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According to the EU documents, the Foreign Affairs Council meeting of defence ministers took place in Brussels on 12 of May and was chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.
The Council adopted for Bosnia and Herzegovina an assistance measure worth €15 million under the European Peace Facility. The objective is to strengthen the military and defence capabilities of the B&H’s Armed Forces. The decision complements the support provided so far under the 2021 and 2022 bilateral support package.
The new assistance measure will strengthen the interoperability and operational readiness of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and their potential to contribute to the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) operations and missions and any international coalitions.
The decision illustrates the continued engagement with Bosnia and Herzegovina in the area of security and defence and reflects the country’s full alignment with the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy. In a regional context, the EU and Bosnia and Herzegovina have consistently reaffirmed their commitment to enhance their cooperation in this area, including through Bosnia and Herzegovina’s participation in the Balkan Medical Task Force, a regional task force also supported by the European Peace Facility.
The European Peace Facility will also provide the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina with individual protective equipment, CBRN equipment, night vision devices, cargo vehicles as well as, where needed, related supplies and services, including operational training.
The following important decisions were also taken during the meeting:
- Updated threat analysis
At the beginning of their meeting, EU defence ministers were briefed on the updated comprehensive EU threat analysis.
- EU support to Ukraine
Over a working lunch, the Council discussed EU military support for Ukraine, against the background of the latest developments on the ground and ongoing diplomatic efforts to reach a just and lasting peace backed by robust security guarantees.
The ministerial discussion focused on EU-Ukraine defence industrial cooperation, including the implementation of the defence component of the Ukraine Support Loan, the European Peace Facility (EPF) and other EU instruments.
EU ministers were joined for an informal exchange by Ukrainian defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov (via video link) and NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska (in person).
- Situation in the Middle East
The Council exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East and its implications for European defence and security, including threats and challenges, current availability of core defence capabilities, and the impact on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
The Strait of Hormuz is caught in a grey zone between war and peace. EU supports all diplomatic initiatives to have a way out and prevent further escalation. Closure of the world’s most important shipping lane is untenable. EU naval operations in the region can play a vital role in restoring energy and trade flows.
On freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, EU defence ministers took stock of various diplomatic initiatives. The High Representative provided an update on Operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES and the Council discussed the possibility of reinforcing and extending the operation when the conditions are appropriate.
The situation in Lebanon was also addressed.
- Defence readiness
The afternoon session ended with a discussion on the implementation of the EU’s defence readiness agenda, in line with the European Council conclusions of March 2026.
Deterrence works if it is credible. Showing weakness only invites aggression.
The ministerial discussion was preceded by a short presentation by the President of the Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD), Micael Johansson.
- In the margins of the meeting
Before the meeting, the European Defence Agency (EDA) steering board – convened at ministerial level – discussed the strategic strengthening of the agency.
The discussion followed the conclusions of the European Council in October 2025 and March 2026, which called for a reinforced role for the EDA in European defence capability development, collaborative research, and joint acquisition efforts.
Comments: Excluding the military aid of 15 million euros for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the aid of 90 billion euros for Ukraine, the rest of the meeting has been an exercise in rhetoric. On the most important issue for the EU now – the situation in the Persian Gulf and opening of the Strait of Hormuz – there are only hortatory conclusions, which once again shows the EU’s helplessness as a Union in such situations and the indecisiveness of the main member states to protect the common interests of the EU.
