Before the start of the European Council meeting of 23 October 2025, European Council President António Costa and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the press.

European leaders issued a joint statement on Ukraine on 21 October 2025.

Today, the Council reached a general approach on the REPowerEU regulation to gradually phase out Russian gas imports, with the aim of ending any dependency on Russian gas and strengthening the EU's energy security.

The presidency of the Council and European Parliament negotiators reached a provisional agreement on the European Defence Industry Programme stepping up EU defence readiness and strengthening Europe’s defence and security cooperation.

European Council President António Costa invited leaders to the meeting of 23 October 2025 in Brussels, during which they will discuss Ukraine, Middle East, European defence and security, competitiveness and twin transition, housing, and migration. 

EU-Ukraine trade: Council agrees to reduce or eliminate customs duties for several agri-food products

The Council extended EU restrictive measures against those responsible for Russia’s destabilising activities against the EU and its member states and partners by one year, until 9 October 2026.

During the press conference held at the end of the informal meeting of heads of state or government of 1 October 2025 in Copenhagen, President António Costa presented the main results of the discussions.

Before the start of the informal meeting of heads of state or government of 1 October 2025, European Council President António Costa addressed the press in Copenhagen.

On 23 September 2025, European Council President António Costa was in New York at the United Nations Security Council on Ukraine, as part of the 80th United Nations General Assembly. In his speech, he emphasised the European Union’s unwavering support for Ukraine and the pursuit of peace as a top priority.

EU heads of state or government will gather in Copenhagen, Denmark, to discuss about European defence and Ukraine.

The Council adopted a decision on the position that the EU will take in the EU – Moldova Association Committee in Trade Configuration as regards increasing market access for some exports not yet liberalised.

In light of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine and following the repeated violation of the airspace of our Member States by Russian drones, ZAPAD-2025 does not demonstrate a commitment to de-escalation and peace. The participation of other countries, especially from Belarus, in this context raises serious security concerns. The EU calls for full compliance with international agreements and remains vigilant regarding potential security threats.

The Council adopts a recommendation on the transition away from temporary protection for displaced persons from Ukraine.

The Council prolonged the restrictive measures targeting those responsible for undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine for another six months, until 15 March 2026.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the unprovoked violation of the EU’s airspace by Russia.

President of the European Council António Costa travelled to Uzhhorod (Ukraine) and gave a speech at the Congress of Regional and Local Authorities on 5 September 2025.

The Council imposed additional restrictive measures against two persons under the European Union's global human rights sanctions regime, in relation to abuses that occurred in detention centres in Crimea.

Press remarks by President António Costa following the meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The President of the European Council, António Costa delivered a keynote speech at the opening of the Bled Strategic Forum in Bled, Slovenia.