European Union

The Euro Summit, meeting in inclusive format, adopted a statement on 19 March 2026.

On 19 March, the European Council adopted conclusions on Ukraine, the Middle East, competitiveness and single market, European defence and security, migration, multilateralism and other items.

The European Council appointed Mr Vujčić as Vice-President of the European Central Bank for a non-renewable 8-year term. He replaces Luis de Guindos as of 1 June 2026.

On 19 March, the European Council adopted conclusions on the Middle East.

On 19 March 2026, in the margins of the European Council meeting, European Council President António Costa and UN Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the press.

The European Council discussed the latest developments as regards Ukraine.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/490 of 26 February 2026 amending Decision 2014/119/CFSP concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Ukraine.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/438 of 23 February 2026 amending Decision (CFSP) 2022/266 concerning restrictive measures in response to the illegal recognition, occupation or annexation by the Russian Federation of certain non-government controlled areas of Ukraine.

Before the start of the European Council meeting of 19-20 March 2026, European Council President António Costa addressed the press in Brussels.

Written by Sasa Butorac and Agnieszka Widuto.

Europe’s key instrument to achieving energy independence and increasing competitiveness lies in the energy transition and, specifically, in boosting the generation capacity of renewable sources of energy. Following the European Green Deal and ‘fit for 55’ initiatives, the EU legislative framework for achieving this is largely in place. Significant progress has been made, in particular since the launch of the REPowerEU initiative in May 2022 in the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Member States have increased the share of renewables in their energy mix, and the EU is consistently progressing towards its target of a 42.5 % share of renewables in final energy consumption by 2030. The share of renewables in sectors such as electricity (47.5 % of final energy consumption in this sector), heating and cooling (26.7 %) and transport (11.2 %) is also increasing, although progress has been fastest in terms of electricity. The main challenges to an accelerated deployment of renewables can be identified as the cost of capital, timely development of the grids, and the complex and lengthy permitting procedures both at European and national level.

Read the complete briefing on ‘Renewable energy in the EU‘ in the Think Tank pages of the European Parliament.

Plenary session and committee meetings, Brussels

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

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