Guinean civil society organizations have accused European Council President Charles Michel of a 'conscious political act' that legitimizes the 'repressive power' of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló.

The opposition warned today, during the debate on Prime Minister Andrej Plenković's report on European Council meetings, that Croatia has not ensured energy and industrial independence, and from HDZ...

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

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 Lithuanian President's chief advisor, Asta Skaisgirytė, has firmly rejected Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė's suggestion of participating in the European Council, stating there is no possibility for the head of government to attend these European meetings.

Andrija Nikolić, head of the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) parliamentary club, stated that the foundation of the party's pro-European policy is recognized in Brussels, following a series of 15 meetings with the European Commission, European Parliament, and European Council.

European Council President António Costa sent a message in Greek on 'X' (formerly Twitter) for March 25th, Greek Independence Day, honoring the country's history and indomitable spirit.

Speaking at the University of Porto, President of the European Council Antonio Costa advocated for doubling funds for Research and Development to propel Portugal to a new level of competitiveness within the European Union.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated he was not surprised by reports that Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán's associates might be leaking information from the European Council to Moscow, prompting a response from Péter Szijjártó.

Two years ago, on March 21, 2024, the European Council gave the green light for the opening of accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina. In an atmosphere

The Cypriot President called for discussions with Britain on the status of the bases after the end of the war in the region The post Christodoulides raised the issue of the British Bases at the…

The European Council late on Thursday night announced that it “stands ready to assist” the Cypriot government in discussions regarding the future of the United Kingdom’s two sovereign bases on the…

At the European summit in Brussels, the President of the European Council called for investment in domestic energy, after the conflict in Iran caused fuel prices to soar in Europe.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, attending the European Council in Brussels, stated that the escalating conflict in the Middle East should not overshadow the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Italy hosted two informal pre-summit coordination meetings in Brussels, including one on competitiveness led by Premier Giorgia Meloni, ahead of the European Council.

The European Council meeting is commencing with a significant stalemate regarding the Ukraine issue, as the EU grapples with a deteriorating international environment and its own decision-making limitations.

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.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is traveling to Brussels to attend the celebratory event for the 50th anniversary of the European People's Party on Wednesday evening, and will participate in the European Council Summit on Thursday.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced plans to invest one trillion zlotys in the transformation of Poland's energy sector. He also revealed details of Poland's initiative regarding changes to the EU's Emissions Trading System (ETS) for the upcoming European Council.

According to European Council President Antonio Costa, the European Union must be prepared to take over negotiations with Russia on security and peace in Ukraine if necessary, though the time has not yet come and pressure on Moscow must continue.

Denis Becirovic, Chair of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Presidency, met with European Council President Antonio Costa in Brussels to discuss the country's strategic priorities of EU and NATO membership.

The European Union is preparing for a potential wave of migration as millions of Iranians and Lebanese have already left their homes, with Ursula von der Leyen adding the topic to the agenda of the upcoming European Council.

A member state that does not participate in the enhanced cooperation mechanism cannot block the implementation of that enhanced cooperation, said European Council President Antonio Costa regarding Hungary's blockade of the 90 billion euro loan...

Robert Fico warned of a potential failure at the European Council if it does not deliver concrete solutions to reduce energy prices, emphasizing that this is a crucial test for the EU's competitiveness and hardening his rhetoric by demanding immediate solutions from EU leaders.

Heads of state or government from eight European Union member states have urged European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to implement measures preventing demobilized Russian combatants from entering EU territory.

Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides will meet United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in Brussels on 18 March on the sidelines of the European Council summit, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis announced on Thursday. The meeting, which was arranged following a letter from Christodoulides to Guterres, forms part of what Letymbiotis described as the president’s clear and firm […]

Eurogroup President Kyriakos Pierrakakis sent a letter to European Council President António Costa ahead of the March 19 Euro Summit, affirming the Eurozone's fundamental stability but acknowledging persistent uncertainty.

European ambassadors received conflicting guidance on their work from European Council President Antonio Costa on Tuesday, which significantly differed from instructions given by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday.

The military support offered by four European Union member states to Cyprus after the island was hit by an Iranian-made drone last week is “a powerful example of European autonomy”, European Council President Antonio Costa said on Tuesday. “The rapid response from Greece, France, Italy and Spain, sending military forces to protect Cyprus, is a […]

The President of the European Council, António Costa, has defended a rules-based international order, rebuking what he perceives as a shift in approach by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen regarding freedom and human rights.

Romanian President Nicușor Dan held a phone conversation with the President of the European Council to discuss Romania's priorities and key topics ahead of the upcoming EU leaders' meeting in Brussels.

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.'

(ANSA) - ROME, MAR 5 - Premier Giorgia Meloni will report to parliament on the Iran war next Wednesday, March 11, Minister for Relations With Parliament Luca Ciriani said Thursday. "Meloni has informed me of her willingness to come to Parliament on Wednesday, March 11th, bringing forward the communications on the European Council and expanding them to the crisis in the Middle East," he said. Meloni had initially been scheduled to brief parliament on the eve of the March 19-20 European Council...

The Financial Times reports that EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa personally requested Ukraine to allow inspections of the Druzhba pipeline, but Kyiv has not yet agreed.

Greece's Minister of National Economy and Finance and Eurogroup President, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, is in Brussels for meetings with European Council President António Costa, Ursula von der Leyen, and Christine Lagarde ahead of the Euro Summit.

Former European Council President Charles Michel shares his experience of being one of the first leaders Ukrainian President Zelensky called at the start of the war, highlighting their developing friendship.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has outlined a strict condition in a letter to the President of the European Council for him to lift his veto.

Following high-level political conversations yesterday, Iceland has not begun negotiations on joining the European Union, RÚV reports. The government is not prepared to accept membership “on any terms”, Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir has said. Her comments came following a press conference with Donald Tusk, Prime Minister of Poland and former President of the European Council. […] The post PM Says Iceland Not Ready for EU Membership appeared first on Iceland Review.

Viktor Orbán responded to António Costa's request to adhere to his December decision on EU aid for Ukraine and support sanctions against Russia, stating it's impossible to pretend nothing happened after he backtracked on these commitments.

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.

A recent survey by the European Council on Foreign Relations indicates that most Hungarians, including supporters of Prime Minister Orbán, wish for the country to remain part of the European Union. The poll also revealed divisions and skepticism regarding Ukraine.

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.

European Council President António Costa issued a warning that any attacks targeting civilian infrastructure, particularly energy facilities, are considered 'illegal' and 'unacceptable'.

Mindaugas Sinkevičius, leader of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party, suggests a rivalry between the president and prime minister over representation at the European Council.

Following Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė's suggestion that she could 'excellently participate' in the European Council, the Lithuanian Presidency stated that no such discussions are taking place regarding her potential involvement.

Euronews reports that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has placed the President of the European Council in an unprecedentedly difficult position.

Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, stated that the United Nations must undergo reforms but remains an irreplaceable foundation of the multilateral system.

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.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has commented on reports that Hungarian authorities, specifically Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, have been informing Russia about details of negotiations at European Council meetings, stating such information is not surprising.

Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro announced that he received assurances from the European Council in Brussels that Portugal will not lose its Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) funds.

Eurogroup President Kyriakos Pierrakakis, upon arriving at the European Council in Brussels, emphasised that "the crisis in the Middle East and its consequences have already begun to affect the daily…

Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides will urge the European Council to activate Article 42/7 of the EU Treaty, emphasizing that the Middle East conflict is also Europe's war and pushing back against internal EU voices, including the High Representative.

Greek government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis began his briefing by referencing Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis's statements at the European Council, then proceeded to criticize Tsipras, stating that 'audacity and hypocrisy have limits'.

Spanish Prime Minister Sánchez denounced Iran's 'illegal war' at a European Council meeting, which expressed reluctance to assist the US and called for full respect of international law.

O primeiro-ministro vai a Bruxelas para uma reunião com os líderes da UE sobre os impactos da guerra no Irão nos preços da energia. Presidente da República vai continuar a receber partidos.

Leaders of 27 European countries are meeting in Brussels, with discussions stalled. Italian Prime Minister Meloni met with German Chancellor Merz to advocate for changes to the ETS system, following a letter from nine heads of government.

Ahead of the European Council in Brussels, Merz delivered a government statement emphasizing the EU's role and receiving praise for his assertiveness towards America.

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.

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.

Ahead of the European Council meeting on March 19-20, a senior EU official stated that a majority of the 27 member states consider the Emissions Trading System (ETS) to be indispensable.

President Christodoulides is in Brussels for talks with UN Secretary-General António Guterres on the Cyprus problem, alongside a full schedule at the European Council summit.

Ahead of the European Council meeting, the President of Poland has urged Prime Minister Donald Tusk to demand either the complete abolition or significant reforms of the EU's Emissions Trading System (ETS).

The President of the European Council, António Costa, is confident that EU leaders will approve support measures to address the high energy prices.

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

The President of the Government will deploy his new package of anti-crisis measures after the meeting of the European Council to be held on Thursday in Brussels.

European Council President António Costa is visiting Latvia.

The two leaders released a 15-point joint statement that highlighted Azerbaijan–EU cooperation.

Days before the March 19th Summit, Eurogroup President Kyriakos Pierrakakis outlined the economic challenges facing Europe in a letter to the President of the European Council. He acknowledged strong fundamental economic indicators but highlighted persistent uncertainty.

António Costa, head of the European Council, stated that EU enlargement remains a priority, with Moldova, Ukraine, and Western Balkan countries part of the process, urging preparation for the next expansion.

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.

Romanian President Nicușor Dan held discussions with António Costa, President of the European Council, to align priorities ahead of an upcoming Brussels summit.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa announced that the European Union will cooperate with countries in the Gulf region to restore peace and stability in the Middle East.

The European Council has officially approved a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040, compared to 1990 levels. The regulation is set to take effect 20 days after its publication in the EU's official journal.

Ukrainian President Zelensky stated that a decision regarding the unlocking of a EUR 90 billion loan for Ukraine is anticipated at the European Council meeting scheduled for March 19.

Kyriakos Pierrakakis, President of the Eurogroup, met with the Brussels Troika ahead of the European Council on March 19. Discussions included the economic situation of the European Union within the complex geopolitical context.

European Council President Antonio Costa said on Monday he spoke to Cyprus’ President Nikos Christodoulides to convey the European Union’s support after an Iranian Shahed drone, most likely fired by the Iran-backed Hezbollah, hit a British military base on the island. In a post on X, Costa expressed “appreciation” to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis […]

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has sent a letter to the European Council President, Antonio Costa, outlining ten proposals and expressing Spain's opposition to any reversal on decarbonization efforts or labor rights in the name of competitiveness.

When the EU faces a crisis, a crisis team meets in an ultra-secure room deep within the European Council building in Brussels, designed to prevent eavesdropping.

The European Council has adopted new, simplified laws concerning sustainability reporting, aiming to streamline processes for businesses.

European Council President António Costa has written a letter to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán indicating that Kyiv's account of the suspension of Russian oil supplies to Hungary differs from Budapest's, but this should not serve as grounds for blocking the EU's €90 billion loan to Ukraine.

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 Council President António Costa stated that only a diplomatic solution would end the war with Iran, while also condemning attacks on civilian targets as illegal.

European Council President Antonio Costa stated that after five weeks of conflict, it is clear that only a diplomatic solution can resolve the war in the Middle East.

The European Council and Parliament have reached a compromise on the naming of meat products, saving terms like 'veggie sausages' and 'vegeburgers' while still planning to ban 30 other names for plant-based alternatives.

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.

European Council President Antonio Costa stated that the United Nations must undergo reforms but emphasized that no other entity can replace it, asserting its role as the foundation of the multilateral system.

Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė stated that she sees herself participating effectively in the European Council and believes there is a need for a more flexible arrangement allowing the President and Government to share this responsibility based on competence.

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.

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni did not succeed in obtaining a suspension of the CO2 emissions trading mechanism (ETS) at the European Council due to divisions among member states, but remains confident that Brussels will approve Italy's 'Bollette' decree on energy bills.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the European Council, outlining five key points that he believes could strengthen Russia's position in potential peace negotiations, emphasizing that Russia must not return to talks feeling stronger.

European Council, Merz: a big step forward is needed on competitiveness, energy and defense

Romanian President Nicușor Dan is holding a press conference from Brussels, where he visited NATO headquarters and is set to participate in the European Council. His statements come amidst a political crisis within the governing coalition in Romania.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda will participate in a two-day informal European Council meeting in Brussels to discuss the situation in the Middle East with other European leaders.

A agenda focada na competitividade não resistiu aos acontecimentos mundiais: cimeira será nova sessão de “brainstorming” sobre os esforços da UE para desescalar o conflito.

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.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is scheduled to deliver a government statement in the Bundestag before representing Germany at the European Council Summit in Brussels, where discussions will focus on the Iran war and energy prices.

António Costa, head of the European Council, stated that EU expansion to the Western Balkans, Ukraine, and Moldova remains a top priority, but candidate countries must undertake significant reforms.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán claimed that Ukraine intentionally did not reconnect the Druzhba pipeline to interfere in Hungarian elections in favor of the Tisza Party, following discussions with the Slovak Prime Minister and the President of the European Council.

President Nikos Christodoulides will tell the leaders of other European Union member states of a need for the bloc to achieve further strategic autonomy when the European Council convenes later this…

European Council President Antonio Costa stated that the European Union 'will have to discuss with Russia,' but 'not now,' in response to Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever's call for normalizing relations with Moscow.

Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, addressed the Middle East crisis in an interview with European Newsroom, noting the difficulty in predicting the conflict's duration. His comments come ahead of the European Council meeting in Brussels.

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš announced that the Czech Republic will support Italy's proposal at the European Council to suspend the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS 1) for energy, heavy industry, and aviation.

Former President of the European Council, Charles Michel, is continuing his career focus on international questions following his tenure in Europe and with the MR party.

Portugal, along with Spain, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden, issued a joint statement ahead of the next European Council, warning against any attempts to weaken, suspend, or restrict the emissions trading system (ETS).

President Nikos Christodoulides will hold a meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres next week, with that meeting most likely set to take place on the sidelines of next week’s European Council summit in Brussels, presidential press office director Victor Papadopoulos said on Thursday. He told the Cyprus Mail that the meeting will likely take […]

The Italian government has postponed discussions on fuel excise duties and a housing plan, with the European Council (ECOFIN) urging caution on economic interventions due to an evolving situation.

European Council President Antonio Costa stated at the annual conference of EU ambassadors in Brussels that the EU must prepare for its next enlargement, highlighting the process as a top priority since the start of his mandate, extending to all Western Balkan partners.

European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued a joint statement condemning Iran's indiscriminate attacks and expressing full solidarity with the people of the region.

European Council approves the appointment of Andres Ritter - His term of office starts on 1 November 2026 The post Andres Ritter takes over as European Public Prosecutor General and succeeds Laura…

The European Council's Venice Commission will review a draft opinion on amendments to the Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT) law during its plenary session on Friday.

Kyriakos Pierrakakis, President of the Eurogroup, met with European Council President António Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and ECB President Christine Lagarde in Brussels to discuss the main axes of the upcoming EU Summit on March 19.

The deputy director of the European Council on Foreign Relations' Paris office has spoken to FRANCE 24 about how European nations are already being sucked into the war in Iran.

The President of the Commission demands a "credible transition", while the European Council warns of "unforeseeable consequences" also in the "economic sphere".

European Council President António Costa reminisced about his 'very happy' cohabitation with Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, making an allusion to the 'irritating optimist' during Marcelo's farewell visit to the EU.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has written to the President of the European Council, indicating his support for a fact-finding mission to inspect the Druzhba oil pipeline and acknowledging political difficulties regarding delayed EU funds.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán publicly responded to the President of the European Council regarding the dispute over the Friendship oil pipeline, explaining his consistent position and why he no longer consents to a decision he previously allowed despite personal rejection.

Hungary and Slovakia are threatening to block a loan for Ukraine, despite the European Council agreeing to the loan on the condition that three countries would not participate financially, a condition they claim has been met.