European Council

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

Eurogroup President, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, gave a speech on completing the Banking Union, integrating the European banking system and boosting Europe's competitiveness.

Press briefing ahead of the upcoming General Affairs Council will take place on Thursday, 8 October 2026 at 11.30

Press briefing ahead of the upcoming Foreign Affairs Council will take place on 9 October 2026 at 10.45.

Press briefing ahead of the Environment Council will take place on 8 October at 16:00. The briefing will be "off the record".

The EU issued a statement on the situation in Ethiopia, urging immediate de-escalation in the country amid rising violence and tensions with Eritrea, calling for civilian protection, humanitarian access, respect for sovereignty and renewed diplomatic efforts.

Press briefing ahead of the upcoming Eurogroup meeting of 8 October will take place on Wednesday, 7 October 2026 at 13.15.

On 5 October 2026, the European Union and the Republic of Moldova held their 10th Association Council Meeting where EU and Moldova reiterated their strong partnership and announce the disbursement of €157 million under Growth Plan funding.

Press briefing ahead of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council will take place on 6 October at 17.00. The briefing will be "off the record".

President António Costa travelled to Warsaw (Poland) to attend the opening ceremony of the academic year 2026/2027 of the College of Europe (Natolin campus), where he delivered a speech.

Following a G7 video conference meeting on 2 October 2026, leaders issued a statement on global energy security and market stability.

Weekly schedule of President António Costa, 5-11 October 2026.

The Council adopted an assistance measure worth €10 million under the EPF that will benefit the Balkan Medical Task Force.

The Council gave its final green light to new EU rules enabling more effective returns for those with no right to stay in the EU.

The Council has appointed Col. Vittorio Stingo as the new Head of EUBAM Rafah from 1 November 2026 until 30 June 2027.

Council agrees negotiating position on proposal to accelerate environmental assessments.

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

Member States’ representatives appoint a judge to the Court of Justice and two judges to the General Court.

Council sets its position to simplify and streamline food and feed safety requirements.

Council agrees partial negotiating position on the EU support to fisheries, aquaculture and maritime policy for 2028-2034.