Erjavec told the STA after the ministerial in Luxembourg that Steinmeier called for a review of the sanctions and for a debate on their lifting given that the second phase of measures is to expire in March next year already.

Also in need of an analysis are the sanctions related to the Crimea and natural gas, Ejravec added, saying he expects a debate on these issues in the coming months.

As regards the upcoming parliamentary election in Ukraine, the ministers stressed today they need to be carried out in line with Ukrainian laws and international democratic standards, which goes for the entire territory of Ukraine.

Kiev was meanwhile urged to organise local elections as soon as possible in regions that were promised bigger decentralisation, while Russia was urged to secure the implementation of the peace agreement for the east of Ukraine, where fighting is continuing.

Syria was also discussed and the ministers agreed to expand the list of individuals and companies subjected to property freezes and travel bans. Turkey was moreover urged to open its borders with Syria to allow supplies for people in Kobani.

Also, the ministerial brought agreement on the appointment of a special EU coordinator for the fight against Ebola.

Erjavec however explained that this pertained mostly to the movement of people between member states and that specific measures will remain in the domain of individual countries.