European Council

The EU issued a statement on Human Rights Day stressing that it remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguard human rights at home and abroad, and to ensure peace, truth, justice and accountability.

European Council President António Costa invited leaders to the meeting of 18 and 19 December 2025 in Brussels, during which they will discuss Ukraine, Middle East, next Multiannual Financial Framework, EU enlargement, migration, and geoeconomy and competitiveness. 

Council adopts its negotiating position on the amendments to the EuroHPC regulation.

Simplification: Council and Parliament reach a provisional agreement on sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements.

Today Council and the Parliament reached a provisional agreement to improve the quality and availability of forest reproductive material.

The Council reached its position on a regulation for a common European returns system.

Member states reached a political agreement on a Council implementing decision establishing the annual solidarity pool for 2026.

The Council adopted the European Defence Industry Programme to boost the EU’s defence readiness, strengthen the European defence industry and ensure that the EU is better equipped to act and deal with immediate and future challenges and threats.

Press briefing ahead of the upcoming Energy Council will take place on Tuesday, 9 December 2025 at 14.00, followed by press briefing Agriculture and Fisheries Council.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/2398 of 24 November 2025 amending Decision (CFSP) 2016/1693 concerning restrictive measures against ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaeda and persons, groups, undertakings and entities associated with them.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/2395 of 24 November 2025 amending Decision (CFSP) 2019/1894 concerning restrictive measures in view of Türkiye’s unauthorised drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/2369 of 20 November 2025 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) 2025/2357 of 20 November 2025 amending Decision (CFSP) 2025/1484 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Russia.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/2019 of 3 October 2025 amending Decision (CFSP) 2024/2643 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s destabilising activities.

The Council renewed restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for another year, until 12 December 2026.

The Council reached a position on regulations establishing an EU list of safe countries of origin and on safe third countries.

Council gives its final approval to the detergents and surfactants regulation.

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, 8-14 December 2025.