The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the European Union (EU) and of the League of Arab States (LAS) gathered in Athens, on 10-11 June, for the Third Ministerial Meeting between the EU and LAS.

The crisis in Ukraine was high on the agenda of the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC), starting at 9.30 (CET) on Monday 12 May in Brussels, chaired by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton. Ministers took stock of ongoing work and adopted conclusions.

The Council turned to the state of play in the Middle East peace process, while, over lunch, there was an exchange of views on the EU's neighbourhood policy with countries in both eastern and southern Europe.

A press conference took place at end of the meeting.

The Meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council concerning Trade is taking place in Brussels on May 8^th, chaired by the Greek Deputy Minister of Development and Competitiveness, Notis Mitarachi.

The Council will take note of progress on the remaining technical issues to be resolved on a comprehensive economic and trade agreement with Canada.

It will discuss implementation by Japan of commitments on the elimination of non-tariff barriers in the context of negotiations on a free trade agreement.

Defence ministers will meet today (15 April 2014) from 9.30 (CET) onwards, first as the European Defence Agency Steering Board, chaired by the High Representative as Head of the Agency.

The Council will convene from 10.30 (CET) and hear presentations on the proposed EU Maritime Security Strategy and the launch of the EU military operation in the Central African Republic.