European Council

On 9 June 2026, the President of the European Council, António Costa, delivered a speech at the New European Bauhaus Festival 2026. He stressed the need to reshape and adapt our cities and public spaces to evolving human needs, to strengthen the inclusivity and affordability of access to housing. 

The Council appointed Cosmin Dinescu as Head of Mission for the European Union Partnership Mission in Armenia (EUPM Armenia).

The Council has adopted a general approach on the proposal for European business wallets, emphasising interoperability, cybersecurity, and appropriate implementation timelines.

Approximate timings and press opportunities.

The High Representative issued a statement on behalf of the European Union the outcome of parliamentary elections in Armenia.

Council approves EU ports strategy conclusions, reaffirming ports’ key role in competitiveness, sustainability, resilience, security and digitalisation.

Council approves conclusions on the EU maritime industrial strategy to boost competitiveness, resilience, innovation, security and decarbonisation of the EU’s maritime sector.

The Council adopted restrictive measures against two individuals and one entity involved in Iran’s actions and policies threatening the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Council adopted the second assistance measure under the EPF to support the Egyptian Armed Forces, bringing the support to the EAF to €40 million to date.

This new directive updates the 2012 EU law on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime and requires member states to set up an EU-wide helpline for victims.

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

President Costa travelled to the Western Balkans to meet with regional leaders and co-chair the EU-WB Summit. On Wednesday 3 June, he visited Pristina and met acting President, caretaker Prime Minister and with chairs of opposition political parties.

Member states’ representatives approved today the Council’s position on a proposal to establish the programme for agile and rapid defence innovation (AGILE).

The press briefing ahead of the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council will take place on Thursday, 4 June 2026 at 15.00.

President Costa travelled to the Western Balkans to meet with regional leaders and co-chair the EU-WB Summit. On Tuesday 2 June, he visited Skopje and met with Prime Minister of North Macedonia Hristijan Mickoski.

President Costa travelled to the Western Balkans to meet with regional leaders and co-chair the EU-WB Summit. On Tuesday 2 June, he visited Tirana and met with Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama.

The agreement will speed up and increase the number of returns of persons illegally staying in member states.

President Costa travelled to the Western Balkans to meet with regional leaders and co-chair the EU-WB Summit. On Monday 1st of June, he visited Sarajevo and met with the members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The European Union strongly condemns the grave incident of 29 May 2026 in which a Russian drone carrying explosives, that was part of an overnight attack against Ukraine, crashed into a residential building in Galați, Romania.

Weekly schedule of President António Costa, 1-7 June 2026.