Credit: Pixabay
On Monday 16 March 2026, Luxembourg’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade reported that the European Union (EU) Foreign Affairs Council met in Brussels, Belgium, to discuss key geopolitical developments, including the war in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East.
According to the ministry, Luxembourg’s Vice Prime Minister, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Xavier Bettel, stressed the need for the EU to maintain a strong and united position. He confirmed Luxembourg’s full support for the adoption of a 20th package of sanctions against Russia, stated that Russia continues to refuse to engage in good faith negotiations, and said that now is not the time to ease sanctions, which remain an important tool. He also warned that Russia may try to exploit the current crisis in the Middle East and its impact on energy markets.
On the situation in the Middle East, Minister Bettel reaffirmed that all parties must respect international law to preserve regional stability. He expressed Luxembourg’s full solidarity with Gulf countries facing attacks carried out by Iran.
Minister Bettel also thanked the European Commission for coordinating the repatriation of European citizens from the region through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. According to the ministry, Luxembourg supported this effort by helping to repatriate a “significant” number of European citizens on five flights organised from Muscat in Oman and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
Minister Bettel highlighted the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz for global energy supply, as well as for the delivery of humanitarian aid and food. He also warned against any escalation in Lebanon, especially in the context of Israel launching a ground offensive in the south of the country.
Reportedly, Minister Bettel stressed that the international community must not overlook the situation in Palestine, particularly in Gaza, where civilians continue to suffer. He called for support for the Palestinian Authority and urged the Israeli government to release the tax revenues owed to it, as these funds remain essential for the functioning of Palestinian institutions.
During a working lunch, ministers met with Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India’s Minister of External Affairs, to discuss EU-India relations and exchange views on the global geopolitical situation.
According to the ministry, on the sidelines of the meeting, Xavier Bettel and his Belgian counterpart met ambassadors from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman. They thanked these countries for their cooperation in repatriation efforts, discussed recent regional developments and reiterated Luxembourg and Belgium’s full solidarity with countries affected by Iranian attacks.
