European Council

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

The Council adopted a decision to support African countries in strengthening their capacities for mine action, contributing to the goal of a mine-free Africa.

The Council extended the listings targeting those responsible for undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine for another six months, until 15 September 2026.

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

Weekly schedule of President António Costa, 16-22 March 2026.

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

Simplification: Council agrees position to streamline EU rules on artificial intelligence.

The press briefing will take place on Tuesday, 17 March 2026 at 14.30.

European Council President António Costa invited leaders to the meeting of 19 and 20 March 2026 in Brussels, during which they will discuss Ukraine, Middle East, defence and security, competitiveness and single market, next Multiannual Financial Framework, and migration. 

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/455 of 26 February 2026 on restrictive measures to combat terrorism, repealing Articles 2, 3 and 3a of Common Position 2001/931/CFSP on the application of specific measures to combat terrorism and repealing Decision (CFSP) 2025/1577 and Decision (CFSP) 2026/421.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/421 of 19 February 2026 amending Decision (CFSP) 2025/1577 updating the list of persons, groups and entities covered by Common Position 2001/931/CFSP on the application of specific measures to combat terrorism.

Press briefing ahead of the upcoming General Affairs Council will take place on Friday, 13 March 2026 at 13:45.

Press briefings ahead of the upcoming Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy) of 16 March, and Environment Council of 17 March 2026 will take place on 13 March 2026 at 16.00

On 11 March 2026, the President of the European Council, António Costa and the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev met in Baku, the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Council agrees on a mandate to begin negotiations with the European Parliament on new simplified provisions for fisheries and aquaculture statistics.

The President of the Eurogroup, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, has sent a letter to the President of the Euro Summit, António Costa, to report on the recent work by the Eurogroup and upcoming work priorities.

European Council President António Costa addressed the press following the meeting with the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in Baku, on 11 March 2026.

Press briefing ahead of the upcoming Foreign Affairs Council will take place on 13 March 2026 at 15.00.

Kyriakos Pierrakakis, President of the Eurogroup, is travelling to Amsterdam and The Hague where he will meet the Dutch Minister of Finance and the President of the Dutch Central Bank.

European Council President António Costa spoke at the annual conference of the EU ambassadors from the EU delegations and offices around the world, the heads of EU military and civilian missions and the heads of the European Commission representations in all 27 EU member states.