European Council

The Council reached an agreement on a proposal to track and reduce methane emissions in the energy sector. The text, that will now be negotiated with the European Parliament, is the first of its kind and a crucial contribution to climate action, as methane is the second most important greenhouse gas following carbon dioxide.

Council adopts decision on offsetting requirements for air transport emissions (CORSIA).

Weekly schedule of President Charles Michel, 19 - 25 December 2022

The Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional political agreement on important legislative proposals of the ‘Fit for 55’ package that will further reduce emissions and address their social impacts. The deal is provisional pending formal adoption in both institutions.

The Council imposed restrictive measures on an additional 141 individuals and 49 entities in respect of the escalating Russian military aggression against Ukraine.

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

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

The Council adopted a ninth package of new restrictive measures intended to step up pressure on Russia and its government.

This press release summarises the outcome of a written procedure for the formal adoption of four pieces of legislation which has just ended.

President Charles Michel chaired the last European Council of 2022 where leaders talked about Ukraine and Russia, energy and economy, security and defence, Southern Neighbourhood, transatlantic relations.

On 15 December 2022, the European Council adopted conclusions on Ukraine/Russia, energy and economy, security and defence, Southern Neighbourhood, transatlantic relations and other items.

On 15 December 2022, the United States hosted the EU-U.S. Ministerial Meeting on Justice and Home Affairs at Department of Homeland Security Headquarters in Washington D.C. The United States was represented by Secretary for Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland. The European Union was represented by the Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson, the Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders, as well as the Czech Ministers for Justice Pavel Blažek and for the Interior Vít Rakušan.

The Council and European Parliament agree on the machinery regulation.

Member states and European Parliament conclude negotiations on new EU law on pay transparency rules.

The Presidents of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission signed a Joint Declaration on EU legislative priorities for 2023 and 2024.

In his comments to the press ahead of the summit, President Charles Michel underlined the importance of discussions on the situation in Ukraine, on transatlantic relations and on energy price issues.

Council, Parliament and Commission sign the European declaration on digital rights and principles for the digital decade.

President Charles Michel presented the main topics discussed by EU and ASEAN leaders during their first summit held in Brussels.

Today, the Council presidency and European Parliament representatives reached an agreement on the draft regulation on visa free travel for holders of passports issued by Kosovo.

On 14 December 2022, the European Union and Thailand signed the EU-Thailand Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) in Brussels.