European Council

Before the start of the informal EU leaders' retreat of 12 February 2026, European Council President António Costa addressed the press in the Alden Biesen castle, Belgium.

The Council today appointed new prosecutors for Belgium and Czechia to the EU Public Prosecutor Office (EPPO). European prosecutors supervise investigations and prosecutions and, together with the European Chief Prosecutor, form the EPPO College. 

The Council today formally approved measures to help tackle the influx of goods entering the EU duty free in small parcels - a problem which can lead to unfair competition for EU sellers.

The Council extended the mandates of the EU Special Representatives for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and for Human Rights.

The Council adopted a set of implementing decisions making the financial assistance under the SAFE regulation available to eight EU member states and adopted decisions authorising the EU to sign and conclude the bilateral agreement between the EU and Canada.

Press briefing ahead of the Eurogroup meeting will take place on 13 February 2026 at 10.30. 

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/254 of 29 January 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) 2026/239 of 29 January 2026 amending Decision 2011/72/CFSP concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons and entities in view of the situation in Tunisia.

Information about accreditation requirements for the one-year badge (2026)

The European Council will take place on 19 and 20 March 2026 in the Europa building in Brussels.

Press briefing ahead of the upcoming Foreign Affairs Council (Defence) will take place on 9 February 2026 at 17.00.

Weekly schedule of President António Costa, 09-15 February 2026.

The press briefing will take place on Tuesday, 10 February at 14.30.

As Russia’s war of aggression continues, the Council agreed its position regarding the legal framework to provide €90 billion in financial support to Ukraine. The Ukraine support loan will become repayable only once Russia has paid war reparations to Ukraine.

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

European Council President António Costa invited the EU leaders to an informal EU leaders' retreat on 12 February 2026 in Alden Biesen castle in Belgium, dedicated to strengthening the single market in a new geoeconomic context.

The High Representative issued a statement on behalf of the European Union on the fifth anniversary of the coup in Myanmar.

The Council approved conclusions on the priorities of the European Union in United Nations human rights fora in 2026.

Weekly schedule of President António Costa, 2-8 February 2026.

À l’occasion du 30ᵉ anniversaire de l’Accord d’association UE-Maroc, la 15ᵉ réunion du Conseil d’association a réaffirmé l’importance du partenariat stratégique entre les deux parties, soulignant ses avancées dans divers domaines et leur engagement commun pour une coopération renforcée, notamment face aux défis régionaux et internationaux.