Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Italian Republic

02/22/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/23/2026 03:15

Tajani in Brussels for Foreign Affairs Council. G7 Trade and Tariff Task Force also on the agenda

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Antonio Tajani. is in Brussels to participate in the meeting of the European Union's Foreign Affairs Council.

The Foreign Affairs Council is focusing primarily on Ukraine on the eve of the fourth anniversary of Russian aggression. Discussions will focus on support for Ukraine, especially in the energy sector, ongoing diplomatic efforts, and the European contribution to security guarantees, as well as increased sanctions pressure on Russia, particularly in the fight against the shadow fleet.

During his visit to Brussels, Minister Tajani will participate in a video conference of the G7 countries in which the Trade Ministers will address the issue of critical materials and preparatory work for the WTO Ministerial Meeting in Yaoundé.

Minister Tajani will finally chair a new meeting of the "Tariff Task Force" with 40 Italian companies and approximately 80 trade associations, to discuss the US Administration's decision to temporarily revise tariffs.

A session on the situation in the Middle East is also on the agenda of the Foreign Affairs Council, following the first formal meeting of the Board of Peace for Gaza, chaired by US President Donald Trump, in which Minister Tajani participated as an observer representing Italy. Discussions will focus on Europe's contribution to the launch of "phase two" of the US peace plan, which calls for the demilitarization and reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, and the deployment of the International Stabilization Force (ISF) to strengthen aid and facilitate the IDF's withdrawal. Ministers will also meet with the High Representative for Gaza, Nikolay Mladenov.

The 27 will finally address the situation in Iran and the progress of negotiations on the nuclear program.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Italian Republic published this content on February 22, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on February 23, 2026 at 09:15 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]