The Council adopted a ninth package of new restrictive measures intended to step up pressure on Russia and its government.

President Charles Michel chaired the last European Council of 2022 where leaders talked about Ukraine and Russia, energy and economy, security and defence, Southern Neighbourhood, transatlantic relations.

On 15 December 2022, the European Council adopted conclusions on Ukraine/Russia, energy and economy, security and defence, Southern Neighbourhood, transatlantic relations and other items.

On 15 December 2022, the United States hosted the EU-U.S. Ministerial Meeting on Justice and Home Affairs at Department of Homeland Security Headquarters in Washington D.C. The United States was represented by Secretary for Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland. The European Union was represented by the Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson, the Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders, as well as the Czech Ministers for Justice Pavel Blažek and for the Interior Vít Rakušan.

The leaders of the G7 met on 12 December to reflect on progress of their cooperation under Germany’s Presidency to jointly address global challenges at a time of severe geopolitical crisis and critical moment for the world economy.

The Council today adopted €18 billion of macro-financial assistance to Ukraine.

The Council today adopted conclusions on the fight against impunity regarding crimes committed in connection with Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

This decision is a response to Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified military aggression against Ukraine and Russia’s practice of issuing Russian international passports to residents of the occupied regions.

The Council adopted guidelines for the EU to negotiate a new Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with Tajikistan.

The EU and the Kingdom of Norway signed an administrative agreement earmarking a voluntary financial contribution of approximately €14.5 million in support of EUMAM Ukraine for 2023.

The EU-Western Balkans summit took place in Tirana, Albania, on 6 December 2022. The Tirana declaration was agreed.

Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T): Council adopts its position to ensure sustainable connectivity in Europe.

The Council imposed a new package of economic and individual sanctions against Russia in view of the escalation of its aggression against Ukraine.

The Council adopted a general approach on the proposed regulation establishing the European defence industry reinforcement through common procurement act.

Paschal Donohoe, President of the Eurogroup, gave a speech at the European Movement Ireland and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung event “Europe’s Economy in Troubled Times” on the European economy in the challenging times.

The inclusion of the violation of restrictive measures in the list of ‘EU crimes’ is the first of two steps to ensure a similar degree of sanctions enforcement throughout the EU.

EU energy ministers today agreed on the content of the proposal for a Council regulation on further temporary emergency measures to contain high energy prices and improve security of supply. The new measures will improve solidarity in case of a real emergency and shortage in gas supply shortage, ensure a better coordination of joint gas purchases, limit volatility of gas and electricity prices, and set reliable gas price benchmarks.

EU energy ministers today agreed on the content of a Council regulation laying down a temporary framework to accelerate the permit-granting process and the deployment of renewable energy projects. The regulation introduces urgent and targeted measures that address specific technologies and types of projects, which have the highest potential for quick deployment and the least impact on the environment.

Joint statement of NATO and G7 Leaders on the margins of the G20 Summit in Bali

European Council President Charles Michel held a press conference in Bali, Indonesia, before the start of the G20 summit focusing on Russia’s war on Ukraine, energy and food security, climate and health.