European Council

The Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on the proposal to establish the programme for agile and rapid defence innovation (AGILE), a new €115 million instrument designed to provide rapid, agile and targeted financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises.

Today, the Council agreed its position on the 2027 EU draft budget – the last annual budget of the current multiannual financial framework.

EU support will help member states implement the pact on migration and asylum, ensure efficient management of the EU’s external borders, and fight crime.

The temporary protection status granted to those fleeing Ukraine will be extended until 4 March 2028, delivering on the EU’s commitment to support Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes.

The ninth meeting of the Accession Conference with Albania was held today provisionally closing chapters 25 (science and research), 26 (education and culture), and 30 (external relations).

At the third meeting of the Accession Conference, the EU and Moldova opened negotiations on the EU acquis related to external relations. 

The 28th meeting of the Accession Conference with Montenegro provisionally closed chapters 8 on competition policy and 29 on customs union

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1364 concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

The Council authorised the formal conclusion of the EU-Mexico Interim Trade Agreement, following the European Parliament’s consent.

On the third meeting of the Accession Conference, the EU and Ukraine opened negotiations on the EU acquis related to external relations.

The Council sanctioned 15 Russian individuals and one entity responsible for serious human rights violations against Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian detainees.

The Council imposed restrictive measures on nine individuals and four entities forming part of Russia's cyber ecosystem,  responsible for carrying out, enabling and facilitating malicious cyber activities against the EU, its member states and partners. 

The Council adopted an assistance measure, worth €15 million under the EPF that will benefit the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The Council imposed restrictive measures on four Russian individuals and five entities responsible for suppressing freedom of expression, access to information, and freedom of association in Russia.

The EU and Ukraine issued a joint statement on civilian detainees and the humanitarian consequences of Russia’s war of aggression.

The Council adopted an assistance measure, worth €120 million under the EPF that will benefit the Moldovan Armed Forces.

The Council strengthened EU sanctions on Sudan by targeting gold mining and gold exploitation to curb financing of the conflict.

The Council appointed a new EU Special Representative for Kosovo* and extended the mandates of the current EU Special Representatives for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Horn of Africa.

The Council has launched the EU Partnership Mission in Armenia (EUPM Armenia) under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) to enhance the country’s resilience and its ability to address hybrid threats.

Council formally adopts regulation aimed at helping farmers cope with high fertiliser costs.