European Council

The Council adopted a decision to support the launch of negotiations for an international treaty on the fight against pandemics.

The Council adopted a decision authorising the opening of negotiations with Iceland, the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Kingdom of Norway for an agreement on the future financial contribution of the EEA EFTA States to social and economic cohesion in the European Economic Area.

This amendment introduces certain waivers for vaccinated persons, eases the criteria to lift restrictions for third countries and sets out an emergency brake mechanism.

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

Press briefing ahead the special meeting of the European Council of 24 and 25 May 2021

Press briefing ahead Agriculture and Fisheries of Council will take place on Friday 21 May 2021 at 17:30.

The press briefing ahead of the Competitiveness Council will take place on Friday, 21 May at 17.00

Intervention du président Charles Michel lors du sommet de financement des économies africaines à Paris

The Council has approved conclusions to support the recovery and transformation of the European media sector.

Press briefing ahead of Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) will take place on 19 May 2021 at 17.00.

The Council prolonged restrictive measures over various cyber-attacks threatening the EU and its member states for another year until 18 May 2022.

The blue card directive aims to attract and retain highly qualified workers, particularly in sectors facing skills shortages.

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

The Council approved conclusions on the European Universities initiative and encouraged member states to make sure the initiative remains central to building a European Education Area.

Weekly schedule of President Charles Michel 17-23 May 2021

Press briefing ahead of Eurogroup meeting will take place on 18 May 2021 at 15.00.

On the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, the EU issued a declaration reaffirming its strong commitment to respect, protect and promote the full and equal enjoyment of human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons.

EU issued a declaration on the publication of a list of so-called “unfriendly States” by Russia.

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

Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2021/639 of 19 April 2021amending Decision 2013/184/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Myanmar/Burma