European Council

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.

President of the European Council António Costa presented the outcome of the 1st EU-Armenia summit held in Yerevan (Armenia) on 5 May 2026.

On 5 May 2026, the European Union and Armenia held their first-ever summit in Yerevan. During the summit, leaders adopted a joint declaration reaffirming the EU’s steadfast commitment to further strengthen its relations with Armenia and to support Armenia's sovereignty, resilience, and comprehensive reform agenda.

On 5 May 2026, European Council President António Costa attended the EU-Armenia summit in Yerevan, Armenia. In his opening remarks, he emphasised the EU’s commitment to deepen its engagement with Armenia, and to strengthen sectorial cooperation across new areas.

Remarks by Eurogroup President Kyriakos Pierrakakis on the EU’s response to the current economic and energy price situation, financial stability, cross-border banking in the EU and digital finance.