| 30/01/2026 11:09 | Meetings | | | | | EU ministers responsible for housing will meet via video conference for an initial exchange of views on the European Affordable Housing Plan.
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| ● Council of the EU | | | 29/01/2026 21:19 | Meetings | | | | | The Foreign Affairs Council discussed Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and the Great Lakes Region and held an informal discussion on the strategic outlook 2026 and on human rights with the UN High Commissioner for human rights.
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| International ministerial meetings | | | 29/01/2026 19:50 | Press release | | | | | À la veille du trentième anniversaire de la signature de l’Accord d’association entre l’Union européenne et le Royaume du Maroc, nous avons co-présidé, en ce jour, la quinzième réunion du Conseil d’association UE-Maroc. Aux côtés de la Commissaire pour la Méditerranée, Madame Dubravka Šuica, ainsi que des ministres des Affaires étrangères des États membres de l’Union européenne, nous avons célébré ensemble notre partenariat, forgé par plus d’un demi-siècle de coopération et de confiance mutuelle. Cette réunion a été l’occasion de souligner la profondeur et à la vitalité des liens qui unissent nos peuples, et qui, année après année, n’ont cessé de se renforcer au service de nos intérêts communs et de l’aspiration partagée à un avenir de prospérité, de paix et de sécurité. Avec une conviction renouvelée, nous avons réaffirmé l’importance du partenariat stratégique, ancien, riche, multidimensionnel et privilégié, qui lie l’Union européenne et le Maroc. Nous avons réitéré notre engagement ferme à consolider ce partenariat d’égal à égal, notamment en capitalisant sur les acquis du Statut Avancé et du Partenariat euro-marocain de prospérité partagé, et à l’élever vers de nouvelles ambitions, afin d’en libérer tout le potentiel au bénéfice de nos citoyens. Nous avons salué en particulier les avancées réalisées dans les quatre espaces structurants, (i) Espace de convergence des Valeurs, (ii) Espace de convergence Économique et de Cohésion sociale, (iii) Espace de Connaissances Partagées et (iv) Espace de concertation politique et de Coopération accrue en matière de Sécurité, y compris dans des domaines fondamentaux de notre coopération, tels que le développement socio-économique inclusif et durable, le commerce et l’investissement, le partenariat vert et la lutte contre le changement climatique, la recherche et l’innovation, la culture, la migration et la mobilité, ainsi que la prévention de l’extrémisme violent et le renforcement de la coopération en matière de sécurité et de justice. Ces progrès témoignent de la vitalité et de la résilience de notre partenariat, et de notre capacité commune à relever les défis de notre temps. La solidité de notre partenariat est également illustrée par l’ampleur et la diversité de notre coopération dans tous les domaines cités. Le Maroc demeure le principal bénéficiaire des financements de l’Union européenne en Afrique du Nord, complété par des investissements structurants soutenus par la Banque européenne d’investissement et les institutions financières des États membres, pour un montant approximatif annuel de 270 millions EUR pendant la période 2021-2024, pour allocations bilatérales et allocations FEDD+. Nous avons, ensemble, souligné l’importance cruciale de ce partenariat pour apporter des réponses concertées aux enjeux régionaux et mondiaux, et réaffirmé notre attachement commun à un ordre international fondé sur des règles, à un multilatéralisme efficace et au respect du droit international. Dans cet esprit, nous avons échangé nos vues sur l’évolution de la situation régionale et internationale, réitérant notre volonté d’approfondir notre coopération dans les enceintes internationales et régionales afin de promouvoir des paix justes et durables, qui seules garantissent une réelle stabilité. S’agissant de la situation au Proche-Orient, nous nous sommes félicités de l’adoption de la résolution 2803 (2025) du Conseil de sécurité des Nations unies, et avons réaffirmé notre attachement à une paix globale, juste et durable, fondée sur la solution à deux États, conformément aux résolutions pertinentes du Conseil de sécurité de l’ONU. Nous avons insisté sur la nécessité de protéger les civils à Gaza, et d’assurer un acheminement rapide, sûr et sans entrave de l’aide humanitaire à grande échelle ainsi que de permettre à l’ONU et ses agences, ainsi qu’aux organisations humanitaires, d’opérer de manière indépendante et impartiale. A cet égard, nous avons réitéré notre soutien au travail du Comité Al Qods, présidé par Sa Majesté le Roi Mohammed VI, en faveur d’une paix et d’une stabilité durables au Proche Orient. Regrettant la situation grave qui perdure près de quatre années après la violation de l’intégrité territoriale de l’Ukraine par la Russie et rappelant les différentes résolutions de l'Assemblée générale des Nations unies sur l'Ukraine, l'UE et le Maroc ont réaffirmé l'obligation de tous les États de s'abstenir, dans leurs relations internationales, de recourir à la menace ou à l'emploi de la force. Nous avons souligné la nécessité de parvenir, dès que possible, à une paix globale, juste et durable en Ukraine, conformément aux principes de la Charte des Nations Unies et du droit international. Nous avons aussi souligné la nécessité d'un règlement pacifique des conflits et du respect du droit international humanitaire, rappelant notre engagement à faire respecter l'obligation de rendre des comptes pour les violations graves du droit international. Nous avons réaffirmé notre soutien à l’indépendance, à la souveraineté et à l’intégrité territoriale de l’Ukraine à l’intérieur de ses frontières internationalement reconnues. La partie européenne a rappelé l’attachement de l’UE au règlement du différend du Sahara occidental et salué l’adoption de la Résolution 2797 (2025) du Conseil de sécurité des Nations unies qui appuie pleinement les efforts que font le Secrétaire général et son Envoyé personnel pour faciliter et conduire les négociations en se fondant sur le plan d’autonomie proposé par le Maroc pour parvenir à un règlement juste, durable et mutuellement acceptable du différend, conformément à la Charte des Nations Unies, et accueillera volontiers toute suggestion constructive que pourraient faire les parties en réponse au plan d’autonomie et qui demande aux parties de participer aux discussions sans conditions préalables et sur la base du plan d’autonomie proposé par le Maroc afin de parvenir à une solution politique définitive et mutuellement acceptable qui assure l’autodétermination du peuple du Sahara occidental, et qui considère qu’une autonomie véritable pourrait représenter une solution des plus réalisables et encourage les parties à faire part de leurs idées à l’appui d’une solution définitive mutuellement acceptable. Dans ce cadre, l’UE s’est félicitée de la volonté du Maroc de s’engager de bonne foi avec toutes les parties concernées afin de clarifier les modalités de ce plan d’autonomie et d’expliciter comment une autonomie dans le cadre de la souveraineté marocaine se déclinerait. L’UE a réitéré qu’elle se tient prête à apporter son concours pour faciliter les consultations entre les parties dans le cadre des Nations unies et à appuyer les efforts de l’Envoyé personnel du Secrétaire Général. Nous avons, également, échangé sur les évolutions dans notre voisinage commun, y compris l’initiative des Etats Africains Atlantiques et les initiatives dans le cadre de la stratégie Global Gateway. Nous avons convenu de renforcer notre coopération au sein des enceintes internationales et régionales, notamment dans l’espace euro-méditerranéen et avec nos partenaires africains. Nous avons aussi souligné la nécessité d’œuvrer conjointement à promouvoir la stabilité, la sécurité et la prospérité de la région du Sahel, notamment à travers une coordination des efforts diplomatiques. À cet égard, nous avons salué avec enthousiasme le Pacte pour la Méditerranée, lancé à Barcelone le 28 novembre 2025, qui incarne l’ambition stratégique de redéfinir les relations entre l’Union européenne et ses partenaires du sud, dans un esprit de partenariat fondé sur la confiance mutuelle et la responsabilité partagée. La partie européenne a tenu à exprimer sa reconnaissance pour le rôle constructif et visionnaire joué par le Maroc dans le cadre des initiatives de coopération régionale, notamment l’organisation à Rabat le 11 septembre 2025 de « la retraite de haut Niveau sur l’avenir des relations euro-méditerranéens », visant à enrichir le Pacte. En conclusion, nous avons réaffirmé, avec une détermination renouvelée, notre volonté de poursuivre et d’intensifier nos échanges, afin d’élever le partenariat UE-Maroc à la hauteur de nos ambitions communes. Nous nous sommes engagés à approfondir encore notre dialogue politique à cadence régulière, et à renforcer notre partenariat stratégique, et à l’approfondir dans tous les domaines prioritaires pour les deux parties, pour le plus grand bénéfice de nos citoyens.
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| ● Council of the EU | | | 29/01/2026 19:29 | Press release | | | | | The Council today adopted an assistance measure worth €20 million under the European Peace Facility. The objective of the assistance measure is to enhance the logistical capacities of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia, with a focus on the protection of civilians in crisis and emergency situations. It will also enhance the resilience of Armenia and accelerate the interoperability of its Armed Forces in case of possible future participation in international military missions and operations, including those deployed by the EU. The assistance measure will build on and complement the ongoing assistance measure launched in 2024, consisting of a deployable tent camp, and scale it up to brigade-size. Following today’s decision, the total support for Armenia within this framework raises to €30 million. “This European Peace Facility assistance measure is another step towards closer cooperation between the EU and Armenia in the area of security and defence. With this measure, the EU demonstrates its commitment to further supporting Armenia’s resilience, which contributes to stability, peace and security of the whole region.” | | — Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council |
The support adopted today will be provided in the framework of the EU’s partnership with Armenia, which is based on shared values and aimed at promoting peace, stability and prosperity in Armenia and the South Caucasus. The EU is committed to enhancing the comprehensive political and economic partnership with Armenia, based on the new Strategic Agenda for the EU-Armenia Partnership. Background and next stepsThe European Peace Facility was established in March 2021 for the financing of actions under the common foreign and security policy to prevent conflicts, preserve peace and strengthen international security and stability. In particular, the European Peace Facility allows the EU to finance actions designed to strengthen the capacities of third States and regional and international organisations relating to military and defence matters.
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| ● Council of the EU | | | 29/01/2026 18:19 | Press release | | | | | The Council today decided to adopt restrictive measures against an additional six individuals, in light of Russia’s continued hybrid activities, in particular Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) against the EU and its member states and partners. The Council is listing today television presenters Dmitry Guberniev, Ekaterina Andreeva and Maria Sittel, as well as propagandist Pavel Zarubin. They have been working for or supporting Russian propaganda TV channels or hosting propaganda rallies and shows like ‘Direct Line with Vladimir Putin’, where they are spreading disinformation about the war in Ukraine and praising Putin’s regime. The new listings further include cultural figures: actor Roman Chumakov and Ukrainian-born Russian ballet dancer Sergey Polunin who are through their work promoting pro-Russian propaganda and conspiracy theories on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as well as anti-Ukraine and anti-Western narratives. All of those designated today actively contribute to Russia’s war against Ukraine, for instance through the raising of money for the Russian armed forces. With today’s decision, restrictive measures in view of Russia’s destabilising activities now apply to a total of 65 individuals and 17 entities. Those listed are subject to an asset freeze, and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds, financial assets or economic resources available to them. Natural persons also face a travel ban that prohibits them from entering or transiting through EU territories. The relevant legal acts have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union. BackgroundOn 8 October 2024, the Council adopted a framework of restrictive measures in response to Russia’s destabilising actions. The sanctions regime targets those engaged in actions and policies by the government of the Russian Federation, which undermine the fundamental values of the EU and its member states, their security, stability, independence and integrity. The sanctions regime targets also those responsible for Russia’s hybrid activities against third countries and international organisations. In May 2025, the EU broadened the scope of the restrictive measures framework to allow the targeting of tangible assets linked to Russia’s destabilising activities, financial backers of destabilising activities, and to allow for the suspension of the broadcasting licences of Russian media outlets involved in disinformation. On 18 July 2025, a statement of the High Representative on behalf of the EU strongly condemned persistent malicious activities posed by Russia, which form part of broader, coordinated, and long-standing hybrid campaigns aimed at threatening and undermining the security, resilience and democratic foundations of the EU, its member states and its partners. The High Representative stressed that Russian malicious activities have further escalated since the beginning of the war of aggression against Ukraine and are highly likely to persist in the foreseeable future. On 18 December 2025 the EU Delegation to the UN and OSCE in Vienna published a Statement concerning Russia’s destabilising activities in the OSCE region. The EU Delegation underlined that Russia has waged hybrid campaigns against the EU and its member states for years, with malicious activities further escalating since the beginning of the war of aggression against Ukraine and highly likely to persist in the foreseeable future. The EU and its member states will continue to draw on the full range of tools available to protect, prevent, deter from and respond to such malicious behaviour.
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| ● Council of the EU | | | 29/01/2026 17:19 | Press release | | | | | The Council today adopted sanctions against seven individuals, in view of the continued grave situation in Sudan, the dramatic escalation of violence causing irreparable costs to human life in Darfur and throughout the country, as well as violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law. For almost three years, the conflict in Sudan has caused the loss of thousands of lives and immense hardship for the Sudanese people, and posed a serious threat to stability and security across the wider region. The responsibility for this war continues to be on the shoulders of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), as well as their respective affiliated militias. From those designated today, 5 are RSF-affiliated and 2 are SAF-affiliated individuals. These include Algoney Hamdan Dagalo Musa, a Major in the RSF and brother of the head of the RSF, as well as Brigadier Generals, Commanders and other members of the RSF. Additionally, the restrictive measures apply to supporters of the SAF, including Al-Misbah Abu Zaid Talha, the Commander of the Islamist militia Baraa bin Malik Battalion (BBMB). These individuals are associated with entities that threaten the peace, stability or security of Sudan. The adoption of this package of sanctions directly reflects the fourth EU ask to the parties to the conflict set out in the Council Conclusions on Sudan of October 2025, namely the need for restoring and strengthening the rule of law, accountability, respect for international law, including international humanitarian law and human rights law, and justice in Sudan. By imposing targeted restrictive measures, the European Union reinforces accountability for serious violations and signals that impunity for such acts is unacceptable. With today’s listings, the Sudan sanctions regime now applies to 18 individuals and eight entities. Those listed are subject to an asset freeze, and the provision of funds or economic resources, directly or indirectly, to them or for their benefit, is prohibited. Additionally, a travel ban to the EU applies to the natural persons listed. The EU remains actively engaged, including at the highest level, in efforts to find a sustainable end to the conflict, and will continue to employ, and where possible intensify the use of the full range of foreign policy instruments at its disposal — including, where appropriate, targeted sanctions — to achieve a peaceful resolution to the crisis. The relevant legal acts have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union. BackgroundIn October 2023, the Council adopted a dedicated framework of restrictive measures in view of activities undermining the stability and political transition of Sudan. It then adopted successive sets of sanctions against individuals and entities belonging to or affiliated with the SAF and the RSF in January, June and December 2024, and in July and November 2025. On 11 April 2025, the High Representative issued a statement on behalf of the EU, reiterating the EU’s strong appeal to the warring parties for an immediate and lasting ceasefire. On that occasion the EU stressed that, in close coordination with the international community, it would use its diplomatic tools and instruments, including restrictive measures, to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict and a lasting inter-Sudanese, inclusive political process reflecting the aspirations of the Sudanese people. In October 2025, the Council approved conclusions on Sudan, strongly condemning the ongoing conflict and calling on all parties to increase their engagement towards an immediate ceasefire, ensure unimpeded humanitarian access and the protection of civilians, and commit to facilitating a representative and independent civilian governance. On 20 November 2025, the High Representative issued a statement condemning in the strongest terms the grave and ongoing atrocities perpetrated by the RSF in Sudan, including in the context of the seizure of the city of El Fasher, and calling for an immediate end to the atrocities committed. In a briefing to the UNSC on 19 January 2026, the ICC Deputy Prosecutor Khan stated the Court conclusions that war crimes and crimes against humanity were committed in El Fasher, particularly in late October, following a prolonged RSF siege of the city.
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| ● Council of the EU | | | 29/01/2026 14:50 | Press release | | | | | The Council decided today to impose restrictive measures related to serious human rights violations in Iran and Iran’s continued military support to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Human rights violations in IranThe Council decided today to impose restrictive measures on an additional 15 persons and six entities responsible for serious human rights violations in Iran, following the violent repression of peaceful protests, including the use of violence, arbitrary detention, and intimidation tactics by security forces against demonstrators. The EU is in particular imposing restrictive measures on Eskandar Momeni, Iran’s Minister of the Interior and Head of the National Security Council, and members of Iran’s judicial system including Mohammad Movahedi-Azad, the Prosecutor General, and Iman Afshari, a presiding judge. In addition, today’s listings cover a number of IRGC commanders and high ranking officers of the police and the Law Enforcement Force (LEF). They were all involved in the violent repression of peaceful protests and the arbitrary arrest of political activists and human rights defenders. The entities listed today include among others the Iranian Audio-Visual Media Regulatory Authority (SATRA), Seraj Cyberspace Organization, the Working Group for Determining Instances of Criminal Content (WGDICC) and several software companies. These entities were involved in censoring activities, trolling campaigns on social media, spreading disinformation and misinformation online, or contributed to the widespread disruption of access to the internet by developing surveillance and repression tools. Restrictive measures related to human rights violations in Iran now apply to a total of 247 individuals and 50 entities. They consist of an asset freeze, travel bans to the EU, and a prohibition to make funds or economic resources available to those listed. A ban on exports to Iran of equipment that might be used for internal repression, including equipment for monitoring telecommunications, is also in place. The EU expresses its solidarity with the Iranian people as they voice their legitimate aspiration for freedom and dignity, and for a future where their universal human rights and fundamental freedoms are respected, protected and fulfilled. Iran’s support to Russia’s war of aggression against UkraineIran’s military supports to Russia’s war of aggression continues to pose a direct threat to EU security. Today, the Council also imposed restrictive measures on four persons and six entities under the EU dedicated sanctions regime, with a specific focus on the Iranian state-sponsored programme for the development and production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Today’s listings include Khojir Missile Development and Production, a leading entity in Iran's ballistic missile programme, and Sahara Thunder, an Iranian import-export trading company which acts as a front company for the Iranian Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics. The Council is also sanctioning other private companies supplying critical components to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) or having links to entities involved in Iran’s missile programme. The individuals listed today include businessmen, CEOs and shareholders of private companies who are involved in the development and production of Iran’s ballistic missiles and are therefore engaged in Iran’s missile or UAV programme. Today’s decision brings the total number of those sanctioned under this regime to 24 individuals and 26 entities. The sanctions regime was last extended until 27 July 2026. Finally, the Council decided to extend the prohibition on the export, sale, transfer or supply from the EU to Iran to include further components and technologies used in the development and production of UAVs and missiles. This applies to special materials and related equipment, including energetic materials and mixtures thereof, materials processing, electronics, computers, telecommunications and information security, sensors and lasers, navigation and avionics, aerospace and propulsion as well as technology, designed or specifically adapted for the test, development or production of drones and missiles. The relevant legal acts have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union. BackgroundThe EU introduced in 2011 a regime consisting of restrictive measures specifically targeting human rights violations and abuses in Iran, that have been renewed annually since and last extended until 13 of April 2026. Since 2022, the EU has drastically increased restrictive measures, adopting multiple packages of sanctions in the context of growing concerns about the human rights situation in Iran. On 9 January 2026, the HR issued a statement on behalf of the EU condemning the use of violence, arbitrary detention and intimidation tactics by security forces against demonstrators in Iran. The statement also called for all individuals unjustly detained for exercising their fundamental rights to be released immediately and urged Iranian authorities to adhere to Iran's international obligations and fully uphold the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, as well as for ensuring the right of access to information, including by restoring access to the internet for all. Furthermore, on 20 July 2023, the Council established a dedicated framework for sanctions in view of Iran's military support of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. The scope of the framework was broadened on 14 May 2024, in view of Iran's military support to armed groups in the Middle East and Red Sea region and of the drone and missile attacks Iran carried out against Israel in April 2024.
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