European Council

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Implementing Decision (CFSP) 2026/503 of 23 April 2026 implementing Decision 2012/642/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Belarus and the involvement of Belarus in the Russian aggression against Ukraine.

The Council and the European Parliament agreed new rules to guarantee the rights of adults in the EU who need protection or support in cross-border situations.

The Council adopted third bilateral assistance measure worth €15 million under the EPF to strengthen the interoperability and operational readiness of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Council has agreed a partial general approach on the regulation establishing the new AgoraEU programme for culture, media and civil society in 2028-2034.

The Cyprus presidency of the EU Council has reached a provisional agreement with the European Parliament on a new regulation that seeks to strengthen the EU’s resilience in the face of ongoing challenges to security of supply of critical medicines in Europe.

The Council prolonged restrictive measures against actors involved in cyber-attacks threatening the EU and its member states for a further twelve months, until 18 May 2027.

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

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Implementing Decision (CFSP) 2026/645 of 16 March 2026 implementing Decision 2011/235/CFSP concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons and entities in view of the situation in Iran.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/886 of 21 April 2026 amending Decision (CFSP) 2023/2135 concerning restrictive measures in view of activities undermining the stability and political transition of Sudan.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/614 of 16 March 2026 amending Decision 2014/145/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/897 of 21 April 2026 amending Decision (CFSP) 2023/891 concerning restrictive measures in view of actions destabilising the Republic of Moldova.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/779 of 30 March 2026 amending Decision 2011/235/CFSP concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons and entities in view of the situation in Iran.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/774 of 30 March 2026 amending Decision 2010/413/CFSP concerning restrictive measures against Iran.

Simplification: Council agrees position to streamline EU rules on artificial intelligence.

Press briefing ahead of the upcoming Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council will take place on 8 May 2026 at 12.00

Press briefing ahead of the upcoming Foreign Affairs Council and the Foreign Affairs (Defence) Council will take place on 8 May 2025 at 10.45. 

President Costa and President von der Leyen received letters of credence from thirteen new Ambassadors to the European Union.

The representatives of the governments of the member states today appointed a judge to the General Court.

The Council adopted a bilateral assistance measure worth €15 million under the EPF to strengthen the operational readiness of the Armed Forces of Senegal in the framework of the Yaoundé Architecture.

The Council agreed new rules to support the fight against value added tax (VAT) fraud in the EU by strengthening cooperation between member state national authorities, the EPPO and OLAF.