European Council

The EU issued a statement condemning unequivocally Russia’s decision to terminate the Black Sea Grain Initiative. With its decision, Russia is further exacerbating the global food security crisis it created by its war of aggression against Ukraine and its blockade of Ukrainian sea ports. Russia must cease illegally blocking Ukrainian sea ports and allow freedom of navigation on the Black Sea.

European Council President Charles Michel opened the 3rd EU-CELAC summit held in Brussels on 17-18 July 2023.

European Council President Charles Michel highlighted that the summit is an opportunity for EU and CELAC leaders to send a united message about developing strong cooperation in the interest of both continents and people.

The EU issued a statement commemorating the ninth anniversary of the tragic downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, when 298 people of 17 different nationalities lost their lives.

The EU issued a statement on the occasion of the day of International Criminal Justice acknowledging the importance of upholding and defending the system of international criminal justice as an essential tool of the international community to promote peace and security and protect the rights of the victims.

European Council President Charles Michel met President Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Prime Minister Pashinyan of Armenia in Brussels. It was the sixth high-level meeting of this kind, aimed at normalization of the relations between the two countries.

The EU issued a statement on North Korea/DPRK strongly condemning the launch of an inter-continental ballistic missile on 12 July.

Weekly schedule of President Charles Michel, 17 – 23 July 2023

Press release: new spokesperson of the President of the European Council

The Council today adopted implementing decisions amending the recovery and resilience plans of France, Malta, Slovakia and Ireland. The amended plans of France, Malta and Slovakia now include a new REPowerEU chapter. This will contribute to accelerating their transition towards clean energy, diversifying their energy supplies and improving their energy efficiency.

Today, the Council adopted conclusions on the 2023 in-depth reviews under the macroeconomic imbalance procedure, in the context of the European Semester.

The Council has decided to extend the humanitarian exemption to the sanctions regime, introduced after the February earthquake, in view of the ongoing situation in Syria.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council implementing Decision (CFSP) 2023/1299 of 26 June 2023 implementing Decision 2011/235/CFSP concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons and entities in view of the situation in Iran.

Today the Council adopted two decisions setting the EU’s position on proposed changes to the Arrangement on officially supported export credits. The EU’s position is to support both amendments.

The press briefing ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council will take place on Tuesday, 18 July 2023 at 11.00.

Remarks by Eurogroup President Paschal Donohoe after the Eurogroup meeting of 13 July 2023 in Brussels.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/1218 concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

Eurogroup statement on the euro area fiscal stance for 2024.

Press briefing ahead of the upcoming General Affairs Council will take place on 7 July 2023 at 12.30.

Deadline : Monday 10 July at 12:00.