The European Union's 27 member states have approved the renewal of sanctions against Russia, extending them until May 28, 2027, with the EU Council reaffirming its condemnation of human rights violations.

Brussels journalists are reportedly surprised by the EU Council's plan to invite influencers to EU leader summits and ministerial meetings starting in July.

The Austrian Chancellor has stated that Hungary is once again becoming a constructive voice within the European Council, according to a report from Budapest Business Journal.

The Taoiseach met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. Their discussions took place ahead of Ireland's upcoming EU Council presidency.

The Deputy Ministry of Shipping of the Republic of Cyprus hosted a High-Level Conference in Brussels on 'Policy Shaping, Guiding…' within the framework of the EU Council Presidency, focusing on equality and inclusion in shipping.

Greek Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni participated in the EU Council of Education, Youth, Culture, and Sport Ministers in Brussels, held under the Cypriot Presidency. She emphasized culture's critical role in European resilience and defense.

Greek Minister of Rural Development and Food, Margaritis Schinas, will participate in the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers in Luxembourg, where the primary agenda item will be the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) after 2027.

The EU Council has approved relaxations for new genetic engineering procedures, allowing them to be used more easily and without mandatory labeling, with final parliamentary approval expected in May.

In preparation for Lithuania's presidency of the EU Council, the government has approved the establishment of a deputy agricultural attaché position at the Lithuanian Embassy in Italy. The position will be active from August 1 of this year until August 30, 2027.

The Polish Ministry of Interior and Administration announced that Poland has been "exempted for many years" from the relocation mechanism within the EU migration pact, a claim that is being questioned by the article, citing explanations from the EU Council.

The leader of Croatia's SDP party, Siniša Hajdaš Dončić, commented in Parliament on Prime Minister Andrej Plenković's report from the latest European Council meeting, referencing past political figures Račan and Sanader.

The Council of the European Union has adopted new rules to enhance consumer protection for package travel users across the bloc, updating the existing framework for combined travel services.

The Council of the European Union has formally appointed Francois-Louis Michaud to take up his position as chair of the European Banking Authority on April 16, 2026.

The EU Council chief reaffirmed support for Pakistan's peace efforts in the Middle East during a call with Prime Minister Shehbaz, who shared updates on Pakistan's mediation to de-escalate the crisis.

The Lithuanian Ministry of Environment has announced a public procurement for organizing international events during Lithuania's presidency of the European Union Council, earmarking up to 3.8 million euros for the services.

Thirty-seven Members of the European Parliament, including Mārtiņš Staķis, have urged the European Commission and the EU Council to suspend EU funding for the Venice Biennale if Russia is allowed to participate in the 61st Venice Art Biennale.

The English language proficiency of Lithuanian ministers is being discussed, recalling a past check by former President Dalia Grybauskaitė as the country's EU Council presidency approaches again.

Reports indicate that Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó regularly communicated with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, informing him about the progress of EU Council discussions.

A new survey reveals that nine out of ten Cypriot fishers believe government actions are inadequate to ensure the survival of the sector, with the findings released during Cyprus's EU Council Presidency.

German Chancellor Merz delivered a government statement ahead of the European Council meeting, emphasizing that Germany will not 'sell itself short' and discussing key democratic dates. He called for the EU to act self-confidently and unitedly in an uncertain world, urging the community to better leverage its political and economic strengths.

EU Council President António Costa stated that dialogue with Russia is necessary, though not yet, ahead of a summit in Brussels, and expressed expectations that Hungary will cease blocking EU loans to Ukraine.

PRESIDENT of the European Council, Costa, stated that Hungary cannot block a 90 billion euro loan for Ukraine, despite Orban's threats.

All informal European Union councils will proceed as planned in Cyprus between April and June, according to Cypriot Energy Minister Michalis Damianou, as Cyprus holds the rotating EU presidency.

The Cyprus Union of Journalists (ESK) is calling for an immediate inquiry by the House Interior Committee into the government's attempt to establish a state body as the sole authority for issuing journalist accreditation during Cyprus's EU Council Presidency.

EU country ambassadors, meeting as permanent representatives, have provided guidelines for the next steps in establishing an ad hoc working group to draft the Accession Treaty with Montenegro, according to sources from the EU Council.

German Andreas Ritter has been approved by the EU Council to succeed Laura Codruța Kövesi as the European Public Prosecutor, with his term set to begin on November 1, 2026.

The European Union Council has listed 31 meat-referencing words that should not be used to describe plant-based or vegan products, clarifying rules for vegetarian food labeling.

A parliamentary delegation is attending a conference on the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy in Cyprus, organized by the Cypriot parliament as part of its EU Council presidency.

The public has expressed an overwhelming lack of confidence in the Government’s preparedness for security ahead of Ireland holding the presidency of the EU Council later this year.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee was questioned about Ireland's lack of security agreements with other countries ahead of its upcoming EU Council Presidency.

The EU Council and European Parliament will select two cities each for the headquarters of the European Customs Authority in March, with a joint agreement to follow.

Cyprus, holding the EU Council presidency, warned member states that a mass escape from a Syrian detention camp housing relatives of suspected Islamic State fighters could be exploited by terrorist groups for recruitment.

President Nikos Christodoulides has written to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reaffirming that the country’s EU council presidency and the upcoming parliamentary elections “in no way affect” the immediate resumption of substantive negotiations on the Cyprus problem. In his letter, Christodoulides expressed readiness to meet Guterres in March to advance the peace process and outlined a […]

The EU Council of Agriculture Ministers approved measures for the wine sector, including vineyard uprooting and climate adaptation. Portugal's Minister José Manuel Fernandes expressed regret over the inability to transfer expired funds.

Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis is participating in the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels, where discussions include a peace plan for the Middle East, diplomacy concerning Iran, and initiatives for the Western Balkans.

EC Vice-President Dubravka Šuica is set to be questioned by the EU Council regarding her involvement in a controversial Trump peace initiative.

The EU Council's rotating presidency has approved a measure allowing new mothers to vote by proxy in the European Parliament. This sends a clear message that women should never have to choose between public service and motherhood.

The EU Council is reportedly planning to invite social media influencers to meetings of ministers and EU leaders. This initiative aims to leverage influencers for better engagement on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

The European Parliament has approved the start of negotiations with the EU Council regarding the review of periodic technical inspections and roadside checks for vehicles.

European Parliament Vice-President Nicolae Ștefănuță stated that while opening the first cluster of EU accession negotiations with Moldova by the end of the Cypriot EU Council presidency is possible, it is not probable.

The Cypriot Presidency of the EU Council and the European Parliament have reached a provisional political agreement on the Critical Medicines Act (CMA), establishing a legal framework to enhance the Union's resilience against medicine supply challenges.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda met with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković in Dubrovnik to discuss Lithuania's upcoming EU Council presidency priorities, historical memory, bilateral relations, and European security.

Northern Cyprus's 'prime minister' Unal Ustel accused the EU of a "biased and unfair" approach to the Cyprus problem following an informal EU council summit, criticizing the bloc's position on regional developments.

The EU Council chief conveyed hopes for a US-Iran deal during a call with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz, expressing appreciation for Pakistan's constructive role and affirming the EU's readiness to support the peace process.

The Saudi Crown Prince held a meeting with the President of the European Council.

Cyprus holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union at a time when Brussels' celebrated openness is facing a significant test. The European Parliament prides itself on being the most open, but challenges remain.

The President of the European Council, António Costa, has stated that attacks targeting civilian populations are illegal under international law.

Cyprus utilized its participation in the European Maritime Skills Forum in Brussels to promote stronger maritime education and workforce development, emphasizing the role of seafarers in its EU Council Presidency agenda.

The Council of the European Union has given final approval for the establishment of the 'EU talent platform,' completing the legislative process for this initiative aimed at connecting EU employers with workers from outside the Union.

The EU Council President engaged in a positive diplomatic exchange with Pakistan, focusing on various aspects of international relations.

European lawmakers have approved discussions with the EU Council on a contentious new legal framework aimed at establishing mechanisms across the bloc for deporting illegal migrants, including the creation of 'return centers' outside EU borders, sparking human rights debates.

Cyprus is experiencing a daily phenomenon of cyberattacks, attributed to ongoing geopolitical tensions and the country's role as president of the European Council until the end of June.

This week's energy news covers changes in CO2 trading and highlights top renewable energy companies, with the European Council confirming the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) will remain and a review proposed by July 2026.

Montenegrin President Milatović expressed Montenegro's anticipation for Ireland's upcoming presidency of the EU Council, emphasizing the shared values that unite the two nations.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is in Brussels to attend the celebratory event marking 50 years since the founding of the European People's Party, and will also participate in the European Council Summit.

Ahead of a crucial summit, EU Council President António Costa stated that dialogue with Russia is necessary, but the time is not yet right for such discussions.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stressed during an online address to the Council of the European Union that the approval of a €90 billion loan from the European Union cannot be contingent on the operation of the Druzhba oil pipeline.

The EU Council has decided to impose restrictive measures on four individuals, including a journalist, for their involvement in Russia's ongoing hybrid activities, specifically manipulation and interference.

Greek Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou stated upon his arrival at the EU Council on energy issues that Europe must be prepared with targeted measures for another international crisis testing its reflexes.

The EU Council has confirmed the appointment of Andrés Ritter, currently Deputy Chief Prosecutor, as the new Chief Prosecutor for the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), with his term beginning November 1.

Russia's central bank has filed a lawsuit in the EU court in Kirchberg after the EU Council extended the freezing of Russian funds indefinitely.

A poll reveals that the Irish public has an overwhelming lack of confidence in the government's security preparedness as Ireland prepares to host the EU Council presidency later this year.

Cyprus's Deputy Tourism Minister, Kostas Koumis, stated that sustainable and resilient tourism will be a key priority for the EU council presidency, addressing a conference in Nicosia on climate action and competitiveness in Mediterranean destinations.

Ireland is preparing for its six-month stint in the influential role of EU Council presidency, which will involve significant deal-making and consume a lot of the government's bandwidth.

President Nikos Christodoulides travels to Rome on Thursday for a two-day official visit during which he will meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella, with Cyprus-Italy bilateral relations, the Cyprus problem and the EU Council presidency among the topics on the agenda. The visit, on 26-27 February, comes at Mattarella’s invitation and […]

The EU Council has abolished the customs duty exemption for packages valued up to 150 euros. Starting July 1, 2026, a temporary flat customs duty of 3 euros will be imposed per product category within such packages.

The Hungarian PM published his letter to EU Council President Antonio Costa on the dispute around the Friendship pipeline.

The body of EU governments has adopted tougher asylum rules, allowing member state authorities to more easily reject asylum applications from certain non-EU countries.

HUNGARY'S blockade of a 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine cast a shadow over the EU Council meeting.

As the war in Ukraine reaches its four-year mark, the former president of the EU Council, Charles Michel, praises French President Macron's willingness to engage in dialogue with Putin.

Brussels-based journalists are reportedly surprised and concerned by the European Council's new plan to invite social media influencers to EU summits, offering them 'exclusive experiences' behind the scenes.

The EU Council has decided to suspend customs duties for one year on essential nitrogen-based fertilizers, including urea and ammonia, used in agricultural production within the EU.

Diplomats and MEPs have agreed on stricter immigration rules and return centers outside the EU, but are still disputing when the reform will come into effect.

Diplomatic missions in Cyprus issued a joint statement warning of a global rollback of LGBT rights and urged Cyprus to advance a national equality strategy during its EU council presidency.

Greek Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni spoke at the EU Council of Culture Ministers, emphasizing the need for transparency in AI training data and protecting creators, while condemning the instrumentalization of culture during armed conflicts.

Cyprus and Egypt have signed a joint declaration on a strategic partnership, significantly upgrading relations between the two countries during the Informal EU Council summit in Nicosia.

The EU Council has approved new genetically modified organisms (GMOs), a decision that has prompted environmental organizations to launch a petition and campaign against the move.

Cyprus is hosting an innovative cultural event titled 'Fashion Fighting Stigma' as part of its EU Council Presidency 2026, utilizing fashion to promote empathy, awareness, and social change for better mental health.

The EU Council has approved the Czech plan to use funds from the European financial instrument SAFE, established last year, which allows loans for military equipment, enabling the Czech Republic to utilize 2.06 billion euros.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys stated that discussions about the Prime Minister potentially representing Lithuania in the European Council instead of the President are not currently on the political agenda.

European leaders will convene for an Informal European Council in Nicosia on April 23-24 to discuss European defense, specifically addressing the EU's mutual defense clause and its implications.

The Council of the European Union has approved a regulation to establish an EU talent pool, a new digital platform designed to connect non-EU jobseekers with employers across the bloc to tackle labor shortages.

The EU Council has given its final approval to new rules for CO2 emissions, allowing manufacturers to accumulate credits until 2029 if their emissions remain below their annual targets.

Greek Minister of Rural Development and Food, Kostas Tsiaras, attended the European Council of Agriculture and Fisheries in Brussels, emphasizing the need for EU-level decisions to support the primary sector amidst war and high energy costs for fishermen.

Montenegro's EU integration is progressing, with gratitude expressed to Hungary for its strong support, particularly during its EU Council presidency when Montenegro closed three negotiation chapters.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk reacted to media reports, stating it's "no surprise" that Poland has long suspected Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto's contacts with Moscow might involve sharing details of EU Council meetings.

Twenty countries condemned Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's veto at the EU Council meeting, where the war in Ukraine was a central focus. EU leaders reaffirmed their strong support for Ukraine's independence and territorial integrity while increasing pressure on Russia.

The escalation in the Middle East is expected to dominate the European Council meeting, with discussions on its lasting effects on energy and the economy. Experts warn of a potentially longer war than anticipated.

Italian Minister Pichetto Fratin announced plans to meet with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to discuss Italy's stance on emissions and the ETS ahead of the European Council, where they will request a reduction due to high costs.

A spokesperson for the EU Council stated that despite intentions to limit the exemption to a law concerning child pornography detection, member states decided that such limitations would render the law 'ineffective,' leading to the exemption's expiration in April.

Greek Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou, emphasized the urgent need for a unified European energy market and called for targeted measures and flexibility in energy policy during his address to the EU Council of Energy Ministers.

Linking the release of the EUR 90 billion loan approved for Ukraine to the operation of the Druzhba oil pipeline is unacceptable.

Cyprus's Energy Minister, Michalis Damianou, announced that all informal EU councils scheduled between April and June will take place in Cyprus as planned.

European Council President Antonio Costa stated at the annual conference of EU ambassadors in Brussels that the momentum in EU enlargement extends to all Western Balkan partners, emphasizing the need for the EU to prepare for future expansion.

European Council President Antonio Costa has stated that the European Union must strengthen its defensive and global role, emphasizing the need for the bloc to act as an independent actor in a time of crises and a 'multipolar world.'

Cyprus launched its anti-fraud agenda under the EU Council Presidency, hosting the first meeting of the Working Party on Combating Fraud in Brussels and welcoming the new director-general of the European Anti-Fraud Office (Olaf), Petr Klement. According to a statement from the general accounting office, the meeting was chaired last week, by the director of […]

A new poll reveals that the Irish public has an overwhelming lack of confidence in the Government's preparedness for security ahead of Ireland holding the presidency of the EU Council later this year.

Sustainable and resilient tourism will be a key priority of the EU council presidency, Deputy Tourism Minister Kostas Koumis said on Friday, addressing a European conference in Nicosia on climate action and competitiveness in Mediterranean destinations. Addressing delegates, Koumis said tourism reflects its “strategic importance for economic growth, social cohesion and regional development, particularly for […]

Ireland's Foreign Minister, Micheál Martin, reiterated Ireland's support for Montenegro's ambition to make significant progress towards EU membership by the end of the year, with EU enlargement being a priority during Ireland's upcoming EU Council presidency.

The European Union is discussing proposals to increase prices for nicotine products across member states, aiming to make the Union largely smoke-free by 2040. However, negotiations in the EU Council are reportedly facing resistance from some members.

President Christodoulides has written directly to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, seeking a meeting in the second half of March and pushing back against suggestions that Cyprus’s EU Council Presidency or upcoming parliamentary elections could delay the resumption of reunification talks. The letter, whose contents were reported by Phileleftheros, had a dual purpose: to arrange a […]

António Costa, President of the European Council, has sent a letter to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, urging him to respect decisions made within the European Council.

The EU Council approved new sanctions against eight Russian officials, including judges and prosecutors, for their roles in political trials and human rights abuses, highlighting the deteriorating human rights situation in Russia.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "Response to the decision taken by the EU Council"