European Council

The Council sanctioned additional 5 persons and 4 entities responsible for actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

The press briefing will take place on Tuesday, 16 December 2025 at 14.30.

The Council introduced an additional criterion for the listing of individuals, entities or bodies involved in or facilitating actions attributable to the Government of the Republic of Belarus, which undermine or threaten the stability, sovereignty or security in the EU, in light of the recent hybrid attacks against Lithuania and other EU member states. 

The Council reached a partial negotiating position on the 2028-2034 Connecting Europe Facility, under the next MFF, to strengthen investments in Europe’s strategic infrastructure on transport and energy.

The Council decided to renew restrictive measures in view of the situation in Venezuela until 10 January 2027.

Council agrees on fishing opportunities in the Atlantic and the North Sea for 2026 and for certain stocks for 2027 and 2028, and in the Mediterranean and the Black Seas for 2026.

The Council and the Parliament have reached a deal on new rules to make the EU’s pharmaceutical sector fairer and more competitive.

The Council and the European Parliament provisionally agreed on a revision of the EU's victims' rights directive.

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

Council approves an agreement reached with the United Kingdom which secures the fishing rights of EU fishers in the Atlantic and the North Sea for 2026.

Council agrees on a mandate to begin negotiations with the European Parliament on new rules for plant reproductive material.

Press briefing ahead of the upcoming Foreign Affairs Council will take place on 12 December 2025 at 14.30.

The Council endorsed the consolidated list of Global Gateway flagship projects for 2026, now including 256 initiatives.

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

The Council and the Parliament have reached a provisional agreement to amend the climate law by setting a 90% emissions reduction target for 2040, with flexibilities for member states and the EU during the transition.

The High Representative issued a statement on behalf of the European Union on the upcoming elections in Myanmar.

Press remarks by President António Costa following the meeting with Taoiseach of Ireland, Micheál Martin.

Press briefing ahead of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council will take place on 11 December at 13.30. The briefing will be "off the record".

The EU issued a statement on Human Rights Day stressing that it remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguard human rights at home and abroad, and to ensure peace, truth, justice and accountability.

European Council President António Costa invited leaders to the meeting of 18 and 19 December 2025 in Brussels, during which they will discuss Ukraine, Middle East, next Multiannual Financial Framework, EU enlargement, migration, and geoeconomy and competitiveness.