The Council appointed Mr. Antero Lopes as head of the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX Kosovo), from 10 August 2026 to 14 June 2027.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1542 of 3 July 2026 concerning restrictive measures against the proliferation and use of chemical weapons.

The Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on the proposal to establish the programme for agile and rapid defence innovation (AGILE), a new €115 million instrument designed to provide rapid, agile and targeted financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises.

The Council adopted an assistance measure, worth €15 million under the EPF that will benefit the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The Council adopted an assistance measure, worth €120 million under the EPF that will benefit the Moldovan Armed Forces.

The Council has launched the EU Partnership Mission in Armenia (EUPM Armenia) under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) to enhance the country’s resilience and its ability to address hybrid threats.

The EU issued a statement denouncing Russia’s malicious cyber ecosystem targeting the EU, its member states and international partners, and underscoring the EU’s determination to uphold accountability in cyberspace.

President of the European Council, António Costa, will travel to Ankara (Türkiye) on 7 and 8 July. On Tuesday, he will attend a leaders’ dinner ahead of the NATO summit. On Wednesday, together with President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, he will meet President of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

The Council adopted the second assistance measure, worth €5 million, in support of the Togolese navy under the European Peace Facility.

On 18 and 19 June, the European Council adopted conclusions on Ukraine, the Middle East, the next multiannual financial framework, competitiveness and global economic challenges, European defence and security, migration, illicit drugs, enlargement and reforms, the Republic of Moldova, Western Balkans and other items.

On 18 June, the European Council adopted conclusions on Ukraine and on European defence and security.

The Council took note of the 11th EU-NATO progress report, confirming substantial cooperation between the two organisations between June 2025 and May 2026.

Member states’ representatives approved the Council’s negotiating position on the proposal to establish a framework to facilitate military transport across the European Union, better known as the regulation on Military Mobility.

The Council decided to conclude the agreement between the EU and Canada allowing Canadian companies to participate in the SAFE instrument.

The Council today activated the national escape clause for Spain under the stability and growth pact.  The measure will help Spain transition to higher defence spending at national level while ensuring debt sustainability.

European Council President António Costa invited leaders to the meeting of 18 and 19 June 2026 in Brussels, during which they will discuss Ukraine, Middle East, competitiveness, global economic challenges, the next Multiannual Financial Framework, defence and security, migration and illicit drugs. 

Council and European Parliament reach agreement to simplify rules on security and defence procurement, accelerate permit-granting procedures and strengthen defence readiness.

The Council appointed Cosmin Dinescu as Head of Mission for the European Union Partnership Mission in Armenia (EUPM Armenia).

Council approves conclusions on the EU maritime industrial strategy to boost competitiveness, resilience, innovation, security and decarbonisation of the EU’s maritime sector.

The Council adopted the second assistance measure under the EPF to support the Egyptian Armed Forces, bringing the support to the EAF to €40 million to date.