Xavier Bettel Participates in EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels

Luxembourg's Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Cooperation and Foreign Trade has reported that the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs and Foreign Trade, Xavier Bettel, participated in the meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC), held on Tuesday 15 July 2025 in Brussels, Belgium.

The first agenda item focused on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Following a video conference exchange with the Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs, EU foreign ministers discussed efforts to increase pressure on Russia and the next steps regarding Ukraine’s accession to the EU. Minister Xavier Bettel emphasised the importance of swiftly adopting the eighteenth package of sanctions and noted that the United States’ firmer stance towards Russia should be seen as an opportunity for the EU to intensify its pressure in coordination with the US, according to the Ministry.

During the discussion on the situation in the Middle East, the exchanges focused on the situation in Gaza, contacts with the Israeli authorities to achieve concrete changes on the ground, where the humanitarian situation remains extremely dire, and the situation in Iran, noted the Ministry. Minister Bettel welcomed the steps taken by the High Representative with the Israeli authorities since the last Foreign Affairs Council on 23 June 2025 and noted that Israel had committed to several elements, in particular regarding humanitarian access, aid distribution and the urgent delivery of fuel. He emphasised the need to ensure the implementation of these commitments. He added that the EU and its Member States must consider the options proposed by the High Representative and the European Commission in response to the report on Israel's non-compliance with the human rights provisions under Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, including the possibility of European sanctions. Concerning the list of proposed measures, Minister Bettel underlined the need for a pragmatic approach, notably by exploring measures in the area of trade.

The Ministry reported that, regarding Iran, it was emphasised that the EU must fully play its role in seeking a negotiated solution to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Diplomatic pressure must be maintained to encourage Iran to return to the negotiating table, and the IAEA should play a key role in monitoring any future agreement.

The situation in Georgia was also discussed, with particular focus on the growing repression by the authorities to silence the opposition, civil society and independent media.

Prior to the Council meeting, Minister Bettel took part in an informal breakfast with Mihai Popșoi, Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.