European Union

The European Union issued a statement reiterating its principled position against the death penalty in all cases and circumstances and expresses deep concern over Israel’s approval of the Death Penalty Bill as a grave regression from its de facto moratorium The EU urges Israel to abide by its previous position and its obligations under international law and democratic principles, noting that capital punishment violates the right to life, risks ill-treatment, has no proven deterrent effect, and renders judicial errors irreversible.

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

The Council extended EU restrictive measures responding to serious human rights violations in Iran until 13 April 2027.

The Council extended the framework for restrictive measures in view of the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina for another year, until 31 March 2027.

The Council adopted two decisions revising the mandates of Operations ASPIDES and ATALANTA.

Council gives its final approval to the package travel directive.

Council authorises Commission to start negotiations with UK on electricity and cohesion agreements and allows UK’s participation in Erasmus+.

The Council has formally adopted a targeted amendment on CO2 emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles, introducing a temporary flexibility for manufacturers.

The Council formally adopted new rules to improve the efficiency of the EU External Action Guarantee under NDICI-Global Europe.

Council gives the final stamp to the EU talent pool, an EU platform that will help countries facing labour shortages to recruit non-EU jobseekers.

The new EU law streamlines insolvency proceedings, making it easier for investors to assess investment opportunities when considering insolvency rules.

The Council appointed François-Louis Michaud as chairperson of the European banking authority (EBA). Mr Michaud will take up the role on 16 April 2026. His term of office will run for a five-year period and may be extended once.

Weekly schedule of President António Costa, 30 March - 12 April 2026.

Remarks by Eurogroup President Kyriakos Pierrakakis on the economic impact of the situation in the Middle East, the energy transition, development of the Savings and Investments Union and preparation ahead of the IMF and G7 international meetings.

The Council and the Parliament agreed to overhaul the EU customs framework, giving the Union a more modern toolbox to deal with overarching trends.

The President of the European Council, António Costa, together with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will represent the EU at the EU-Armenia summit taking place in Yerevan on 4 and 5 May 2026. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will represent Armenia.

The Council adopted a set of conclusions at the start of the 14th WTO ministerial conference, outlining the EU's expectations and position for the conference, including on WTO reform.

The EU and Nigeria issued a joint communiqué following the 8th EU-Nigeria ministerial meeting on Monday 23 March 2026 in Abuja, Nigeria.

Malgré les attentes suscitées, le président américain s'est abstenu de fixer des délais précis pour la fin du conflit.