European Council

The Council adopted a series of legislative acts.

The EU is better protecting consumers and businesses when they shop and trade online and offline.

The Council today agreed on key parts of the draft Council decision establishing the specific programme implementing Horizon Europe.

The regulation adopted by the Council today aims to ensure that from 2030 onwards new cars will emit on average 37.5% less CO2 and new vans will emit on average 31% less CO2.

The rules governing the EU's internal gas market will in future apply to gas pipelines to and from third countries. The Council adopted an amendment to the gas directive.

The EU is taking steps to increase the number of TV and radio programmes available online for European consumers. The Council today adopted a directive which will facilitate the licensing of copyright-protected material contained in such programmes so that they can be made available throughout the EU.

At the end of the European Council (Art. 50) meeting, President Donald Tusk announced a further flexible extension of the Article 50 period until 31 October 2019.

The European Council (Article 50) on 10 April 2019 adopted a decision on extending the period under Article 50 TEU.

On 10 April 2019, the European Council (Art. 50) adopted conclusions on Brexit.

Donald Tusk sent the invitation letter for the special meeting of the European Council (Art. 50). EU27 leaders will meet to discuss the UK request of a further extension of the Article 50 period.

At the press conference concluding the 21st EU-China summit held in Brussels, President Tusk highlighted the main subjects of the discussions during the meeting, setting the direction for a partnership with China based on reciprocity.

During the 21st EU-China summit held in Brussels, leaders reaffirmed the strength of the EU-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and their resolve to work together for peace, prosperity, sustainable development, commitment to multilateralism and respect for international law. They agreed a joint statement.

The 26th bilateral summit between the EU and Japan is expected to take place on 25 April in the Europa building in Brussels.

The Council adopted conclusions on sustainable development, responding to the Commission's reflection paper "Towards a Sustainable Europe by 2030".

The Council adopted a decision establishing a High-level Group of Wise Persons on the European financial architecture for development, chaired by Thomas Wieser.

The Council adopted a series of legislative acts.

More accessible products and services for EU citizens: Council adopts the Accessibility Act.

The Council adopted a regulation setting out that, following Brexit, UK citizens coming to the Schengen area for a short stay (90 days in any 180 days) will be granted visa free travel.

Council adopts new rules on definition, description, presentation and labelling of spirit drinks.

Rules on unfair trading practices in the agricultural and food supply chain adopted.