European Council

The Council adopted an implementing decision authorising the second regular payment of grants and loans under the Ukraine Plan of the Ukraine Facility.

The EU issued a statement on the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, expressing its support for the Syrian people and urging all actors to avoid any further violence, to ensure the protection of civilians, and uphold international law.

Council greenlights conclusions on the future common agricultural policy, paving the way for a competitive, resilient, sustainable and farmer-friendly sector.

President of the European Council, António Costa, spoke at the event commemorating the Centenary of Mário Soares, in Lisbon, on 7 December 2024.

EU’s support to Ukraine as well how the EU can best consolidate its role on the international stage will take center stage at the discussions of this European Council meeting, as outlined by President Costa in his invitation letter to EU leaders.

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

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

Weekly schedule of President António Costa, 9–15 December 2024

At the inaugural Coalition for Capacity on Climate Action (C3A) Symposium hosted by the World Bank, the Eurogroup President, Paschal Donohoe, emphasized the critical role of Finance Ministries in the global ecological transition.

The Council has approved conclusions on the Commission’s White Paper titled ‘How to master EU’s digital infrastructure needs’.  

 The Council approved conclusions on the EU agency for cybersecurity (ENISA).

The EU and the Gates Foundation will co-host the 2025 Gavi 6.0 Pledging Summit in Brussels, which will gather global leaders from governments, partner organizations, vaccine manufacturers, civil society, and the private sector to secure essential funding and investments for vaccination programmes.

To reinforce the application of passenger rights across the EU, the Council has adopted its negotiating position (general approach) on two Commission proposals, which form part of the so-called ‘passenger mobility’ legislative package.

To improve road safety across Europe, the Council has adopted its negotiating position (general approach) on a Commission proposal regarding certain driving disqualifications forming part of the so-called ‘road safety’ legislative package.

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

European Council President António Costa highlighted the importance of social dialogue as well as the need to boost competiteveness at the 592nd plenary session of the European Economic and Social Committee.

The Council today reached an agreement on a proposed framework for Financial Data Access (FIDA) that aims to open the access of financial institutions to each other’s customer data.

Press briefings ahead of the upcoming Economic and Financial Affairs Council of 10 December 2024 and the Justice and Home Affairs Council of 12 and 13 December 2024 will take place on 6 December 2024 at 14.30.

The Council reached a provisional agreement with the European Parliament on a proposed targeted amendment of the EU deforestation regulation, postponing its date of application by 12 months.

The Council has approved conclusions on improving cardiovascular health and combating cardiovascular diseases through prevention, early detection, treatment and rehabilitation.