European Union

Countries broadly agree on measures like bans on filters and expanding smoke-free spaces ahead of COP11

The EU does not formally recognise the Taliban regime that seized power in Afghanistan in 2021

The EDPB opinion feeds into the Commission's review of the EU-UK data transfer framework, due to expire in December

Today, the Council reached a general approach on the REPowerEU regulation to gradually phase out Russian gas imports, with the aim of ending any dependency on Russian gas and strengthening the EU's energy security.

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

The press briefing will take place on Tuesday, 21 October 2025 at 14.00

Joint Press Release — 4th EU–Iraq Cooperation Council.

Europe edges towards a multibillion-euro ban on Russian gas imports

Trump and Putin agreed last week to hold another round of talks in the Hungarian capital, though a date has not yet been confirmed

Volodymyr Zelensky visited Donald Trump at the White House on Friday – and did not receive confirmation of the delivery of Tomahawk cruise missiles previously signalled by the US. The US President had agreed to a US-Russia summit in Budapest in a phone conversation with Putin on Thursday. Media discuss what Trump's latest U-turn means.

Israel and Hamas are accusing each other of violating the ceasefire which began on October 10. Both sides have reported attacks and deaths. The Israeli military announced on Sunday evening that it would cease its strikes but warned that there would be a vigorous response to further violations. While some commentators are pessimistic, others see a silver lining to the weekend's fighting.