EU Member States are serious about protecting the International Criminal Court and a world governed by international law. In The Hague, I met ICC President Tomoko Akane to convey the EU’s strong support for the Court, its judges, and their work.

I had an extensive discussion with my colleague Hakan Fidan on a range of issues. Good neighbourly relations and advancing the Cyprus settlement process are of high importance.

The Houthis use textbook terror tactics against civilians in Yemen and Saudi Arabia to sow fear in the region. In the Red Sea, operation Aspides plays a crucial role in protecting shipping against Houthi threats. It has escorted hundreds of vessels to safety and its role is now more in demand.

The Arctic has become a frontline of global power competition. European security is Arctic security. The EU’s updated Arctic strategy reflects this new reality by putting security firmly at its core.

Russia is intensifying its attacks on Ukraine’s export routes. Its aggression in the Black Sea make it harder to put food on people’s plates across the world. A Black Sea freedom of navigation arrangement would protect lives and vital supplies. Ukraine has proposed it. Russia has rejected it.

We see no indication from Russia that it wants to end this war, or pursue any form of truce or peace. That's why we need to help Ukrainians get through winter and defend their country. Ukrainians need more air defence. We need to increase pressure on Russia to make it clear they have to negotiate.

Europe has stood by Ukraine since Russia started its war. And that is one of the reasons Russia has failed to achieve its goals. To end the war, we must pressure Russia, not Ukraine. Europe has the strength and influence to make a difference. My doorstep ahead of today’s European Council meeting↓

My statement on behalf of the European Union on the postponement of Palestinian elections ↓ www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/pre...

Palestine: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the postponement of elections

The High Representative issued a statement on behalf of the European Union on the postponement of elections in Palestina.

consilium.europa.eu

The UK has now concluded that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard was almost certainly behind the threat to Fairford airbase. Iran’s campaign of intimidation and chaos extends well beyond the Middle East. I join my counterparts in condemning Iran’s hostile activities.

International navigation must remain open to everyone, not to whoever can pay. Today, 60 countries pledged to oppose tolls or fees on international shipping routes by joining our “No Fees, No Tolls” global pledge. This is a clear signal to all those who seek to hijack waterways for their own gain.

EU Foreign Ministers just adopted nearly 1,600 new sanctions listings targeting Russia’s military-industrial complex. This is the single largest expansion of our sanctions list since Russia started its war. Europe is again showing a united front.

Today, we will adopt nearly 1,600 new sanctions listings targeting Russia’s military-industrial complex. This will be the single largest expansion of our sanctions list since Russia started its war.

The Houthi attack on Riyadh’s international airport is an appalling act of terror. There can be no justification for indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. The EU stands in solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Russian strikes killed over 80 Ukrainian civilians in two days. Moreover, it has stepped up its hybrid attacks against Europe, both EU Member States and NATO Allies. Suspending sanctions on Russian diesel provides Moscow with more revenues to wage war.

The ICC is the cornerstone of the international criminal justice system. It prosecutes individuals responsible for the most serious crimes under international law.

Congratulations to Navi Pillay on the well-deserved Nobel Peace Prize. Navi Pillay dedicated her life to upholding justice and protecting human dignity, from her role as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to her work on accountability for the genocide in Rwanda.

The EU has clear interest in stable, prosperous, and sovereign Lebanon. We are backing this with substantial political, economic, and security support. Our new European Union Support Mission to train and advise the Lebanese Armed Forces will be a major upgrade of our security ties.

The 7 October attacks were a barbaric act of terror. Today, we stand with Israel in remembering every life taken and destroyed at the hands of the Hamas terrorists. Our thoughts are with the victims, the survivors, their families and all those who continue to carry the pain of that terrible day.

Russia’s sham Duma elections were an insult to Ukraine, to the Russian people, and to democracy itself. Putin hates democracy because he is threatened by it. That is why – along with destroying civil society and repressing political opposition – Russia meddles in the democratic space of others.

Enlargement strengthens Europe's weight in the world. It has been our most successful foreign policy for decades. The new proposals by the Commission set out clear steps for progressive integration of those who want to join, safeguards to prevent backsliding & institutional adaptation on our side.

The EU is ready to deploy an Election Observation Mission for the Palestinian legislative polls planned for November. This was among the issues I discussed in my call with Palestinian Vice-President Hussein Al-Sheikh. (1/2)

The continued escalation of violence in Ethiopia and heightened regional tensions are alarming. This risks triggering a broader regional conflict, with severe consequences for peace and stability across the Horn of Africa. The EU calls for immediate de-escalation on all fronts. (1/2)

Russia's missiles and drone violations of Moldova’s airspace over recent days are unacceptable. The Kremlin is putting lives at risk across the continent. The European Peace Facility remains the backbone of Moldova's defence modernisation. (1/2)

It was good to be in Rome today. Italy’s role in EU missions and operations, including in the Red Sea naval Operation Aspides, is indispensable and I thanked my counterparts for this. (1/3)

It was a privilege to meet His Holiness Leo XIV. We discussed Russia’s war against Ukraine and the need for a just and lasting peace, the situation in the Middle East and the urgent humanitarian needs, as well as the growing danger posed by societal polarisation and AI. (1/2)

The success of Syria’s transition matters greatly to Europe. The EU is using its political and economic tools to help Syria on the path to an inclusive and peaceful transition. EU-Syria relations have come a long way since Assad's fall. (1/2)

We must further reduce Moscow’s capacity to fund its war, including through its shadow fleet. EU naval Operation IRINI has boarded six suspected vessels in recent months, making it the lead actor in boarding operations. National boarding operations should continue in parallel.

Russia has been carrying out attacks against Ukrainian civilians again. Ukraine needs more Patriot interceptors before winter. We are calling on Member States that have them in their stocks to provide them to Ukraine. (1/2)

EU Member States have agreed on the terms for releasing €6.6 billion European Peace Facility funds for Ukraine. That’s good news for Ukraine and bad news for Russia. €900 million are for the EU’s Military Assistance Mission for Ukraine. €1 billion will fund new joint procurement of equipment (1/2)

One year ago, 142 countries endorsed the New York Declaration for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution. Our collective responsibility is to demonstrate in practice that two states living side by side is the key to lasting peace for Palestine and Israel, and for the region as a whole.