European Council

The Council today agreed on its negotiating positions ('general approaches') on two proposals that set common internal market rules for renewable and natural gases and hydrogen. The purpose of the legislation is to design the transition of the gas sector towards renewable and low-carbon gases, in particular biomethane and hydrogen, in view of reaching the EU’s goal of climate neutrality in 2050.

Member states today reached a political agreement on a proposal to extend their voluntary 15% gas demand reduction target, by one year.

Following their meeting in Chișinău, President Michel and President Sandu held a press conference where they highlighted the main topics of their discussions: Russia’s war against Ukraine, EU support for Moldova, the European Political Community.

The Council today adopted a decision bringing amendments to the market stability reserve.

The Council today adopted two regulations that will enable the EU to reduce its net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels: the so-called ‘effort sharing regulation’ and the regulation on the land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector.

The Council adopted a regulation setting stricter CO2 emission performance standards for new cars and vans.

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

The Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional political agreement on the anti-coercion instrument.

Alternative fuel infrastructure: Council and Parliament reach a provisional agreement to decarbonise the transport sector.

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

Following their meeting in Bucharest, President Michel and President Iohannis held a press conference where they highlighted the main topics of their discussions: EU support for Ukraine, Moldova and the Schengen area.

President Charles Michel of the European Council held phone calls on 25 March with President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia.

Member states agree common position on the fair access to and use of data (Data Act) in view of future talks with the European parliament.

Weekly schedule of President Charles Michel, 27 March – 2 April 2023

The Euro Summit, meeting in inclusive format, adopted a statement on 24 March 2023.

Lors de la conférence de presse qui s'est tenue à la fin de la première journée du Conseil européen de mars, le président Charles Michel a dressé un récapitulatif des discussions des dirigeants sur la meilleure façon pour l'UE de construire une économie compétitive et à l'épreuve du temps. Il a également mis en avant leur soutien à l'Ukraine.

On 23 March 2023, the European Council adopted conclusions on Ukraine, single market and the economy, energy, and other items.

On 23 March 2023, the European Council adopted conclusions on Ukraine.

Press briefing ahead of the upcoming Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy) will take place on 27 March 2023 at 9.00. The briefing will be "off the record".

On 23 March 2023, UN Secretary General António Guterres joined the European Council. They agreed on the importance of EU-UN cooperation to tackle the global challenges and stressed their shared commitment to multilateralism.