European Council

WTO: Council approves an agreement on fisheries subsidies to boost environmental sustainability On 25 May 2023, the Council adopted a decision approving, on behalf of the EU, the conclusion of a World Trade Organization (WTO) protocol establishing a fisheries subsidies agreement. The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies is the first WTO agreement that focuses on environmental sustainability, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14.6 (UN SDG).

At the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the European Central Bank, President Michel emphasised the key role the institution and the euro play in boosting European sovereignty.

Today the Council adopted its negotiating mandate to start talks with the European Parliament on a proposal to update EU legislation on cross-border waste shipments. The aim is to ensure that international shipments of waste don’t pose a threat to human health and the environment, and to promote the use of waste as a resource in a circular economy.

Press briefing ahead of the upcoming General Affairs Council will take place on 26 May 2023 at 12.00.

Council adopts conclusions on fair and sustainable use of space.

The co-legislators reached a provisional agreement on a European single access point (ESAP) which will make it easier for European companies and financial products to attract investors.

The Council approved conclusions on cyber defence stressing the need for the EU, its member states and partners to further strengthen their resilience to face cyber threats.

The Council confirms the participation of Denmark in PESCO.

Council adopts conclusions on scholarly publishing.

Following the EU-ROK summit, European Council President Charles Michel highlighted that the two partners share common interests and goals and continue strengthening their strategic partnership.

The Council decided to impose further restrictive measures on 5 individuals and 2 entities responsible for human rights violations in Iran.

The Council launched a civilian EU Partnership Mission in the Republic of Moldova under the CDSP.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/887 of 28 April 2023 amending Decision 2013/184/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Myanmar/Burma

The EU and Republic of Korea launched a Green Partnership to tackle challenges related to the green transition.

The EU agrees a new Civilian CSDP Compact to equip its missions to respond to the new security challenges around the world.

The Council agreed its position on the proposed regulation on instant credit transfers in euro which aims to improve the availability of instant payment options to everyone who owns a bank account in the EU and in EEA countries.

Leaders of the EU and Republic of Korea met in Seoul for the 10th EU-ROK Summit and issued a joint statement.

Council adopts its negotiating position on the Ecodesign regulation.

The Council approved conclusions underlining the urgent need to address the increasing gap between humanitarian needs and resources.

The press briefing ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) will take place on Tuesday, 23 May 2023 at 10.30.