On 17 October 2022, Josep Borrell Fontelles, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Council, chaired the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg. 

The Council exchanged views on the Russian aggression of Ukraine and agreed to establish an EU Military Assistance Mission to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The Council also discussed EU-China relations and stressed the EU need to strengthen its internal resilience, and work with international partners. Ministers also exchanged views on the current situation in Iran and adopted restrictive measures against 11 individuals and 4 entities, targeting those linked to the death of Mahsa Amini and to the violent repression of the peaceful protests. They also discussed the recent election in Bosnia and Herzegovina (2 October 2022) and the allegations of electoral fraud, the socioeconomic situation in Lebanon and the needed reforms, and the conflict in Ethiopia.

This video shows the press conference held by Josep Borrell Fontelles following the Council meeting.