Transatlantic security following the change of administration in the United States

Now that President Donald Trump has taken office, the EU is looking to cooperation with the new administration in Washington. Reliable transatlantic relations based on trust are essential for Europe’s security and economic interests. The transatlantic partnership remains important for European foreign and security policy in particular. But the EU Foreign Ministers know that in future Europe has to assume greater responsibility for its own security.

To be perceived as a strong partner, it is crucial that Europe present a united front in its relations with the United States. Especially in the contentious fields of energy cooperation and trade, we as the EU want to approach the United States proactively with proposals so that trade conflicts that would be harmful to both sides can be avoided.

Ukraine: Focus on military support and sanctions

Almost three years on from the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the EU’s position remains clear: we stand unwaveringly shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine. That is why support for Ukraine will remain one of the EU Foreign Ministers’ biggest priorities in 2025. With the change of administration in Washington, it is more vital than ever that the European pillar of support is further strengthened.

There is a need not only for additional military support, including further supplies of modern weapons systems, but also for more financial assistance so that Ukraine can regain peace. This also means an end to Hungary’s refusal to wave through disbursement of €6.6 billion from the Support Fund for Ukraine. We will be working towards this at today’s Foreign Affairs Council. Along with our EU partners, we are also working to ensure that a 16th package of sanctions against Russia can be adopted by the anniversary of the start of the war on 24 February.

As has been the case at previous meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha will join in via video link to report first‑hand on the situation in the country and at the front.

Syria: Support in the transition phase

At the beginning of the year, one issue has produced not only great surprise, but also relief for many people: the fall of the Assad regime and the chance to open a new chapter for Syria. As Europeans, we want to support Syria in the present transition phase so that a different Syria can successfully be built following many years of war and dictatorship. After a visit to Damascus by the German Foreign Minister and her French counterpart on behalf of the EU in early January, at which they reiterated European support for the transitional phase, today’s meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council will consider the question of an easing of sanctions for Syria.

We are advocating for a gradual easing of sanctions designed to make the process of transition easier. At the same time, our call for an inclusive transition process and the complete destruction of the Syrian chemical weapons programme remains key. Support for humanitarian measures and cooperation with international organisations are especially important in this context.

Hybrid threats: Europe is strengthening its resilience

Cyber attacks, GPS disruptions, cable damage in the Baltic Sea – so-called hybrid attacks by malicious actors have attained unprecedented proportions. In order to be better armed against these complex threats, today’s Foreign Affairs Council will launch a dialogue on effective defence mechanisms. Germany already sent proposals on how to make Europe more resilient to hybrid threats to the other member states last week. Closer networking between the EU member states and a smoother exchange of information between the EU and NATO are particularly important if we are to have a reliable picture of the situation at all times. Only in this way can we respond to attacks in a rapid, decisive and united manner.

To afford our critical infrastructure (such as data cables in the Baltic Sea) better protection, we must also involve companies even more in our defences – through regular exercises and stress tests, as well as closer monitoring of our critical infrastructure.

In addition, we must not forget that hybrid attacks are being directed not only against us, but also very deliberately against our neighbours – Moldova, Ukraine and the Western Balkans, for instance. We must work closely with our neighbours and tackle hybrid threats together, and we must strengthen defence structures there too.

As the EU, we must furthermore use every available means to counter hybrid threats. That is why we must ensure that hybrid activities are subject to even greater sanctions. Wherever the initiator can be clearly identified, attacks must be clearly attributed and must have consequences.