European Council

At the third meeting of the Accession Conference, the EU and Moldova opened negotiations on the EU acquis related to external relations. 

The 28th meeting of the Accession Conference with Montenegro provisionally closed chapters 8 on competition policy and 29 on customs union

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1364 concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

The Council authorised the formal conclusion of the EU-Mexico Interim Trade Agreement, following the European Parliament’s consent.

On the third meeting of the Accession Conference, the EU and Ukraine opened negotiations on the EU acquis related to external relations.

The Council sanctioned 15 Russian individuals and one entity responsible for serious human rights violations against Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian detainees.

The Council imposed restrictive measures on nine individuals and four entities forming part of Russia's cyber ecosystem,  responsible for carrying out, enabling and facilitating malicious cyber activities against the EU, its member states and partners. 

The Council adopted an assistance measure, worth €15 million under the EPF that will benefit the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The Council imposed restrictive measures on four Russian individuals and five entities responsible for suppressing freedom of expression, access to information, and freedom of association in Russia.

The EU and Ukraine issued a joint statement on civilian detainees and the humanitarian consequences of Russia’s war of aggression.

The Council adopted an assistance measure, worth €120 million under the EPF that will benefit the Moldovan Armed Forces.

The Council strengthened EU sanctions on Sudan by targeting gold mining and gold exploitation to curb financing of the conflict.

The Council appointed a new EU Special Representative for Kosovo* and extended the mandates of the current EU Special Representatives for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Horn of Africa.

The Council has launched the EU Partnership Mission in Armenia (EUPM Armenia) under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) to enhance the country’s resilience and its ability to address hybrid threats.

Council formally adopts regulation aimed at helping farmers cope with high fertiliser costs.

Main agenda items, approximate timing, public sessions and press opportunities.

Press briefing ahead of the upcoming Agriculture and Fisheries Council will take place on 10 July 2026 at 11:00.

Press briefing ahead of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council and General Affairs Council will take place on Thursday, 9 July at 11.00. 

President of the European Council, António Costa, will travel to Ankara (Türkiye) on 7 and 8 July. On Tuesday, he will attend a leaders’ dinner ahead of the NATO summit. On Wednesday, together with President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, he will meet President of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Press briefing ahead of the upcoming Eurogroup meeting of 9 July will take place on Tuesday 7 July 2026 at 15.30.