European Union

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Implementing Decision (CFSP) 2026/265 of 29 January implementing Decision 2011/235/CFSP concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons and entities in view of the situation in Iran.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/263 of 29 January 2026 amending Decision (CFSP) 2023/1532 concerning restrictive measures in view of Iran’s military support to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and to armed groups and entities in the Middle East and the Red Sea region.

The European Parliament’s Civil Liberties Committee has endorsed the appointment of Mr Andrés Ritter for the post of European Chief Prosecutor.
Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The European Parliament’s Civil Liberties Committee has endorsed the appointment of Mr Andrés Ritter for the post of European Chief Prosecutor.
Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

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

The Council imposed restrictive measures on eight additional individuals responsible for serious human rights violations and abuses in Russia and for the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in the country.

On 24 February 2026, the President of the European Council, António Costa, will travel to Kyiv, Ukraine, alongside the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

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.

Bernd Lange, chair of Parliament’s International Trade Committee and standing rapporteur for the US, issued the following statement.
Committee on International Trade

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Bernd Lange, chair of Parliament’s International Trade Committee and standing rapporteur for the US, issued the following statement.
Committee on International Trade

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

On Tuesday, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will address MEPs at an extraordinary plenary session, four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion.
Committee on Foreign Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

On Tuesday, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will address MEPs at an extraordinary plenary session, four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion.
Committee on Foreign Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The US Supreme Court has ruled that the tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on the basis of an emergency law are illegal. Following the decision Trump, invoking a trade law, issued a decree imposing new tariffs of 10 percent and then announced an increase to 15 percent. These tariffs can remain in place for a maximum of 150 days and can only be extended with the approval of Congress.

Four years ago, on 24 February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since then the most brutal war in Europe since WWII has raged there - and despite ongoing negotiations it shows no sign of stopping. Europe's media take a look at what has changed and how things look for the future.