As the EU beefs up its military and defence capacities, EU ministers of foreign affairs on 28 May endorsed a package of measures to in parallel further strengthen the Union's civilian security capabilities. This reflects the EU's commitment to an integrated approach to security, combining civilian and military tools for effective conflict prevention and crisis response.

The High Representative and EU Foreign ministers discussed the situation in Syria at the beginning of their meeting. The Council held a debate on Venezuela and on Moldova. Foreign ministers had a discussion on the Middle Peace Process with foreign ministers, members of the LAS ministerial delegation on Jerusalem chaired by Jordan (Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Morocco, United Arab Emirates, the Palestinian Authority).