European Council

European Council President António Costa debriefed the European Parliament plenary in Brussels on the discussions held during the European Council meeting of 19 March 2026.

The Council and the European Parliament selected Lille as the host city for the future European Union customs authority (EUCA).

On 24 March 2026, President of the European Council, António Costa, held a speech at the Paris School of International Affairs (SciencesPo).

On 23 March 2026, the President of the European Council, António Costa, addressed the University of Porto as part of the celebrations marking the 115th anniversary of its foundation.

Weekly schedule of President António Costa, 23-29 March 2026.

The EU issued a statement commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, reaffirming its commitment to combat racism in all its forms and to address its structural dimension, both within our Union and across the world.

During the press conference held at the end of the European Council meeting of 19 March 2026, President António Costa presented the main results of the discussions.

The Euro Summit, meeting in inclusive format, adopted a statement on 19 March 2026.

On 19 March, the European Council adopted conclusions on Ukraine, the Middle East, competitiveness and single market, European defence and security, migration, multilateralism and other items.

The European Council appointed Mr Vujčić as Vice-President of the European Central Bank for a non-renewable 8-year term. He replaces Luis de Guindos as of 1 June 2026.

On 19 March, the European Council adopted conclusions on the Middle East.

On 19 March 2026, in the margins of the European Council meeting, European Council President António Costa and UN Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the press.

The European Council discussed the latest developments as regards Ukraine.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/490 of 26 February 2026 amending Decision 2014/119/CFSP concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Ukraine.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/438 of 23 February 2026 amending Decision (CFSP) 2022/266 concerning restrictive measures in response to the illegal recognition, occupation or annexation by the Russian Federation of certain non-government controlled areas of Ukraine.

Before the start of the European Council meeting of 19-20 March 2026, European Council President António Costa addressed the press in Brussels.

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

Déclaration du président António Costa au cours de la conférence de presse à l’issue du Sommet social tripartite du 18 mars 2026.

EU leaders and social partners met in Brussels and held a discussion focused on ‘Investment for a vibrant European economy and quality jobs’.

The 26th meeting of the Accession Conference with Montenegro provisionally closed chapter 21 on Trans-European networks.