EPP Foreign Affairs and Defence Ministers Discuss Ukraine, Hybrid Threats, Ceuta and Europe’s Security

03. September 2026

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On 2 June, the European People’s Party held a Joint EPP Foreign Affairs and Defence Ministers Meeting, hosted by Helen McEntee, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade of Ireland.
The new joint format, bringing together EPP foreign affairs and defence ministers, was welcomed by participants and provided an opportunity for a substantive exchange on the most pressing security and foreign policy challenges facing Europe.
Ministers reaffirmed their strong and unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s ongoing brutal war of aggression. They expressed growing concern over Russian hybrid threats against Europe and underlined the need to further strengthen European defence readiness and resilience.
Particular attention was given to the importance of deeper defence industrial cooperation with Ukraine, including the integration and further development of advanced Ukrainian defence technologies and battlefield innovation. Ministers also stressed the need to reinforce cooperation with like-minded partners in order to strengthen Europe’s security and defence capabilities.
The discussion also addressed Russia’s attacks on food supply chains and its efforts to disrupt the transportation and export of Ukrainian grain. Ministers warned that such actions have consequences far beyond Ukraine, increasing food insecurity and the risk of hunger, particularly in vulnerable African countries.
Ministers further exchanged views on the recent crisis in the Spanish city of Ceuta and expressed concern about growing pressures and security risks at the EU’s southern borders. They underlined the importance of timely and transparent information-sharing, including from the Spanish Government, to allow European partners to properly assess developments and coordinate their response.
The meeting also highlighted the strategic importance of maritime security for Europe’s resilience, economic security and defence.
Europe is facing increasingly interconnected security challenges. EPP ministers agreed that the European response must be based on unity, stronger cooperation, greater preparedness and the capacity to act decisively.



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