On March 16, 2026, Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger took part in the meeting of EU foreign ministers (Foreign Affairs Council) in Brussels. The focus was on the current situation in the Middle East and Ukraine.
In view of the ongoing military hostilities in Iran and the region, Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger underlined the need for a rapid return to diplomacy and a de-escalation of the situation.
We will do everything we can to promote de-escalation, particularly as regards the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz,
emphasized Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger and referred to the tense situation on the energy markets. The security of supply for the population has top priority.
Another topic was the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger made it clear that Russia should not take advantage of the current escalation.
The biggest beneficiary of this war and rising oil prices is currently Russia. It is all the more important to maintain pressure on Moscow together with the USA and other partners,
said Meinl-Reisinger.
Supporting Ukraine is in European security interests. Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger therefore once again spoke out in favor of nominating an EU chief negotiator team for the talks on sustainable peace in Ukraine.
On the sidelines of the meeting, there was also an exchange with the Indian Foreign Minister and his counterparts from the southern neighborhood, during which the common foreign and security policy challenges were discussed.
