The EU Foreign Affairs Council is meeting in Brussels today to discuss a counter-terrorism strategy.

It is the first time the panel of ministers from all 28 member states are meeting since the terror attacks in Paris.

Ministers will also discuss climate change ahead of a major United Nations conference in Paris later this year.

While relations with Russia will also be on the agenda.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan said: "I welcome this opportunity to have a strategic debate on the EU's relations with Russia. I see this as an initial discussion on the possible areas where the EU might wish to engage with Russia in the near to medium term."

"This should in no way be seen as signalling a return to business-as-usual. That would require a change in behaviour on the part of Russia towards Ukraine."

While the situation on the ground in Libya will be one of a number of regional issues that the ministers will discuss with the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Nabil Elaraby, at today's meeting.

But Mr Flanagan said data exchange between EU states has to improve for any plan to succeed.

Federica Mogherini, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has said that there needs to be more cooperation between countries.