European Council

The Council today approved conclusions on the role of civic space in protecting and promoting fundamental rights in the EU.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Implementing Decision (CFSP) 2023/381 of 20 February 2023 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) 2023/380 of 20 February 2023 amending Decision 2013/184/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Myanmar/Burma.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/388 of 20 February 2023 amending Decision (CFSP) 2022/266 concerning restrictive measures in response to the illegal recognition, occupation or annexation by the Russian Federation of certain non-government controlled areas of Ukraine.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with the COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2023/339 of 14 February 2023 amending Decision 2011/101/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Zimbabwe.

Weekly schedule of President Charles Michel, 13 - 19 March 2023

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

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

Press briefing ahead of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council will take place on 13 March 2023 at 11:00.

The Council presidency and the European Parliament negotiators today reached a provisional political agreement to reduce final energy consumption at EU level by 11,7 % in 2030.

The Council approved conclusions reaffirming that EU climate and energy diplomacy is a core component of EU’s foreign policy, and stressing the EU determination to engage and work with partners worldwide in this field.

On 9 March 2023, the Council appointed Ms Emer Finnegan as the new Director-General of the Council Legal Service and as Legal Counsel of the European Council and the Council.

The Council today adopted its position at first reading on visa free travel for holders of passports issued by Kosovo.

In the co-signed opinion piece published in several EU newspapers, EU presidents call for accelerated efforts on the Capital markets union.

The EU issued a statement expressing deep concern about the increasing violence and extremism in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, which are leading to appalling numbers of Israeli and Palestinian victims, including children.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/434 of 25 February 2023 amending Decision 2014/512/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine.

The President of Eurogroup and Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery, and Reform, Paschal Donohoe, will travel to Slovenia on 8 and 9 March 2023 to attend a conference on the “EU Economic governance framework reform – finding consensus to ensure sustainability and growth”.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/433 of 25 February 2023 amending Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999 concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/432 of 25 February 2023 amending Decision 2014/145/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

The press briefing ahead of the upcoming Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council will take place on 10 March 2023 at 13.00. The briefing will be "off the record".