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Highlights

A close-up of the European Union flag with its yellow stars on a blue background, with several other national flags blurred in the background inside a glass building.
  • 16 October 2026
EU leaders address competitiveness and global challenges

EU leaders address competitiveness and global challenges

At the EU summit, leaders adopted conclusions on competitiveness, the next MFF, Ukraine, the Middle East, European defence and security, migration and enlargement.

A collage featuring three workers in white hazmat suits on a roof.
  • 19 October 2026
EU strengthens protection of workers from exposure to hazardous substances

EU strengthens protection of workers from exposure to hazardous substances

  • 19 October 2026
MFF: EU agriculture ministers agree on the common market organisation for agricultural products

MFF: EU agriculture ministers agree on the common market organisation for agricultural products

  • 19 October 2026
Council calls for greater equality to boost EU competitiveness

Council calls for greater equality to boost EU competitiveness

Graphic showing stylised buildings, a wind turbine, a glowing light bulb and an upward-pointing arrow on a globe grid.
  • 15 October 2026
Steady progress on the One Europe, One Market roadmap

Steady progress on the One Europe, One Market roadmap

Press releases

Meetings

In focus

A stylised graphic showing a lightbulb with a gear inside on the left and tall office buildings on the right, connected by an upward-trending blue line.
One Europe, One Market

One Europe, One Market

A stylised pie chart labelled with future years from 2028 to 2034 sits behind a glass jar full of coins.
The EU's long-term budget for 2028–2034

The EU's long-term budget for 2028–2034

Illustration of a hand holding a yellow sunflower with a blue centre . Blue and yellow blocks of colour behind and in front of the hand evoke the Ukrainian flag.
EU solidarity with Ukraine

EU solidarity with Ukraine

Explore popular topics

Industry

Competitive and autonomous industries, reducing dependencies 

Trade

Trade relations with partners worldwide

EU enlargement

Candidate countries and the process of joining the EU

Single market

Free movement of goods, services, capital and people in the EU

Energy

Securing a sustainable and affordable energy supply

Climate

Net-zero economy and fighting against climate change

See all topics (A-Z)

The Council presidency

The member states take it in turn to chair Council meetings for six months. Ireland currently holds the Council presidency and will do so until 31 December 2026.

Logo of the Council and of the Irish presidency.

About the Council

The Council refers to two different EU institutions: the European Council, and the Council of the EU. They have very different roles and membership, although they have similar names and share the same staff.

The European Council

The European Council consists of the heads of state or government of the EU's member states, together with its President and the European Commission President. It defines the EU's general political directions and priorities.

Europa lantern logo.

The Council of the EU

The Council of the EU represents the member states' governments. Informally also known as the EU Council, it is where national ministers from each EU country meet to adopt laws and coordinate policies.