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European Union foreign ministers met in Copenhagen for an informal meeting, known as the Gymnich, to discuss Russia’s war against Ukraine and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. While ministers reaffirmed strong backing for Kyiv, sharp divisions emerged over how to respond to Israel’s military campaign in the Gaza Strip.

The two-day gathering, hosted by Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, combined formal deliberations with informal exchanges. Ministers travelled together by boat for a social dinner ahead of the meeting, where Rasmussen also met Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and her husband, Siarhei Tsikhanouski.

“Denmark assumed the presidency of the EU at a very critical time,” Rasmussen said. “Both regarding Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine and the catastrophic and unacceptable humanitarian situation in Gaza. We do not have the privilege to focus on one crisis at a time. We must be able to handle multiple crises simultaneously. We will continue our unwavering support for Ukraine and increase the pressure on Israel to change course,” he added.

Firm commitment to Ukraine

On Ukraine, ministers expressed continued unity. They discussed countermeasures against Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, which is used to circumvent oil sanctions, as well as possible steps related to frozen Russian assets. The EU has immobilized around $254 billion of Russian central bank reserves, but member states remain divided over whether confiscation is legally feasible.

Foreign ministers from Iceland, Norway, and the United Kingdom also joined parts of the deliberations, underlining broad European coordination on sanctions and support for Kyiv.

EU Foreign Affairs ministers gather in Copenhagen today.

On our agenda:
🔹 Russian aggression against Ukraine
🔹 Issue of frozen assets
🔹 Situation in the Middle East
🔹 Working methods

My doorstep ↓ pic.twitter.com/B4vhExElYS

— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) August 30, 2025

The EU’s High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy Kaja Kallas stressed the importance of maintaining pressure. She also noted that new sanctions under discussion could include action against cryptocurrencies used to evade existing restrictions.

Disagreement on Gaza response

The most divisive issue was Gaza. Since October 2023, Israel’s military operations have killed more than 63,000 people, according to Palestinian officials. A United Nations-backed hunger monitor recently confirmed famine in the territory, though Israel rejected the findings.

“We are divided about this issue,” Kallas admitted before the meeting. She said she was “not very optimistic” about securing agreement on even a limited proposal to curb Israeli access to EU research funds. The measure, presented by the European Commission, was described as lenient compared to broader sanctions, but some governments opposed it.

Countries including Ireland, Spain, Sweden, and the Netherlands called for the suspension of the EU’s free trade pact with Israel. Ireland’s Foreign Minister Simon Harris said: “If the EU does not act as a collective now and take sanctions against Israel, when will it? What more could it possibly take? Children are starving.”

By contrast, Germany, Hungary, and the Czech Republic rejected such steps. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Berlin had made clear to Israel that it must respect humanitarian principles and had suspended delivery of weapons that could be used in Gaza. But he opposed targeting research cooperation.

“We are not very convinced by the proposal to curb Israeli access to EU research funds,” Wadephul said, questioning the utility of suspending what he described as “sensible” civilian projects.

Trade and political leverage

The EU is Israel’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade in goods reaching $49.9 billion in 2024. Commission officials argued that restricting Israel’s participation in the Horizon research program would be a symbolic first step. Crucially, it does not require unanimity, only the backing of 15 countries representing 65 percent of the EU population.

France, the Netherlands, Spain, and Ireland support the initiative, while Germany and Italy remain hesitant. Diplomats said further discussions would continue, but no decision was expected during the informal Gymnich format.

Denmark has gone further, with Rasmussen calling for sanctions directly targeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government. “We must change words into sanctions,” he said, proposing suspension of the trade chapter in the EU-Israel Association Agreement and sanctions on specific ministers.

Humanitarian concerns in Gaza

Ministers broadly agreed on the need for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and unhindered access for humanitarian aid. But how to pressure Israel to achieve these goals remains unresolved.

“What is happening there is haunting me and should haunt all of us,” said Hadja Lahbib, the EU’s commissioner for crisis management. “Because this is a tragedy. And we will be judged by history.”

FM @larsloekke: ”Most important foreign affairs meeting on DK soil in many years: Pleased to host 🇪🇺 Foreign Ministers in Copenhagen alongside HRVP @kajakallas to discuss support to Ukraine, pressure on Russia, and Israel’s unacceptable actions in Gaza.” https://t.co/tA4rlRfizf pic.twitter.com/AmeNemKOFF

— Denmark MFA 🇩🇰 (@DanishMFA) August 30, 2025

Protests have swept European cities in recent months, with demonstrators demanding stronger EU action. Critics argue that the bloc has failed to live up to its commitments on human rights and humanitarian law.

Kallas acknowledged that the lack of unity damages the EU’s standing. “If you ask personally how that feels, that I’m the face that is to blame, that we don’t have a decision, then it’s hard. It’s very hard,” she said.

“It’s clear that member states disagree on how to get the Israeli government to change course. The options are clear and remain on the table. But the problem is that not all EU member states are on board,” Kallas added.

The EU’s High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy added that while sanctions remain divisive, EU pressure has succeeded in securing increased humanitarian access, with more aid trucks entering Gaza and additional border crossings opening.

The Copenhagen Gymnich showed both the EU’s enduring unity on Ukraine and its deep fractures on Gaza. While ministers reiterated firm support for Kyiv and discussed new sanctions against Russia, they failed to bridge divides over Israel.

Countries like Ireland, Spain, and Denmark are pushing for tougher measures, including trade suspensions and targeted sanctions, while Germany and Hungary resist. With no consensus reached, the bloc remains stuck between strong public pressure for action and internal disagreements that weaken its credibility on the global stage.