The Foreign Affairs Ministers agreed in strengthening the enforcement of the EU arms embargo against Syria and reinforced sanctions against the Syrian regime. With regard to the situation in Mali, the Council invited the High Representative and the Commission to make proposals with a view to a gradual return to development cooperation.

The meeting held by Foreign Affairs Ministers on 23 of July ended with the agreement on the reinforcement of the sanctions against Syria. Moreover, EU countries will be obliged to inspect vessels and aircraft heading to Syria if they suspect the cargo contains arms or equipment for internal repression. The Council also froze the assets of three entities supporting the regime. Also the same day, the European Commission doubled the humanitarian aid for Syrian people.

On the other hand, Ministers expressed its alarm on the deteriorating situation in Mali and its adverse impact on regional and international peace and stability. The Council also took stock of the situation in Sudan and South Sudan, one year after the independence of South Sudan. It reiterated its strong support for the full and unconditional implementation of the African Union roadmap for resolving the post-secession conflicts between the two states.

Finally, the progress achieved on the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) since the Council conclusions of 1 December 2011 was welcomed by Ministers, in particular the imminent launch of three new CSDP missions as well as the continued planning for EU support to border security in Libya. It also underlined the concrete impact of CSDP missions and operations on the ground.