France, EU discuss coordination on Ukraine and Middle East

On March 26, 2026, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot held talks with European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on the sidelines of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting.

The discussions focused on key geopolitical issues in the Middle and Near East, according to a statement from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The ministers addressed developments in the region, including their impact on maritime security and freedom of navigation, as well as the situation in Lebanon.

Barrot and Kallas also discussed the EU’s ongoing support for Ukraine in light of Russian “aggression.” Barrot reiterated France’s backing for the rapid adoption of the EU’s twentieth sanctions package against Russia and stressed France’s determination to counter the activities of Russia’s “shadow” fleet.

By Tamilla Hasanova