The G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, met on 18 and 19 May 2026 in Paris, France. They were joined by the Heads of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank Group (WBG), the 
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the Financial Stability Board (FSB), the International Energy Agency (IEA), the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as Chair of the Multilateral Development Banks’ Heads Group, and the African Development Bank (AfDB). They also held consultations with Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors from Brazil, India, Kenya and South Korea. 

The Council decided to extend restrictive measures targeting the former al-Assad regime by one year, until 1 June 2027, while de-listing seven entities.

The Council adopted conclusions calling for a stronger EU approach to fragility, development cooperation and sustainable development in partner countries.

The EU issued a statement on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia condemning all forms of discrimination and reaffirming its strong commitment to uphold the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights by LGBTI persons.

Weekly schedule of President António Costa, 17 - 24 May 2026.

Greek Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis will represent the Eurogroup at the G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting.

The President of the European Council, António Costa, will travel to Mexico to represent the EU at the EU-Mexico summit in Mexico City on 22 May 2026. Ahead of the meeting, on 20 May, President Costa will pay an official visit to Guatemala.

The Cyprus Presidency activates the Council’s Integrated Political Crisis Response arrangements in information sharing mode to actively monitor the hantavirus outbreak.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/927 of 27 April 2026 amending Decision 2013/184/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Myanmar/Burma.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/508 of 23 April 2026 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) 2026/512 of 23 April 2026 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.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/504 of 23 April 2026 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 Implementing Decision (CFSP) 2026/503 of 23 April 2026 implementing 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.

The Council and the European Parliament agreed new rules to guarantee the rights of adults in the EU who need protection or support in cross-border situations.

The Council adopted third bilateral assistance measure worth €15 million under the EPF to strengthen the interoperability and operational readiness of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Council has agreed a partial general approach on the regulation establishing the new AgoraEU programme for culture, media and civil society in 2028-2034.

The Cyprus presidency of the EU Council has reached a provisional agreement with the European Parliament on a new regulation that seeks to strengthen the EU’s resilience in the face of ongoing challenges to security of supply of critical medicines in Europe.

The Council prolonged restrictive measures against actors involved in cyber-attacks threatening the EU and its member states for a further twelve months, until 18 May 2027.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Implementing Decision (CFSP) 2026/645 of 16 March 2026 implementing Decision 2011/235/CFSP concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons and entities in view of the situation in Iran.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/886 of 21 April 2026 amending Decision (CFSP) 2023/2135 concerning restrictive measures in view of activities undermining the stability and political transition of Sudan.