Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman participated in the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) of the European Union held in Brussels on Monday, 11 May 2026.
The meeting was preceded by an informal breakfast with the foreign ministers of the six Western Balkan partners, during which the ministers exchanged views on the situation in the Western Balkans region, security challenges and the prospects for European integration.
Grlić Radman stressed that Croatia strongly supports the EU’s merit-based enlargement policy, emphasising that progress must be grounded in concrete reform efforts, alignment with the EU acquis and compliance with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy.
In this context, Grlić Radman met in Brussels on 10 May 2026 with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro, Ervin Ibrahimović.
At the FAC, EU Member State ministers discussed Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, following an informal exchange of views with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha.
The discussion confirmed the need to continue providing strong and comprehensive support to Ukraine, including political, military, humanitarian, energy and financial assistance. Grlić Radman reiterated Croatia’s firm support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
During discussions on the Middle East, ministers reviewed the latest developments regarding the war in Iran and its consequences for the wider region. The importance of de-escalation, the protection of civilians and respect for international law was emphasised, with particular focus on the safety of seafarers, the protection of freedom of navigation, and the preservation of regional stability and the security of key maritime and energy routes.
Following the working lunch, ministers held an informal exchange of views with Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand. Discussions focused on strengthening the EU-Canada strategic partnership, particularly in the context of European security, support for Ukraine, transatlantic cooperation and joint responses to global challenges.
On the margins of the FAC, ministers also participated in a high-level meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, as well as in the first high-level EU-Syria political dialogue dedicated to supporting a peaceful and inclusive transition in Syria.
Grlić Radman also met with Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee, to discuss the upcoming Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union and shared European priorities, including enlargement, competitiveness, security and strengthening cohesion within the EU.
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