European Council

The EU issued a statement strongly condemning the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) launch of another intercontinental ballistic missile on 18 December.

Today ministers reached a political agreement on extending the period of application of three emergency Council regulations to enhance solidarity between member states, accelerate the deployment of renewable energy and protect EU citizens from excessively high energy prices.

On 18 December, the EU and Kenya signed an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) which will boost trade in goods and create new economic opportunities, with targeted cooperation to enhance Kenya's economic development.

On 18 December President Charles Michel spoke at the press conference ahead of the launch of the Belgian presidency. He announced that the special European Council will take place on 1 February 2024.

The Council presidency and European Parliament's negotiators have reached a provisional agreement on a revised regulation regarding EU guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network (TEN-T).

The Council imposed restrictive measures on an additional 61 individuals and 86 entities in respect of Russia's continued war of aggression against Ukraine.

Council and Parliament reach provisional deal on Euro 7 regulation on cars, vans, and trucks emissions limits.

The Council and the European Parliament reached a common understanding on the process for selecting the seat of the future European authority for countering money laundering and terrorist financing.

The Council agreed on the EU twelfth package of economic and individual restrictive measures in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

President Michel received letters of credentials from four new ambassadors to the European Union.

The Council today reached a general approach on new rules to reduce packaging waste and encourage high-quality recycling in the EU.

Weekly schedule of President Charles Michel, 18 - 24 December 2023.

President of the Eurogroup Paschal Donohoe, will travel to Austria and Slovakia on 18 - 20 December 2023.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/2721 of 4 December 2023 amending Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999 concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/2686 amending certain Council Decisions concerning restrictive measures in order to insert provisions on humanitarian exceptions.

Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/2540 of 13 November 2023 amending Decision (CFSP) 2016/849 concerning restrictive measures against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/2423 of 26 October 2023 amending Decision 2010/573/CFSP concerning restrictive measures against the leadership of the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova.

At the press conference following the December European Council meeting, President Charles Michel summarised EU leaders' discussions on continued support to Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, enlargement and reforms, the mid-term review of the EU’s long-term budget 2021-2027, security and defence, migration, hybrid attacks, the fight against antisemitism, racism and xenophobia, and the EU strategic agenda 2024-2029.

The Council has reached a provisional agreement with the European Parliament on a new law to safeguard media freedom, pluralism and independence in the EU.

On 14 and 15 December, the European Council adopted conclusions on Ukraine, Middle East, enlargement and reforms, multiannual financial framework 2021-2027, security and defence, migration and other items, EU-Türkiye relations, fight against antisemitism, racism and xenophobia, and strategic agenda.