European Union

Council greenlights conclusions on the future common agricultural policy, paving the way for a competitive, resilient, sustainable and farmer-friendly sector.

President of the European Council, António Costa, spoke at the event commemorating the Centenary of Mário Soares, in Lisbon, on 7 December 2024.

EU’s support to Ukraine as well how the EU can best consolidate its role on the international stage will take center stage at the discussions of this European Council meeting, as outlined by President Costa in his invitation letter to EU leaders.

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

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

Weekly schedule of President António Costa, 9–15 December 2024

At the inaugural Coalition for Capacity on Climate Action (C3A) Symposium hosted by the World Bank, the Eurogroup President, Paschal Donohoe, emphasized the critical role of Finance Ministries in the global ecological transition.

The Council has approved conclusions on the Commission’s White Paper titled ‘How to master EU’s digital infrastructure needs’.  

 The Council approved conclusions on the EU agency for cybersecurity (ENISA).

The regime of Bashar Assad, whose family ruled Syria for more than four decades, has been toppled in a matter of just a few days. Armed opposition groups took power in Damascus on Sunday and opened the regime's prisons. According to information from Moscow, Assad has fled to Russia. Commentators assess Syria's prospects in the new constellation.

The fall of Bashar Assad's regime has also put the question of whether and when Syrian refugees can return to their home country on the agenda. Millions of Syrians have fled it since the outbreak of the civil war in 2011. In Europe, right-wing populist parties have adopted a hostile stance towards refugees. Commentators discuss their chances of returning home.