European Council

On 19 March, the European Council adopted conclusions on Ukraine, the Middle East, competitiveness and single market, European defence and security, migration, multilateralism and other items.

The European Council appointed Mr Vujčić as Vice-President of the European Central Bank for a non-renewable 8-year term. He replaces Luis de Guindos as of 1 June 2026.

On 19 March, the European Council adopted conclusions on the Middle East.

On 19 March 2026, in the margins of the European Council meeting, European Council President António Costa and UN Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the press.

The European Council discussed the latest developments as regards Ukraine.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/490 of 26 February 2026 amending Decision 2014/119/CFSP concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Ukraine.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/438 of 23 February 2026 amending Decision (CFSP) 2022/266 concerning restrictive measures in response to the illegal recognition, occupation or annexation by the Russian Federation of certain non-government controlled areas of Ukraine.

Before the start of the European Council meeting of 19-20 March 2026, European Council President António Costa addressed the press in Brussels.

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

Déclaration du président António Costa au cours de la conférence de presse à l’issue du Sommet social tripartite du 18 mars 2026.

EU leaders and social partners met in Brussels and held a discussion focused on ‘Investment for a vibrant European economy and quality jobs’.

The 26th meeting of the Accession Conference with Montenegro provisionally closed chapter 21 on Trans-European networks.

The Council has approved conclusions on the EU bioeconomy strategy, with a focus on moving bio-based solutions from lab to deployment through innovation and investments.

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

President of the European Council, António Costa, and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, issued a joint statement on the Druzhba pipeline.

Council agrees to facilitate proxy voting at the European Parliament by amending the European electoral act.

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

The Council decided to impose restrictive measures on an additional 16 persons and three entities responsible for serious human rights violations in Iran. 

The Council adopted restrictive measures against three entities and two individuals responsible for cyber-attacks against EU member  states and EU partners.

The Council adopted additional restrictive measures against four individuals responsible for Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) against the EU and its member states and partners.