European Union – Main results of the Foreign Affairs Council (14 April 2025)

M. Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, took part in the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) today, Monday 14 April.

On France’s initiative, the meeting provided an opportunity to adopt further European sanctions against nine individuals and entities responsible for Iran’s state-hostages policy, of which two of our compatriots, Cécile Kohler et Jacques Paris, are still victims – as are several other European citizens – and have been so for nearly three years. These sanctions target judges and prosecutors officiating in courts that do not respect basic rights, as well as detention centres.

Regarding Ukraine, the Member States emphasized the importance of giving Ukraine the means to negotiate in a position of strength when the time comes. In the coming weeks it is necessary to adopt, as soon as possible, a new package of robust sanctions against Russia containing individual and sectoral measures.

On Armenia and Azerbaijan, the Minister stressed the importance of signing the peace treaty swiftly, and shared his deep concern about the rising tensions on the border. The role of the European mission deployed on the ground is essential for observing incidents. He reiterated the need to immediately release the people arbitrarily held in Azerbaijan.

As regards the situation in the Middle East, the Minister recalled President Macron’s visit to Egypt and the need for an immediate return to the ceasefire in Gaza, the release of the hostages and the resumption of humanitarian aid.

Finally, on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Member States reaffirmed their commitment to the country’s unity and constitutional order. France favours a firm response by the EU that harnesses all the levers available to it, in order to restore stability.