European Council

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.

The Council and the European Parliament agreed on an updated retail investment framework to empower and protect consumers when they invest. It will also help to foster trust and increase competitiveness in the EU’s financial markets.

The Council of the EU and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on a regulation regarding the application of the safe third country concept.

President of the European Council António Costa presented the main results of the discussions of the leaders during the EU-Western Balkans summit held in Brussels on 17 December 2025.

The Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional deal on the regulation on EU-Mercosur safeguard clauses, ensuring swift and strong action to protect EU farmers.

The EU-Western Balkans summit took place in Brussels on 17 December 2025. The Brussels declaration was issued.

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

The Council adopted conclusions on Europe's Environment 2030, calling for urgent, systemic action for climate resilience and a circular economy to meet the EU's goals.

The 24th meeting of the Accession Conference with Montenegro provisionally closed chapters 3 on right of establishment and freedom to provide services, 4 on free movement of capital and 6 on company law, 11 on agriculture and rural development and 13 on fisheries.

Leaders met to discuss Ukraine in Berlin (Germany) on 15 December 2025.

The European Union and Lebanon held today in Brussels the ninth meeting of the EU–Lebanon Association Council. The two sides reviewed the state of EU–Lebanon relations and reaffirmed their shared commitment to enhancing the bilateral partnership within the framework of the Association Agreement and partnership priorities.

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

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

The Council adopted additional restrictive measures against three individuals and one entity engaging in gang violence, who are responsible for actions that threaten peace, stability and security in Haiti.

The Council adopted restrictive measures against an additional twelve individuals and two entities in view of Russia’s destabilising activities against the EU and its member states and partners.