European Council

The Council adopted its position enabling Austria to amend its road transport agreement with Switzerland on border cabotage by bus and coach passenger services.

The Council extended EUNAVFOR ASPIDES until February 2027 to protect freedom of navigation and maritime security in response to the Red Sea crisis.

The EU list of safe countries of origin will speed up asylum processes; the safe third country concept tightens admissibility rules.

The Council formally adopts a regulation to strengthen and future-proof the EU wine sector.

Press briefing ahead of the upcoming Competitiveness Council will take place on 24 February 2026 at 10.00.

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

Weekly schedule of President António Costa, 23 February - 01 March 2026.

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

Press briefing ahead of the upcoming Foreign Affairs Council will take place on 20 February 2026 at 15.00.

Press remarks by President António Costa following the meeting with Prime Minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr Støre in Oslo, Norway

The Council designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran as a terrorist organization under the sanctions regime set out in Common Position 2001/931/CFSP (the so-called EU terrorist list).

The High Representative issued a statement on behalf of the EU on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/260 of 29 January 2026 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s destabilising activities.

Press briefing ahead of upcoming General Affairs Council and General Affairs Council (Cohesion) will take place on Thursday 19 February 2026 at 16.00.

Press briefing ahead of the upcoming Agriculture and Fisheries Council will take place on 20 February 2026 at 11.00.

The Council set its position on amending the market stability reserve for a smooth launch of the emissions trading system for buildings, road transport and additional sectors.

The Council today appointed Satu Koivu as new head of mission for European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA).

The Council extended the restrictive measures on Zimbabwe until February 2027 maintaining the arms embargo, while lifting travel bans and asset freezes.

The Council today approved conclusions setting guidelines for the EU’s annual budget for 2027. The guidelines provide a political steer to the Commission in preparing the draft budget proposal for next year’s budget.

The Council today activated the national escape clause for Austria under the stability and growth pact.  The measure will help Austria transition to higher defence spending at national level while ensuring debt sustainability.

Today, the Council added two countries - Turks and Caicos Islands and Viet Nam – to the EU list. At the same time, three countries - Fiji, Samoa and Trinidad and Tobago - were removed. Following this update, the list consists of 10 jurisdictions.