European Council

The press briefing ahead of the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy) of 20 October 2025 will take place on Thursday, 16 October at 10.00, followed by the press briefing ahead of the Environment Council of 21 October 2025.

The Council prolonged its sanctions  against the proliferation and use of chemical weapons until 16 October 2026.

European Council President António Costa invited leaders to the meeting of 23 October 2025 in Brussels, during which they will discuss Ukraine, Middle East, European defence and security, competitiveness and twin transition, housing, and migration. 

The Council adopted a decision for the EU and its member states to sign the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime.

Council approves its first reading position on to the toy safety regulation.

EU-Ukraine trade: Council agrees to reduce or eliminate customs duties for several agri-food products

The President of the European Council, António Costa, will attend the “Sharm El-Sheikh Summit for Peace” on Monday 13 October on behalf of the European Union.

The Entry/Exit System (EES) will be phased in progressively from 12 October 2025.

The EU issued a statement welcoming the agreement on the first phase of the Comprehensive Plan to end the Gaza conflict, which secures an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages, and commits to supporting its full implementation, including humanitarian aid, stabilisation, and the two-state solution.

Weekly schedule of President António Costa, 13 – 19 October 2025.

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

The Council today endorsed Germany’s maximum net expenditure path for the next five years. It also activated the national escape clause for Germany under the stability and growth pact to facilitate higher defence spending.

Today, the Council confirmed the EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes without changes. The list consists of the same 11 jurisdictions as before.

Today, the Council approved conclusions on tax incentives that can help promote clean technologies and industry in the EU.

The press briefing ahead of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Employment and social policy) will take place on Monday, 13 October 2025 at 14.00.

Remarks by Eurogroup President Paschal Donohoe on the macroeconomic and budget situation in the euro area, coordination of budget policies among the member states, and progress made on the Capital Markets Union. He also highlighted developments in the stablecoin sector, its implications for the euro area, and the progress made on the digital euro.

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

Council adopts its negotiating position on the amended measuring instruments directive.

Defence: Council agrees position to incentivise investments to implement the ReArm Europe plan.

Press briefings ahead of the upcoming Economic and Financial Affairs Council of 10 October 2025 and Justice and Home Affairs Council of 13 and 14 October 2025 will take place on 9 October 2025 at 16.00