European Council

The Council agreed on the EU twelfth package of economic and individual restrictive measures in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

President Michel received letters of credentials from four new ambassadors to the European Union.

The Council today reached a general approach on new rules to reduce packaging waste and encourage high-quality recycling in the EU.

Weekly schedule of President Charles Michel, 18 - 24 December 2023.

President of the Eurogroup Paschal Donohoe, will travel to Austria and Slovakia on 18 - 20 December 2023.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/2721 of 4 December 2023 amending Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999 concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/2686 amending certain Council Decisions concerning restrictive measures in order to insert provisions on humanitarian exceptions.

Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/2540 of 13 November 2023 amending Decision (CFSP) 2016/849 concerning restrictive measures against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/2423 of 26 October 2023 amending Decision 2010/573/CFSP concerning restrictive measures against the leadership of the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova.

At the press conference following the December European Council meeting, President Charles Michel summarised EU leaders' discussions on continued support to Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, enlargement and reforms, the mid-term review of the EU’s long-term budget 2021-2027, security and defence, migration, hybrid attacks, the fight against antisemitism, racism and xenophobia, and the EU strategic agenda 2024-2029.

The Council has reached a provisional agreement with the European Parliament on a new law to safeguard media freedom, pluralism and independence in the EU.

On 14 and 15 December, the European Council adopted conclusions on Ukraine, Middle East, enlargement and reforms, multiannual financial framework 2021-2027, security and defence, migration and other items, EU-Türkiye relations, fight against antisemitism, racism and xenophobia, and strategic agenda.

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

Following the first day of the European Council meeting, President Michel made the following statement on the MFF revision:

On 14 December, the European Council adopted conclusions on Ukraine, enlargement and reforms.

The Council and the Parliament have reached a provisional agreement on the proposed regulation on blood, tissues and cells, which will better protect donors and recipients and improve cross-border circulation of these vital health products.

The Council and the European Parliament have reached a political agreement on a new EU law on liability for defective products.

The Council and the Parliament have reached a provisional agreement on amendments to the Solvency II directive, the EU's main piece of legislation in the insurance area and new rules on insurance recovery and resolution (IRRD).

Council and Parliament strike provisional deal on corporate sustainability due diligence directive.

The Council and the Parliament reached a provisional agreement on a proposal to amend the EU’s electricity market design (EMD).