointment of a Special Envoy and the EUR 60 million announced for healthcare, defence, governance, food security and education, in addition to the EUR 110 million already mobilised in humanitarian aid, including through Food for Gaza. These efforts are complemented by medical evacuations, which to date have enabled 215 Palestinian minors to receive treatment in Italy, accompanied by their carers – with another group expected in the coming weeks – as well as by university corridors and family reunifications, bringing the total number of Palestinians arriving in Italy to over 1,300 (placing Italy first among Western countries in terms of arrivals from the Strip).
The ministers will then attend a working lunch with ASEAN partners to discuss geopolitical resilience and security, and ways to strengthen relations ahead of the 50th anniversary of EU–ASEAN bilateral relations in 2027.
The Council will also examine the European response to the dramatic humanitarian situation in Sudan and the EU’s “Renewed Approach” to the Sahel, as proposed by the EU Special Representative, João Cravinho.
Tajani will outline Italy’s commitment, including the forthcoming delivery of humanitarian aid, and share the outcomes and initial follow-up of his recent mission to the region.
