Foreign Affairs Council adopted the 17th sanctions package and supported the review of Article 2 of the EU-Israel association agreement

On 20 May the Foreign Affairs Council adopted the 17th package of sanctions against Russia, and discussed EU's support to Ukraine. The Council decided to lift all economic sanctions on Syria and discussed the situation in Gaza. Finland among the strong majority of member states supported the review of Article 2 of the EU-Israel association agreement.

The Foreign Affairs Council was gathered in Brussels on 20 May, starting with the meeting of EU defence ministers and continuing with foreign ministers. The main topics included Russia’s war on Ukraine & EU’s support, defence readiness and the Middle East.

Finland was represented by Political Secretary of State Pasi Rajala.


Adding pressure on Russia 

The Council adopted the 17th sanctions package, targeting Russia's military tech and energy revenues by hitting its shadow oil fleet, operators, and a major oil producer.

“Russia is still not ready for a ceasefire and genuine peace talks. That is why it is important for the EU continue to weaken Russia’s war economy with a new sanctions package. Finland is proposing extensive tariffs on Russian imports alongside sanctions. We must make Putin change his calculations on the advantages of continuing the war,” stated Secretary of State Pasi Rajala ahead of the meeting. 

EU defence ministers discussed support for Ukraine after a virtual address by Minister Rustem Umerov, with NATO’s Mark Rutte present. Talks focused on potential EU contributions to Ukraine’s security guarantees and ongoing Coalition of the Willing efforts, as well as the High Representative Kaja Kallas' initiative to supply Ukraine with 2 million rounds of large calibre ammunition in 2025.

Finland recently made an agreement with the European Commission to supply Ukraine with heavy ammunition.  The ammunition will be procured from Finnish suppliers, and the procurement will be funded with proceeds from frozen Russian assets, which will be channelled through the European Peace Facility (EPF). 

Later, foreign ministers were joined by Ukraine’s FM Andrii Sybiha, who briefed the ministers on ongoing diplomatic developments.


Middle East: saving lives top priority

The foreign ministers also discussed the Middle East and decided to lift all economic sanctions on Syria while maintaining those related to the Assad regime and human rights violations. 

An extensive discussion took place on the intensifying Israeli military operations and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

“Israel’s announcement that it will expand its offensive in Gaza is deeply concerning,” Secretary of State Rajala stated ahead of the meeting. “Finland has consistently called on Israel to allow the delivery of humanitarian assistance, on Hamas to release the remaining hostages and both parties to commit to an immediate ceasefire. International humanitarian law must always be respected.”

A strong majority of member states, including Finland, were in favour of review of Article 2 of the EU-Israel association agreement, which the High Representative announced will be launched.

"It is clear from today's discussion that there is a strong majority in favour of review of Article 2 of our association agreement with Israel. So we will launch this exercise and, in the meantime, it is up to Israel to unblock the humanitarian aid. Saving lives must be our top priority," said High Representative Kallas.
 

Progress needed on defence readiness 

The Council also discussed defense readiness, focusing on the White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030 and the ReArm Europe Plan. Ministers discussed how to turn the European Council’s priority capability areas into concrete, collaborative projects, supported by joint procurement efforts.

The High Representative highlighted a need for a clear progress by June, in time for both the European Council meeting and the NATO summit.

The High Representative also announced that the EU’s Rapid Deployment Capacity, a 5,000-strong force, is now operational—boosting the EU’s ability to respond swiftly to crises.