Press releases and statements
Press releases and statements
15 July 2026
- Programme for agile and rapid defence innovation: Council and Parliament reach political agreement
The Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on the proposal to establish the programme for agile and rapid defence innovation (AGILE), a new €115 million instrument designed to provide rapid, agile and targeted financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises.
- Council agrees its position on the draft annual budget for 2027
Today, the Council agreed its position on the 2027 EU draft budget – the last annual budget of the current multiannual financial framework.
- MFF 2028-2034: Council agrees negotiating position on EU support for migration, border management and internal security
EU support will help member states implement the pact on migration and asylum, ensure efficient management of the EU’s external borders, and fight crime.
- EU countries agree to extend temporary protection for those fleeing Ukraine until March 2028
The temporary protection status granted to those fleeing Ukraine will be extended until 4 March 2028, delivering on the EU’s commitment to support Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes.
14 July 2026
- Enlargement: Albania and EU provisionally close negotiations on science and research, education and culture, and external relations
The ninth meeting of the Accession Conference with Albania was held today provisionally closing chapters 25 (science and research), 26 (education and culture), and 30 (external relations).
- Enlargement: EU and Moldova start negotiations on external relations policies
At the third meeting of the Accession Conference, the EU and Moldova opened negotiations on the EU acquis related to external relations.
- Enlargement: EU and Montenegro close accession negotiations on competition policy and customs union
The 28th meeting of the Accession Conference with Montenegro provisionally closed chapters 8 on competition policy and 29 on customs union
- Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the alignment of certain countries concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine
Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1364 concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.
- EU-Mexico: Council gives final approval to modernised trade agreement
The Council authorised the formal conclusion of the EU-Mexico Interim Trade Agreement, following the European Parliament’s consent.
- Enlargement: EU opens accession negotiations with Ukraine on external relations policies
On the third meeting of the Accession Conference, the EU and Ukraine opened negotiations on the EU acquis related to external relations.
13 July 2026
- Human rights violations against Ukrainian prisoners of war: Council lists 15 individuals and one entity
The Council sanctioned 15 Russian individuals and one entity responsible for serious human rights violations against Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian detainees.
- Russian cyber-attacks and destabilising activities: Council sanctions nine individuals and four entities
The Council imposed restrictive measures on nine individuals and four entities forming part of Russia's cyber ecosystem, responsible for carrying out, enabling and facilitating malicious cyber activities against the EU, its member states and partners.
- European Peace Facility: Council adopts first-ever assistance measure for the Philippines' maritime security
The Council adopted an assistance measure, worth €15 million under the EPF that will benefit the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
- Human rights violations in Russia: Council lists four individuals and five entities over abusive surveillance
The Council imposed restrictive measures on four Russian individuals and five entities responsible for suppressing freedom of expression, access to information, and freedom of association in Russia.
- Joint statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union and by Ukraine on civilian detainees and the humanitarian consequences of Russia’s war of aggression
The EU and Ukraine issued a joint statement on civilian detainees and the humanitarian consequences of Russia’s war of aggression.
- European Peace Facility: Council adopts assistance measure to support the Republic of Moldova’s air defence capabilities
The Council adopted an assistance measure, worth €120 million under the EPF that will benefit the Moldovan Armed Forces.
- Sudan: Council strengthens EU sanctions regime by targeting gold trade
The Council strengthened EU sanctions on Sudan by targeting gold mining and gold exploitation to curb financing of the conflict.
- Council appoints a new EU Special Representative for Kosovo* and renews mandates for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Horn of Africa
The Council appointed a new EU Special Representative for Kosovo* and extended the mandates of the current EU Special Representatives for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Horn of Africa.
- Armenia: EU launches partnership mission to support the country's resilience against evolving hybrid threats
The Council has launched the EU Partnership Mission in Armenia (EUPM Armenia) under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) to enhance the country’s resilience and its ability to address hybrid threats.
- Council adopts targeted measures to support farmers facing high fertiliser costs
Council formally adopts regulation aimed at helping farmers cope with high fertiliser costs.