On 26 June, the European Council adopted conclusions on Ukraine, the Middle East, European defence and security, EU in the world, competitiveness, migration, the Republic of Moldova, Western Balkans, internal security, preparedness, hybrid activities and other items.

The European Council discussed the latest developments as regards Ukraine.

On 24 June 2025, European Council President António Costa travelled to The Hague for the NATO Summit. During a meeting with Commission President von der Leyen, NATO Secretary General Rutte and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, he reaffirmed the EU’s unwavering support to Ukraine, condemned Russia’s continued aggression and welcomed progress on Ukraine’s path toward EU membership.

Member states’ EU ambassadors agreed on a mandate for negotiations with the European Parliament regarding the proposed European Defence Industrial Programme (EDIP). The EDIP aims to strengthen the European defence technological and industrial base through regulatory measures and grants worth €1.5 billion.

The Council today decided to renew the sanctions introduced by the EU in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol by the Russian Federation, until 23 June 2026.

The Polish Presidency published conclusions on strengthening the Energy Union through reinforcing energy security, supported by 25 delegations.

Before the G7 summit in Kananaskis, European Council President António Costa held a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. In his remarks, President Costa highlighted the topics that would be on the agenda of the summit: the global economy, trade, and conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, amongst others.

The Council reaches a political agreement about extending the temporary protection for more than 4 million Ukrainians who fled from Russia’s war of aggression.

European Council President António Costa invited leaders to the meeting of 26-27 June 2025 in Brussels, during which they will discuss how to build a more competitive, safer and more autonomous Europe for our citizens, and to ensure that the European Union can be an effective, predictable and reliable global actor.

EU adopts new tariffs on Russian and Belarusian agricultural goods and fertilisers.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/966 of 20 May 2025 amending Decision (CFSP) 2024/2643 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s destabilising activities.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/963 of 20 May 2025 amending Decision (CFSP) 2024/2643 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s destabilising activities.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/957 of 20 May 2025 amending Decision (CFSP) 2024/1484 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Russia.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/936 of 20 May 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) 2025/931 of 20 May 2025 amending Decision 2014/512/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine.

G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, met on 22 May 2025 in Banff, Canada and issued a joint communiqué.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the alignment of certain countries with Council Decision concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

The Council imposed restrictive measures on three entities belonging to the Russian Armed forces, responsible for the development and use of chemical weapons.

The Council imposed restrictive measures against 21 individuals and 6 entities responsible for Russia’s destabilising actions against the EU and its member states and broadened the scope of the sanctions regime to target physical and digital assets, as well as media outlets.

The Council imposed restrictive measures on 28 individuals responsible for serious violations of human rights, the repression of democratic opposition, and activities seriously undermining the rule of law in Russia.