European Council

To reinforce the application of passenger rights across the EU, the Council has adopted its negotiating position (general approach) on two Commission proposals, which form part of the so-called ‘passenger mobility’ legislative package.

To improve road safety across Europe, the Council has adopted its negotiating position (general approach) on a Commission proposal regarding certain driving disqualifications forming part of the so-called ‘road safety’ legislative package.

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

European Council President António Costa highlighted the importance of social dialogue as well as the need to boost competiteveness at the 592nd plenary session of the European Economic and Social Committee.

The Council today reached an agreement on a proposed framework for Financial Data Access (FIDA) that aims to open the access of financial institutions to each other’s customer data.

Press briefings ahead of the upcoming Economic and Financial Affairs Council of 10 December 2024 and the Justice and Home Affairs Council of 12 and 13 December 2024 will take place on 9 December 2024 at 11.00.

The Council reached a provisional agreement with the European Parliament on a proposed targeted amendment of the EU deforestation regulation, postponing its date of application by 12 months.

The Council has approved conclusions on improving cardiovascular health and combating cardiovascular diseases through prevention, early detection, treatment and rehabilitation.

The press briefings ahead of the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Transport and Telecommunications) and the Agriculture and Fisheries Council of 9-10 December 2024 will take place on Wednesday 4 December 2024 starting at 17.00.

The Council has adopted a non-binding recommendation that will encourage member states to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke and aerosols and achieve a tobacco-free generation in Europe by 2040 as set out in Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan.

Press briefing ahead of the Eurogroup meeting will take place on 5 December 2024 at 15.00. 

The Council has approved conclusions on fostering the social inclusion of persons with disabilities through employment, reasonable accommodation and rehabilitation.

The Council has approved conclusions on labour and skills shortages in the EU with a focus on mobilising untapped labour potential.

The Council decided to prolong sanctions against 116 individuals and 33 entities responsible for serious human rights violations and abuses in various countries worldwide, until 8 December 2025.

The Council adopted two new laws part of the cyber security legislative ‘package’, namely the so-called ‘cyber solidarity act’, and a targeted amendment to the cybersecurity act (CSA).

The Council of the EU has endorsed 46 Global Gateway flagship projects for 2025.

On the first day of his mandate, European Council President António Costa visited Ukraine and met with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy. They held a press conference at the end of the meeting.

Weekly schedule of President António Costa, 1–8 December 2024

In his handover speech in front of the press and Council staff, President Charles Michel looked back at the main challenges of his term in office and expressed confidence in the future under the leadership of incoming President António Costa.

The EU issued a statement urging immediate humanitarian pauses to enable the vaccination of all children in Gaza against the poliovirus.