On 24 March 2026, President of the European Council, António Costa, held a speech at the Paris School of International Affairs (SciencesPo).

During the press conference held at the end of the European Council meeting of 19 March 2026, President António Costa presented the main results of the discussions.

On 19 March, the European Council adopted conclusions on Ukraine, the Middle East, competitiveness and single market, European defence and security, migration, multilateralism and other items.

The European Council discussed the latest developments as regards Ukraine.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/490 of 26 February 2026 amending Decision 2014/119/CFSP concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Ukraine.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/438 of 23 February 2026 amending Decision (CFSP) 2022/266 concerning restrictive measures in response to the illegal recognition, occupation or annexation by the Russian Federation of certain non-government controlled areas of Ukraine.

President of the European Council, António Costa, and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, issued a joint statement on the Druzhba pipeline.

The Council adopted additional restrictive measures against four individuals responsible for Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) against the EU and its member states and partners.

The Council listed an additional nine individuals responsible for the Bucha massacre for their actions undermining and threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. 

The Council extended the listings targeting those responsible for undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine for another six months, until 15 September 2026.

European Council President António Costa spoke at the annual conference of the EU ambassadors from the EU delegations and offices around the world, the heads of EU military and civilian missions and the heads of the European Commission representations in all 27 EU member states.

On 6 March 2026, European Council President António Costa was in Hamburg where he delivered a speech at the Matthiae Mahl event.

President of the European Council, António Costa, addressed the press following the meeting with President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in Kyiv (Ukraine), on 24 February 2026.

G7 Leaders' statement on the war in Ukraine, 24 February 2026.

Joint Statement by the President of the European Council, the President of the European Commission and the President of the European Parliament on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/263 of 29 January 2026 amending Decision (CFSP) 2023/1532 concerning restrictive measures in view of Iran’s military support to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and to armed groups and entities in the Middle East and the Red Sea region.

The Council imposed restrictive measures on eight additional individuals responsible for serious human rights violations and abuses in Russia and for the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in the country.

On 24 February 2026, the President of the European Council, António Costa, will travel to Kyiv, Ukraine, alongside the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

Press remarks by President António Costa following the meeting with Prime Minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr Støre in Oslo, Norway

As Russia’s war of aggression continues, the Council agreed its position regarding the legal framework to provide €90 billion in financial support to Ukraine. The Ukraine support loan will become repayable only once Russia has paid war reparations to Ukraine.