European Council

The Council discussed and adopted conclusions on the updated EU strategy on aid for trade.

Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/2163 of 20 November 2017 amending Decision 2014/145/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine

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

The Council has adopted conclusions on the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The Council adopted conclusions on Thailand.

The Council established the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), with Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain and Sweden as participating member states.

Council adopts 2018 catch limits in the Black Sea.

The EU has extended the sanctions in place against 16 persons in view of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo until 12 December 2018.

On 10 December 2017, the Council adopted conclusions at the start of the 11th World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference organised in Buenos Aires (Argentina).

Overview of the main subjects to be discussed at meetings of the Council of the EU over the next two weeks.

On 7 December 2017 the Council approved agreement between social partners on better working conditions for seafarers.

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) 2017/2074 of 13 November 2017 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Venezuela.

The Council agreed a general approach on a draft regulation on the European agency for the operational management of large-scale IT systems in the area of freedom, security and justice (eu-LISA).

On 7 December 2017, the Council agreed its position on accessibility for products and services directive.

On 7 December 2017, the Estonian Presidency of the Council and European Parliament representatives reached a provisional agreement on the reform of type-approval and market surveillance for motor vehicles.

The Council adopted the regulation improving the EU's instrument contributing to stability and peace.

The Council adopted legislative texts on bank creditor hierarchy and transitional arrangements for the IFRS 9 international accounting standard.

The Permanent Representatives Committee (Coreper) agreed to put forward Catherine De Bolle from Belgium as the next executive director of Europol, for selection by the Council.

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