Solidarity measures to support Ukraine and sanctions against Russia
Highlights
- 10 August 2026
What the EU is doing to boost its competitiveness
What the EU is doing to boost its competitiveness
In an era of growing instability, the EU is acting with determination to strengthen its competitiveness, resilience and strategic autonomy to ensure prosperity and security for its citizens.
- 12 August 2026
New rules on packaging and packaging waste start to apply on 12 August
New rules on packaging and packaging waste start to apply on 12 August
- 11 August 2026
The EU law tracker: the gateway to EU legislation
The EU law tracker: the gateway to EU legislation
Press releases
- Lebanon: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the abolition of the death penalty
- International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, 9 August 2026: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union
- Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine: EU lists five additional individuals supporting Russia’s military-industrial complex
In focus
Consumer protection: travel rights
Consumer protection: travel rights
The EU in your daily life
The EU in your daily life
Consilium traineeships
Consilium traineeships
Explore popular topics
Competitive and autonomous industries, reducing dependencies
Trade relations with partners worldwide
Candidate countries and the process of joining the EU
Responding to conflicts and crises, protecting citizens
Free movement of goods, services, capital and people in the EU
Securing a sustainable and affordable energy supply
EU relations with the countries of the Middle East and North Africa
Net-zero economy and fighting against climate change
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.
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.
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.