On 19 February 2024, Josep Borrell Fontelles, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, chaired the 4004th meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, Belgium.

The Council first discussed the situation in the Middle East. The Council then discussed Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Lastly, the EU Ministers for Foreign Affairs had a discussion on the situation in the Sahel. Under current affairs, the Council exchanged views on Belarus. The Council adopted conclusions on Belarus and the decision to launch Operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES to safeguard the freedom of navigation in relation to the Red Sea crisis. The Council meeting was preceded by an informal exchange with Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency. 

This video shows a doorstep given by Josep Borrell Fontelles on this occasion.