European Council

The Council prolonged the mandate of its 3 CSDP missions and operation in the Horn of Africa; the maritime Operation ATALANTA, the capacity-building mission EUCAP Somalia, and the training mission EUTM Somalia, until 28 February 2027.

The Council adopted a 15th package of economic and individual restrictive designed to target the circumvention of EU sanctions through Putin’s shadow fleet and weaken Russia’s military and industrial complex.

The Council today adopted updated EU rules on the import, export, and transit of firearms. The new regulation aims to close loopholes exploited for firearms trafficking while facilitating legitimate trade and movement of firearms.

The Council formally adopted a regulation on packaging and packaging waste. The new rules will reduce packaging waste and will facilitate safe, sustainable and recyclable packaging.

Main agenda items, approximate timing, public sessions and press opportunities.

Main agenda items, approximate timing, public sessions and press opportunities.

Main agenda items, approximate timing, public sessions and press opportunities.

Weekly schedule of President António Costa, 16–22 December 2024

The Council agreed on a partial general approach on a proposal for a directive to align national insolvency laws.

The Council has agreed a general approach on the revision of an EU directive on the criminalisation and prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation.

The Council has reached a general approach on a directive to prevent and counter migrant smuggling.

The Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on a proposal to make EU rules on financial benchmarks easier and less burdensome for EU companies, in particular SMEs, that manage benchmarks.

G7 Leaders' statement on Syria, 12 December 2024

Press briefing ahead of the EU-Western Balkans summit and the European Council meeting of 18-19 December 2024.

The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer and the President of the European Council António Costa met today in London.

The Council has reached an agreement with the European Parliament on a new law that seeks to improve collection of labour market statistics on businesses at EU level.

The Council approves conclusions on future priorities for strengthening the joint counterterrorism efforts of the European Union and its member states.

The press briefing ahead of the General Affairs Council will take place on Monday 16 December 2024 at 11.30.

The Council amends the visa regulation and removes Vanuatu from the list of countries that are exempt from the visa obligation.

The Council has adopted two regulations about the collection and use of air passenger data.