The Council approved conclusions on the priorities of the European Union in United Nations human rights fora in 2026.

The Council adopted restrictive measures against six individuals in view of Russia’s destabilising activities against the EU and its member states and partners.

The Council imposed restrictive measures related to serious human rights violations in Iran and to Iran’s continued military support to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

The Council formally adopted the regulation on phasing out Russian imports of pipeline gas and LNG into the EU.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/2648 of 22 December 2025 amending Decision 2014/512/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilising 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) 2025/2617 of 18 December 2025 amending Decision 2014/512/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilising 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) 2025/2585 of 15 December 2025 amending Decision 2012/642/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Belarus and the involvement of Belarus in the Russian aggression against Ukraine.

President António Costa travelled to Nicosia (Cyprus) to attend the opening ceremony of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union where he delivered a speech.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/2594 of 15 December 2025 amending Decision 2014/145/CFSP 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 European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/2572 of 15 December 2025 amending Decision (CFSP) 2024/2643 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s destabilising activities.

On 6 January 2026, the members of the Coalition of the Willing convened in Paris. Declaration on ‘Robust Security Guarantees for a Solid and Lasting Peace in Ukraine’ was issued by France.

From 6 January until 9 January 2026, the President of the European Council, António Costa, will travel to Paris, Nicosia and the Middle East.

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

The Council renewed the EU restrictive measures in view of the Russian Federation’s continuing actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine for a further 6 months, until 31 July 2026.

During the press conference held at the end of the European Council meeting of 18-19 December 2025, President António Costa presented the main results of the discussions.

The European Council discussed the latest developments as regards Ukraine.

On 18 December, the European Council adopted conclusions on Ukraine, the Middle East, European defence and security, next multiannual financial framework, enlargement and reforms, migration, geoeconomy and competitiveness and other items.

The Council imposed restrictive measures on an additional 41 vessels that are part of Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ of oil tankers and contribute to Russia’s energy revenues.

Before the start of the European Council meeting of 18-19 December 2025, European Council President António Costa addressed the press in Brussels.

Leaders met to discuss Ukraine in Berlin (Germany) on 15 December 2025.