European Council

Leaders met to discuss Ukraine in Berlin (Germany) on 15 December 2025.

The European Union and Lebanon held today in Brussels the ninth meeting of the EU–Lebanon Association Council. The two sides reviewed the state of EU–Lebanon relations and reaffirmed their shared commitment to enhancing the bilateral partnership within the framework of the Association Agreement and partnership priorities.

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

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

The Council adopted additional restrictive measures against three individuals and one entity engaging in gang violence, who are responsible for actions that threaten peace, stability and security in Haiti.

The Council adopted restrictive measures against an additional twelve individuals and two entities in view of Russia’s destabilising activities against the EU and its member states and partners.

The Council sanctioned additional 5 persons and 4 entities responsible for actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

The press briefing will take place on Tuesday, 16 December 2025 at 14.00.

The Council introduced an additional criterion for the listing of individuals, entities or bodies involved in or facilitating actions attributable to the Government of the Republic of Belarus, which undermine or threaten the stability, sovereignty or security in the EU, in light of the recent hybrid attacks against Lithuania and other EU member states. 

The Council reached a partial negotiating position on the 2028-2034 Connecting Europe Facility, under the next MFF, to strengthen investments in Europe’s strategic infrastructure on transport and energy.

The Council decided to renew restrictive measures in view of the situation in Venezuela until 10 January 2027.

Council agrees on fishing opportunities in the Atlantic and the North Sea for 2026 and for certain stocks for 2027 and 2028, and in the Mediterranean and the Black Seas for 2026.

The Council has decided to temporarily prohibit transfers of immobilised Central Bank of Russia assets back to Russia.

The Council adopted its negotiating mandate on new rules to address the negative effects of global overcapacity on the EU steel industry, replacing the existing safeguards due to expire in June 2026.

Press briefing ahead of the upcoming Environment Council will take place on 15 December 2025 at 13.45

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

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

Weekly schedule of President António Costa, 15-21 December 2025.

Press briefing ahead of the upcoming General Affairs Council will take place on Monday, 15 December 2025 at 14:30.

The Council takes urgent action to tackle the influx of dangerous and undervalued goods entering the EU in small parcels - a problem which can lead to unfair competition for EU sellers, high levels of fraud and environmental concerns.