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).

At the third meeting of the Accession Conference, the EU and Moldova opened negotiations on the EU acquis related to external relations. 

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 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.

The Council authorised the formal conclusion of the EU-Mexico Interim Trade Agreement, following the European Parliament’s consent.

On the third meeting of the Accession Conference, the EU and Ukraine opened negotiations on the EU acquis related to external relations.

The Council sanctioned 15 Russian individuals and six entity responsible for serious human rights violations against Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian detainees.

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. 

The Council adopted an assistance measure, worth €15 million under the EPF that will benefit the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

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.

The EU and Ukraine issued a joint statement on civilian detainees and the humanitarian consequences of Russia’s war of aggression.

The Council adopted an assistance measure, worth €120 million under the EPF that will benefit the Moldovan Armed Forces.

The Council strengthened EU sanctions on Sudan by targeting gold mining and gold exploitation to curb financing of the conflict.

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.

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 formally adopts regulation aimed at helping farmers cope with high fertiliser costs.

The Council gave its final green light on an agreement aiming at simplifying, clarifying and strengthening air passenger rights.

The EU issued a statement denouncing Russia’s malicious cyber ecosystem targeting the EU, its member states and international partners, and underscoring the EU’s determination to uphold accountability in cyberspace.

The EU issued a statement on the tenth anniversary of the Arbitral Award between the Philippines and China under Annex VII to the UNCLOS, expressing deep concern about the steady increase of tensions and dangerous incidents in the South China Sea and firmly opposing any unilateral actions that threaten to undermine regional stability and the international order.

The EU is deeply alarmed by the escalating violence in El Obeid and calls for an immediate end to attacks threatening civilians and respect for international humanitarian law.