European Council

The Council adopted an EU law that facilitates automated search and exchange of data for police cooperation.

Today, the Council adopted new rules to improve European capital markets and strengthen investor protection in the EU. The directive adopted today amends the alternative investment fund managers directive, which governs managers of hedge funds, private equity funds, private debt funds, real estate funds and other alternative investment funds in the Union. The directive also modernises the framework for undertakings for collective investment in transferable securities (UCITS), i.e. plain-vanilla EU-harmonised retail investment funds such as unit trusts and investment companies.

The Council adopted today a regulation that will improve the availability of instant payment options in euro to consumers and businesses in the EU and in EEA countries. The new rules will improve the strategic autonomy of the European economic and financial sector as they will help reduce any excessive reliance on third-country financial institutions and infrastructures. Improving the possibilities to mobilize cash-flows will bring benefits for citizens and companies and allow for innovative added value services.

European trade ministers approved the first set of Council conclusions prior to the start of the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference.

The Leaders of the G7 met today with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to reaffirm the unwavering support for Ukraine and salute once more the bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people who have been fighting tirelessly for Ukraine’s freedom and democratic future.

Remarks by Eurogroup President Paschal Donohoe after the Eurogroup meeting of 23 February in Ghent.

Joint statement by the President of the European Council, the President of the European Commission and the President of the European Parliament on the two year tragic anniversary since Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine.

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

The Eurogroup today reappointed Tuomas Saarenheimo as President of the Eurogroup Working Group (EWG), the body tasked with preparing the meetings of euro area finance ministers. Tuomas Saarenheimo has held the position since 1 April 2020. This will be his third two-year term.

Ahead of the second year mark of the beginning of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, the Council adopted a 13th package of economic and individual restrictive measures intended to weaken Russia’s ability to wage its war.

Today, the Council and the European Parliament representatives reached an agreement on the seat of the future European authority for countering money laundering and terrorist financing (AMLA). AMLA will be based in Frankfurt and will begin operations mid- January 2025. It will have over 400 staff members.

The Council imposed restrictive measures against six individuals and one entity responsible for actions aimed at destabilising, undermining or threatening the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Moldova.

Council and Parliament strike provisional deal on non-road machinery regulation.

The Council has adopted its negotiating mandate to renew the suspension of import duties and quotas on Ukrainian and Moldovan exports to the EU.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/383 of 22 January 2024 concerning restrictive measures in view of activities undermining the stability and political transition of Sudan.

Joint press statement following the 8th Association Council meeting between the EU and Georgia.

Press conference following the selection of the seat of the European Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLA) will take place on 22 February 2024.

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

The Council has endorsed an agreement with the European Parliament on changes to the rules governing medical devices and in-vitro diagnostic medical devices, with a view to preventing shortages.

Press briefing ahead of the upcoming Agriculture and Fisheries Council will take place on 22 February 2024 at 10.30.