European Council

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

The Council adopted the European Defence Industry Programme to boost the EU’s defence readiness, strengthen the European defence industry and ensure that the EU is better equipped to act and deal with immediate and future challenges and threats.

Press briefing ahead of the upcoming Energy Council will take place on Tuesday, 9 December 2025 at 14.00, followed by press briefing Agriculture and Fisheries Council.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/2398 of 24 November 2025 amending Decision (CFSP) 2016/1693 concerning restrictive measures against ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaeda and persons, groups, undertakings and entities associated with them.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/2395 of 24 November 2025 amending Decision (CFSP) 2019/1894 concerning restrictive measures in view of Türkiye’s unauthorised drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/2369 of 20 November 2025 amending Decision (CFSP) 2023/2135 concerning restrictive measures in view of activities undermining the stability and political transition of Sudan.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/2357 of 20 November 2025 amending Decision (CFSP) 2025/1484 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 third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/2019 of 3 October 2025 amending Decision (CFSP) 2024/2643 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s destabilising activities.

The Council renewed restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for another year, until 12 December 2026.

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

Council gives its final approval to the detergents and surfactants regulation.

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, 8-14 December 2025.

On 9 December 2025, the President of the European Council, António Costa, will visit Ireland to meet with the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin.

Press briefing ahead of the Eurogroup meeting will take place on 9 December 2025 at 15.00. 

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 reached a provisional agreement to simplify the EU deforestation regulation and postpone its application to ensure effective implementation.

European Council President António Costa had a meeting with President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, on 4 December, in Astana, Kazakhstan.

The Council decided to prolong restrictive measures against individuals and entities responsible for serious human rights violations and abuses in various countries worldwide, until 8 December 2026.