Press releases and statements
Press releases and statements
30 June 2026
Council and Parliament agree on clarified rules for road tolls and user charges for heavy-duty vehicles The Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on targeted amendments to the Eurovignette directive.
Council and Parliament strike deal for a stronger European Chemicals Agency The Council of the European Union and the European Parliament have reached a provisional agreement on bolstering the management and funding of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
29 June 2026
Council agrees roadmap for European cooperation in education and training until 2030 The Council has approved the resolution on the second cycle of the strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training towards the European Education Area (2026-2030), which sets out the work programme for cooperation at EU level in the areas of education and training over the next five years.
Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain countries 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) 2026/1363 of 15 June 2026 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 countries 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) 2026/1351 of 15 June 2026 amending Decision (CFSP) 2014/2643 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s destabilising activities.
Council highlights demographic dimension of Europe’s housing crisis The Council has approved conclusions calling on member states to take into account the interplay between housing needs and demographic trends when developing housing policies.
President Costa travelling to Ireland and France President of the European Council, António Costa, will travel to Dublin (1 July) for the opening ceremony of the Irish presidency of the Council of the EU, and to Aix-en-Provence (2-3 July) to participate in the “Rencontres Économiques”. On 4 July, President Costa will visit Marseille, Avignon and the ITER Headquarters in Saint Paul-lez-Durance.
Research fund for coal and steel: Council gives its final approval Council gives its final approval to the package to reform the research fund for coal and steel
European Public Prosecutor's Office: Council appoints new prosecutors for France and Malta The Council today appointed two new prosecutors to the European Public Prosecutor's Office. European prosecutors supervise investigations and prosecutions and, together with the European Chief Prosecutor, form the EPPO College.
MFF 2028-2034: Council backs simpler and more efficient rules for cohesion funds The Council today reached positions on the cohesion-related parts of the next long-term EU budget (MFF): the regulations on the European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund.
Artificial Intelligence: Council gives final green light to simplify and streamline rules The Council gave its final green light on a new regulation aiming to streamline and simplify certain rules regarding artificial intelligence (AI).
Wildfires: Council adopts recommendation to strengthen preparedness and enhance prevention The Council adopted recommendations on integrated wildfire risk management to help member states better prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from wildfires.
Council greenlights rules for a more circular automotive sector The Council formally adopted the regulation concerning circularity requirements for vehicle design and the management of end-of-life vehicles.
Council gives final green light to strengthen farmers’ position in the food supply chain Council adopts new rules to improve farmers’ position in the EU food supply chain, ensuring they receive a fairer share of value by strengthening their negotiating power.
Safer online spaces for girls: Council calls for stronger action against cyber violence The Council has approved conclusions calling on EU countries and the Commission to improve protection for girls and young women in the digital sphere.
26 June 2026
Forward look: 29 June – 12 July 2026 Overview of the main subjects to be discussed at meetings of the Council of the EU over the next two weeks and upcoming media events.
Weekly schedule of President António Costa Weekly schedule of President António Costa, 29 June - 5 July 2026.
Haiti: EU restrictive measures extended until July 2027 The Council renewed the EU framework for restrictive measures against those responsible for threatening the peace, stability and security of Haiti and undermining democracy and the rule of law in the country for one year, until 29 July 2027.
Press remarks by Eurogroup President Kyriakos Pierrakakis following his meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Magyar and Hungarian Finance Minister Kármán Remarks by Eurogroup President Kyriakos Pierrakakis following his meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Magyar and Hungarian Finance Minister Kármán on Hungary’s commitment to European cooperation and economic integration.
European Peace Facility: Council adopts assistance measure in support of the Togolese Armed Forces The Council adopted the second assistance measure, worth €5 million, in support of the Togolese navy under the European Peace Facility.