European Council

Remarks by Eurogroup President Kyriakos Pierrakakis on global energy markets, the effectiveness of public finances and fiscal challenges, progress on the capital markets union, and international economic developments.

European Council President António Costa invited leaders to the meeting of 15 and 16 October 2026 in Brussels, during which they will discuss competitiveness, Ukraine, the next Multiannual Financial Framework, Middle East, defence and security, migration, and enlargement and reforms. 

The Council extended EU restrictive measures against those responsible for Russia’s destabilising activities against the EU and its member states and partners by one year, until 9 October 2027.

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.

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

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.