European Council

The Council has imposed restrictive measures on two additional individuals responsible for serious violations or abuses of human rights and for the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Russia.

The Council renewed the EU restrictive measures in view of the Russian Federation’s continuing actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine for a further 6 months, until 31 July 2026.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/2436 of 1 December 2025 amending Decision (CFSP) 2017/1775 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Mali.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/2507 of 8 December 2025 amending Decision 2010/788/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/2469 of 4 December 2025 amending Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999 concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses.

Council endorsed the agreement for the participation of Canada in SAFE to further strengthen their joint defence cooperation.

The Council today agreed on its negotiating position on key proposals to strengthen the euro currency and, in turn, improve the EU’s strategic autonomy, economic security and resilience.

The Council today agreed on its position on revitalising the EU’s securitisation framework, in support of EU competitiveness.

The Council adopted today an agreement for a partial negotiating mandate on the proposed Single market and customs programme regulation, part of the next MFF.

During the press conference held at the end of the European Council meeting of 18-19 December 2025, President António Costa presented the main results of the discussions.

The European Council discussed the latest developments as regards Ukraine.

On 18 December, the European Council adopted conclusions on Ukraine, the Middle East, European defence and security, next multiannual financial framework, enlargement and reforms, migration, geoeconomy and competitiveness and other items.

On 18 December, the European Council adopted conclusions on the Middle East, European defence and security, next multiannual financial framework, enlargement and reforms, migration and other items.

A Joint Declaration on EU legislative priorities for 2026 was signed today by the European Parliament, Council and Commission.

The Council formally adopted the targeted revision to simplify the EU deforestation regulation and postpone its application to ensure effective implementation.

Council signs off simplification of Common Agricultural Policy.

The Council of the EU and the European Parliament have provisionally agreed on an EU law establishing a list of safe countries of origin.

Council adopts measures to incentivise and simplify defence investments in the EU.

The Council imposed restrictive measures on an additional 41 vessels that are part of Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ of oil tankers and contribute to Russia’s energy revenues.

Before the start of the European Council meeting of 18-19 December 2025, European Council President António Costa addressed the press in Brussels.