EU foreign ministers to discuss the EU’s red lines regarding Russia, the geopolitical implications of the Middle East crisis, and the European Security Strategy at an informal meeting

On 27–28 May 2026 in Limassol, Cyprus, the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Artjoms Uršuļskis, will participate in the informal meeting of European Union (EU) foreign ministers, known as the Gymnich meeting. 

EU interests regarding Russia. Foreign ministers will discuss the EU’s interests and red lines regarding Russia, particularly in light of its intensified hybrid attacks against Europe, and will also consider further restrictive measures and sanctions aimed at strengthening the policy of pressure against Russia. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha, will also participate in the meeting. 

The situation in the Middle East.  EU foreign ministers are scheduled to discuss the geopolitical implications of the crisis in the Middle East. India’s External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, will participate in the discussions.

The European Security Strategy. An exchange of views is planned on the development of the European Security Strategy and on promoting EU interests and global influence in a changing geopolitical landscape.

More information on the meeting agenda is available on the website of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU.

The informal meeting known as “Gymnich” is a regular gathering of EU foreign ministers, organised every six months by the country holding the Presidency of the Council of the EU. It is chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The meetings focus on strategic discussions on the objectives of EU foreign and security policy and the ways to achieve them. No binding decisions are made during the Gymnich meetings. They provide ministers with an opportunity to discuss current issues in an informal setting.