Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/397 of 24 February 2025 concerning restrictive measures in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/396 concerning restrictive measures in response to the illegal recognition, occupation or annexation by the Russian Federation  of certain non-government controlled areas of Ukraine.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/394 of 24 February 2025 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/391 of 24 February 2025 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Belarus and the involvement of Belarus in the Russian aggression against Ukraine.

The Council adopted an implementing decision authorising the third payment of grants and loans under the Ukraine Facility.

The Council renewed the restrictive measures targeting those responsible for undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine for another six months, until 15 September 2025.

The Council has adopted its negotiating mandate on tariffs for the remaining agricultural products and fertilisers from Russia and Belarus.

European Council President António Costa invited leaders to the meeting of 20-21 March 2025 in Brussels, during which they will discuss competitiveness, Ukraine, security and defence, migration, and other items. 

European Council President António Costa travelled to Berlin and delivered a speech at the High-level event of the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung marking their 100th anniversary.

The President of the European Council, António Costa will travel to Berlin and Cape Town on 12-13 March 2025 to attend the 100th anniversary of the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung foundation and represent the European Union at the eighth EU-South Africa summit.

European Council President António Costa debriefed the European Parliament plenary in Strasbourg on the discussions held during the Special European Council meeting of 6 March 2025.

During the press conference held at the end of the Special European Council meeting of 6 March 2025, President António Costa presented the main results of the discussions on Ukraine and European defence.

Before the start of the Special European Council meeting of 6 March 2025, European Council President António Costa, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the press.

At the beginning of the second day of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group Forum 2025, President António Costa delivered a video message, in which he highlighted the critical role that EIB would be called to play for Europe's security and defence.

European Council President António Costa travelled to London for the Leaders’ summit on Ukraine hosted by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He delivered his remarks at the end of the meeting.

European Council President António Costa invited the members of the European Council to their Special meeting of 6 March 2025. Discussions will focus on the support for Ukraine and EU defence.

European Council President António Costa travelled to Kyiv for the International summit on the support of Ukraine, on the third anniversary of Russia's invasion. He delivered his remarks reiterating EU's full solidarity and support for Ukraine and its people, as well as calling for credible peace negotiations that involve Ukraine and the EU. President Costa also emphasised EU's efforts to deliver on its defence capabilities and work towards a future where Ukraine thrives as an integral member of the EU.

The Council imposed restrictive measures on an additional 48 individuals and 35 entities in respect of Russia’s continued war of aggression against Ukraine.