European Union

Press briefing ahead of the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy) will take place on Friday 14 March 2025 at 16.00.

European Council President António Costa travelled to Berlin and delivered a speech at the High-level event of the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung marking their 100th anniversary.

Press briefing ahead of the upcoming Foreign Affairs Council will take place on 14 March 2025 at 14.30.

European Council President António Costa met the Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, in Berlin. During a press conference following the meeting, President Costa presented the main topics they had discussed, notably competitiveness and European defence.

Ukraine: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union following the Ukraine-U.S. meeting in Saudi Arabia.

The EU issued a statement strongly condemning the attacks by pro-Assad militias against security forces in Syria’s coastal region, and the horrific crimes committed against civilians.

The Council prolonged the mandate of EU CSDP military operation in the Mediterranean - EUNAVFOR MED IRINI - until 31 March 2027.

The President of the European Council, António Costa will travel to Berlin and Cape Town on 12-13 March 2025 to attend the 100th anniversary of the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung foundation and represent the European Union at the eighth EU-South Africa summit.

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

The Council today approved the Commission’s positive assessment of the amended recovery and resilience plans submitted by Ireland and Belgium.

The Council reached a political agreement on new rules (DAC9) to enhance cooperation and information exchange on minimum effective corporate taxation.

The press briefing ahead of the General Affairs Council will take place on Thursday 13 March 2025 at 15.00.

The Council approved conclusions today setting a tax decluttering and simplification agenda to contribute to the EU’s competitiveness.

The Council approved a decision providing the European Investment Bank (EIB) with enhanced flexibility in managing its investment capacity.

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The EU faces a turning point and "business as usual" is no longer an option against the threats and attacks towards European security.
Committee on Foreign Affairs
Committee on Security and Defence

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

On Tuesday, MEPs, the Polish Council Presidency, and Presidents Costa and von der Leyen debated the future of Europe’s security and strengthening EU defence capabilities.
Committee on Foreign Affairs
Committee on Security and Defence

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The 6-Member SEDE delegation to the United Kingdom mission organised in close co-operation with AFET and INTA, was a very timely visit following the announcement by the President of the European Commission and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom to enhance strategic cooperation after their leaders’ meeting of 2 October 2024. The UK in particular has set out its ambition for an “enhanced EU-UK defence cooperation,” in light of Russia’s continuing war of aggression in Ukraine.
Location : London, United Kingdom
Press release
SEDE mission report including the programme
Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The eight-member delegation from the Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE) was in Kyiv on 25 and 26 October 2024. This mission was the first in the new parliamentary term and allowed the Members to express a strong message of solidarity and unwavering support to Ukraine and its citizens in the face of Russia’s unjust and illegal war of aggression.
Location : Kyiv, Ukraine
Press release
SEDE mission report including the programme
Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP