Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany

09/02/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/02/2026 05:25

EU Foreign Ministers meeting in Ireland: Europe stands united against hybrid attacks from Russia

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EU Foreign Ministers meeting in Ireland: Europe stands united against hybrid attacks from Russia

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02.09.2026 - Article

Foreign Minister Wadephul is attending the informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers (Gymnich meeting) in Wicklow on 1 and 2 September. Other matters on the agenda include further support for Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and ideas for the reform of the EU's external action.

At the informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers, known as the Gymnich meeting, being held in Wicklow, Ireland, the member states will be discussing key foreign-policy challenges facing the EU. The Foreign Ministers of Ukraine, Canada, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom will join in the talks on the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine.

The meeting will focus on the EU's joint approach to counter hybrid attacks in Europe. The serious incident at Leipzig/Halle airport is the latest in a long line of attempts at destabilisation, disinformation, sabotage and aggression directed against Europe. The EU Foreign Ministers will discuss additional listings and sanctions in order to further increase the pressure on Russia. Germany welcomes the comprehensive package of measures presented by the High Representative, which envisages the listing of individuals and institutions. These proposals should be examined speedily with the aim of adopting the package as soon as possible.

Support for Ukraine

Ukraine is facing another hard winter at war. Russia continues to attack civilian targets and critical infrastructure with great brutality. The Foreign Ministers will therefore focus on the question of how to further expand European and international support for Ukraine.

Foreign Minister Wadephul was in Kyiv and Kharkiv just under two weeks ago and saw for himself the consequences of Russia's attacks. It once again became clear just how urgently Ukraine needs additional air defence in particular.

Germany is therefore urging all EU member states to consider again what further contributions they can make towards supporting Ukraine. It is particularly important to look at additional air defence, to secure Ukrainian wheat exports, and to prepare for the upcoming winter.

Situation in the Middle East

At their working lunch, the EU Foreign Ministers will discuss the situation in the Middle East, concentrating on developments in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, the security and sovereignty of Lebanon, and the situation in Israel and the Palestinian territories.

It is vital to comprehensively restore free and safe shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Restrictions in major shipping routes have substantial repercussions for regional and global security, international trade and energy supplies. Germany is committed to solidarity and close cooperation with the Gulf states.

In Lebanon, strengthening state sovereignty as well as the Lebanese armed forces and security forces remains the most important contribution the European Union can make to resolving the situation. Germany is working to ensure that this support be expanded.

With regard to Israel and the Palestinian territories, the talks will focus on the EU's profound concern about the latest plans for construction in settlement area E1. There must be no further steps in this direction. Because settlement construction jeopardises the prospect of a negotiated two-state solution.
Germany is also working to ensure the implementation of the 20-point plan for Gaza. At the same time, political and financial support should be given to the Palestinian Authority, which must continue along its path of reform.

Reform of EU diplomacy

In a further working session, the EU Foreign Ministers will discuss how to make the European Union's external action more effective and more agile. The focus will be on the institutional organisation of the EU's external action, the working methods, and decision-making within the framework of the common foreign and security policy.

Together with France, Germany wants to outline ideas for a European External Action Service fit for the future and discuss them with the other member states.

In a world that is increasingly defined by crises and strategic competition, the European Union must be able to speak with a strong voice - a voice of sense, stability, cooperation and reliability. Today in Wicklow and in the weeks and months ahead, we will talk about how the European Union's institutions, decision-making structures and instruments can be made even more robust, resilient and effective.

Info

Every six months, the EU member state which currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union organises an informal Gymnich meeting. The name is taken from Schloss Gymnich in the Rhineland, the venue where the EU's Foreign Ministers first met in an informal setting at Germany's invitation in 1974. The informal nature of the meeting is intended to allow in-depth discussions without specific decisions being taken, and the agenda often extends beyond the latest current affairs.

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Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany published this content on September 02, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 02, 2026 at 11:25 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]