European Council

The Council has approved conclusions acknowledging the role played by bystanders and professionals in supporting victims and breaking the cycle of violence.

The presidency of the Council and European Parliament negotiators reached a provisional agreement on the European Defence Industry Programme stepping up EU defence readiness and strengthening Europe’s defence and security cooperation.

The President of the Eurogroup, Paschal Donohoe, sent a letter to the President of the Euro Summit, António Costa, to report on the recent work by the Eurogroup and upcoming work priorities.

The Council today decided on its position for negotiations with the European Parliament regarding the provision of a further €500 million in macro-financial assistance (MFA) to Jordan.

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

Press briefing ahead of the upcoming Foreign Affairs Council will take place on 17 October 2025 at 14.30.

The press briefing ahead of the General Affairs Council will take place on Thursday, 16 October 2025 at 11.15.

President of the Eurogroup, Paschal Donohoe, is travelling to Washington D.C to represent the euro area at the 2025 Annual Meetings of the IMF and World Bank Group.

European Council President António Costa participated in the Summit for Peace held in Sharm El-Sheikh Summit (Egypt) on 13 October 2025.

The press briefing ahead of the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy) of 20 October 2025 will take place on Thursday, 16 October at 10.00, followed by the press briefing ahead of the Environment Council of 21 October 2025.

The Council prolonged its sanctions  against the proliferation and use of chemical weapons until 16 October 2026.

European Council President António Costa invited leaders to the meeting of 23 October 2025 in Brussels, during which they will discuss Ukraine, Middle East, European defence and security, competitiveness and twin transition, housing, and migration. 

The Council adopted a decision for the EU and its member states to sign the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime.

Council approves its first reading position on to the toy safety regulation.

EU-Ukraine trade: Council agrees to reduce or eliminate customs duties for several agri-food products

The President of the European Council, António Costa, will attend the “Sharm El-Sheikh Summit for Peace” on Monday 13 October on behalf of the European Union.

The Entry/Exit System (EES) will be phased in progressively from 12 October 2025.

The EU issued a statement welcoming the agreement on the first phase of the Comprehensive Plan to end the Gaza conflict, which secures an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages, and commits to supporting its full implementation, including humanitarian aid, stabilisation, and the two-state solution.

Weekly schedule of President António Costa, 13 – 19 October 2025.

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