EU support will help member states implement the pact on migration and asylum, ensure efficient management of the EU’s external borders, and fight crime.

The temporary protection status granted to those fleeing Ukraine will be extended until 4 March 2028, delivering on the EU’s commitment to support Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes.

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. 

The agreement will speed up and increase the number of returns of persons illegally staying in member states.

The Council had suspended certain elements of the EU visa rules in 2024.

Council gives the final stamp to the EU talent pool, an EU platform that will help countries facing labour shortages to recruit non-EU jobseekers.

The EU list of safe countries of origin will speed up asylum processes; the safe third country concept tightens admissibility rules.

The Council of the EU and the European Parliament have provisionally agreed on an EU law establishing a list of safe countries of origin.

The Council of the EU and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on a regulation regarding the application of the safe third country concept.

European Council President António Costa invited leaders to the meeting of 18 and 19 December 2025 in Brussels, during which they will discuss Ukraine, Middle East, next Multiannual Financial Framework, EU enlargement, migration, and geoeconomy and competitiveness. 

The Council reached its position on a regulation for a common European returns system.

Member states reached a political agreement on a Council implementing decision establishing the annual solidarity pool for 2026.

The Council reached a position on regulations establishing an EU list of safe countries of origin and on safe third countries.

On 8 January 2026, the President of the European Council, António Costa, together with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will represent the EU at the first EU-Jordan summit taking place in Amman, Jordan.  

The Council and the European Parliament have reached a political agreement on setting up an EU Talent Pool.

The Council adopted a regulation to revise the EU’s visa suspension mechanism.

Joint press release at the occasion of the EU-Western Balkans ministerial forum on justice and home affairs, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, 30-31 October 2025.

Joint press release at the occasion of the EU-Western Balkans ministerial forum on justice and home affairs, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, 30-31 October 2025.

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. 

The Council and European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on a regulation that would strengthen the role of Europol and enhance police cooperation between EU member states to prevent and combat migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings.