European Council

The Council today activated the national escape clause under the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) for 15 member states to help facilitate their transition to higher defence spending at national level while ensuring debt sustainability.

The Council adopted a first bilateral assistance measure worth €12 million under the EPF to strengthen the operational readiness of the Armed Forces of Cabo Verde.

Today, the Council adopted the 2025 country-specific recommendations for each member state.

The Council approved the Commission’s positive assessment of the amended recovery and resilience plans submitted by Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Germany and Ireland.

Council extends EUTM RCA until 19 September 2026 and the Regional Advisory and Coordination Cell (RACC) within EUCAP Sahel Mali until 31 January 2026.

The Council adopted a first bilateral assistance measure worth €10 million under the EPF to strengthen the operational readiness of the Armed Forces of Senegal.

The press briefing ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) will take place on Thursday, 10 July 2025 at 14.00.

Press briefing ahead of the upcoming Agriculture and Fisheries Council will take place on 9 July 2025 at 14.00.

Remarks by Eurogroup President Paschal Donohoe after the Eurogroup meeting on his reappointment as President of the Eurogroup, budget policy coordination for 2026, the international role of the euro, Bulgaria's adoption of the euro, the digital euro and EIB's initiatives to support the savings and investment union.

The Eurogroup has elected Paschal Donohoe, Minister for Finance of Ireland, as its President for a third term. 

The Eurogroup issued a statement on the fiscal stance for the euro area in 2026.

The first EU-Moldova summit was held on 4 July 2025 in Chișinău. At the joint press conference, European Council President António Costa reaffirmed that Moldova's future is within the EU. He commended Moldova’s reform progress and resilience in the face of multiple crises, underlining the EU’s determination to support the country’s accession process, economic development and security.

On 4 July 2025, the European Union and Moldova held their first-ever summit in Chișinău. During the summit, leaders adopted a joint declaration outlining a common vision and concrete deliverables for Moldova’s EU path.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/1255 of 23 June 2025 amending Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999 concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses.

On 4 July 2025, European Council President António Costa was in Chișinău for the first EU-Moldova summit. In his opening remarks at the start of the plenary session, he emphasised Moldova’s steady progress on its EU path, highlighting the tangible benefits of EU integration for Moldovan citizens and reaffirming the EU’s full support for Moldova’s resilience and security.

Weekly schedule of President António Costa, 7 - 13 July 2025.

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

President António Costa travelled to Aarhus (Denmark) to attend the opening ceremony of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU where he delivered a speech.

President António Costa travelled to Aarhus (Denmark) to attend the opening ceremony of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU. On the sides of this event he had a meeting with Prime Minister Frederiksen, President von der Leyen and President Zelenskyy followed by a joint press conference.

Press briefing ahead of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council will take place on 7 July at 09.30. The briefing will be "off the record".