(L-R) Xavier Bettel, Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister; Glauk Konjufca, Foreign Minister of Kosovo; Velislava Petrova, Bulgarian Foreign Minister; Timčo Mucunski, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of North Macedonia;
Credit: MAE
On Monday 11 May 2026, Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Xavier Bettel took part in the European Union (EU) Foreign Affairs Council (FAC), which took place in Brussels, Belgium.
According to Luxembourg’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, the discussion on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine began with an in person briefing by Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. This marked the first FAC since the release of the support loan for Ukraine and the adoption of the 20th sanctions package.
Minister Bettel welcomed the developments, which demonstrate the EU’s continued support for Ukraine.
Minister Bettel also referred to the ceremonies organised in Russia for 9 May, which saw only a limited presence of senior foreign dignitaries. He stressed that Russia’s international isolation continues to deepen.
Regarding the enlargement process, Minister Bettel expressed Luxembourg’s support for Ukraine in carrying out the reforms required for EU accession. He also underlined that enlargement is a merit based process and that these fundamental EU criteria must be fulfilled in order to join the EU.
The discussion on the Middle East allowed ministers to examine the war involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Noting that the ceasefire remains fragile and that the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked, Minister Bettel called on the EU to increase pressure on the regime in Tehran.
In further discussions Minister Bettel expressed frustration regarding Israel and Palestine. According to the ministry, he underlined that the European Union has still not taken measures to ban or reduce trade with illegal settlements and called on the Commission to present concrete options for the June FAC. He nevertheless welcomed the political agreement on the adoption of a new sanctions package targeting violent and extremist settlers, as well as members of Hamas.
A discussion also took place on EU relations with the Western Balkans, preceded by an informal breakfast with the foreign ministers of the six Western Balkan partners. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand joined EU ministers for an informal exchange, said the ministry.
