European Council

The Spanish Presidency decided to activate the Integrated Political Crisis Response (IPCR) arrangements in full mode to coordinate EU’s action on the Middle East.

Press briefing ahead of the upcoming Agriculture and Fisheries Council will take place on 20 October 2023 at 16.30

The Council today adopted a decision appointing Claudia Buch as chair of the supervisory board of the European Central Bank. She will hold the position for five years, starting from 1 January 2024.

The Eurogroup issued a statement on the decision of the European Central Bank’s Governing Council to launch the next phase of the digital euro project.

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

President Charles Michel addressed the press after the video conference of the members of the European Council, called in light of Hamas’ brutal terrorist attacks against Israel and the unfolding tragic situation in the Gaza Strip.

Ministers agreed its stance (general approach) on a proposal to amend the EU’s electricity market design (EMD). The proposal is part of a wider reform whose aim is to make electricity prices less dependent on volatile fossil fuel prices, shield consumers from price spikes, accelerate the deployment of renewable energies and improve consumer protection.

Today, the Council approved conclusions on climate finance ahead of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) meeting in Dubai, UAE, from 30 November to 12 December 2023 (COP 28).

Today, the Council decided to add Antigua and Barbuda, Belize and Seychelles to the EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes. At the same time, three jurisdictions were removed from the list: British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica and Marshall Islands.

The Council today adopted implementing decisions approving the amended recovery and resilience plans of Czechia, Spain, Netherlands, Portugal and Slovenia. The amended recovery and resilience plans now include a new REPowerEU chapter. This will contribute to accelerating the countries’ transition towards clean energy, diversifying their energy supplies and improving their energy efficiency.

Today, the Council adopted a directive amending EU rules on administrative cooperation in the area of taxation. The amendments mainly concern the reporting and automatic exchange of information on revenues from transactions in crypto-assets and information on advance tax rulings for the wealthiest (high-net-worth) individuals.

The Council decided to maintain restrictive measures under the EU non-proliferation regime on Iran, in view of Iran not fulfilling its commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA).

Today, the Council approved conclusions on the preparations for the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) meeting in Dubai from 30 November to 12 December (COP 28).

The Council today approved the submission of an updated EU national determined contribution (NDC) to the UNFCCC.

The Council today reached an agreement on strengthening rules on CO2 emission reduction standards for heavy-duty vehicles.

Remarks by Eurogroup President Paschal Donohoe after the Eurogroup meeting of 16 October 2023 in Luxembourg.

Remarks by Eurogroup President Paschal Donohoe after an informal meeting of members of the Eurogroup in inclusive format with US Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen.

The Council today reached an agreement on the revision of the urban wastewater treatment directive.

European Council President Charles Michel participated in the Berlin Process summit in Tirana. In his opening remarks he underlined that Western Balkans can count on the EU.

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