ΕUROPEAN COUNCIL -COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION weekly digest

European Council Council of the European Union   Brussels, 31 May 2020 Weekly digest 24/05/2020 10:32 | Media advisory | Economy & finance Media advisory - Press briefing on EU-Japan relations Media advisory - Press briefing on EU-Japan relations Read the full item 26/05/2020 09:16 | Media advisory | Foreign affairs & international relations Media advisory - EU-Japan leaders' meeting (videoconference), 26 May 2020 On 26 May 2020 the EU-Japan leaders' meeting will take place via video conference. President Charles Michel and President Ursula von der Leyen will represent the EU. Japan will be represented by Prime Minister Shinzō Abe. Read the full item 26/05/2020 12:23 | Statements and remarks | Foreign affairs & international relations Joint press release: Japan-EU Leaders' meeting Prime Minister Abe and Presidents Michel and von der Leyen held a Leaders' meeting via video conference. They reaffirmed their commitment to the Japan-EU strategic partnership that will play an important role in recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and in tackling other common challenges that have not diminished. Read the full item 27/05/2020 15:36 | Press release | Budget Charles Michel on the recovery fund: “Our citizens and businesses have been heavily impacted by the pandemic. They need targeted relief without delay” European Council President Charles Michel comments on the European Commission’s proposal for the Recovery Fund and the Multiannual Financial Framework. Read the full item European Council 25/05/2020 12:44 | Press release | Transport COVID-19: Council adopts relief measures for aviation and railways The EU acts to reduce administrative burdens and provide flexibility for the aviation and rail sectors to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus crisis. Read the full item Council of the European Union 25/05/2020 15:20 | Press release | Foreign affairs & international relations Joint statement of the members of the EEA Council, 25 May 2020 The members of the EEA Council on 25 May 2020 adopted a joint statement. Read the full item 25/05/2020 15:54 | Media advisory | Institutional affairs Media advisory - Video conference of ministers for European affairs, 26 May 2020 A press conference held following the video conference of ministers for European affairs, 26 May 2020. Read the full item Council of the European Union 26/05/2020 17:59 | Press release | Foreign affairs & international relations Border management: EU concludes agreements with Montenegro and Serbia on Frontex cooperation These agreements will allow Frontex to assist Montenegro and Serbia in border management, carry out joint operations and deploy teams in the regions of these countries that border the EU, subject to the country's agreement. Read the full item 27/05/2020 14:35 | Press release | Foreign affairs & international relations Belarus: EU concludes agreements on visa facilitation and readmission The visa facilitation agreement will make it easier and cheaper for citizens to obtain a visa for short term travel. This is accompanied by an agreement on the readmission of persons residing without authorisation. Read the full item Council of the European Union 26/05/2020 19:21 | Press release | Education & training European teachers and trainers: the Council adopts conclusions Council adopts conclusions on European teachers and trainers for the future. Read the full item 26/05/2020 19:42 | Press release | Culture Culture and audiovisual: the Council adopts conclusions on risk management in the area of cultural heritage, media literacy and the amendment of the Work Plan for Culture (2019 - 2022) Council adopts conclusions in the area of culture Read the full item 26/05/2020 19:43 | Press release | Education & training Raising opportunities for young people in rural and remote areas: the Council adopts conclusions Council adopts conclusions on raising opportunities for young people in rural and remote areas. Read the full item Council of the European Union 28/05/2020 08:09 | Media advisory | Foreign affairs & international relations Media advisory - Press briefing ahead of the video conference of foreign affairs ministers of 29 May 2020 A press briefing held ahead of the video conference of foreign affairs ministers of 29 May 2020. Read the full item 28/05/2020 15:00 | Media advisory | Foreign affairs & international relations Media advisory - online press conference by High Representative Josep Borrell after the video conference of foreign affairs ministers, 29 May 2020 An online press conference heldy by High Representative Josep Borrell after the video conference of foreign affairs ministers, 29 May 2020 Read the full item 28/05/2020 19:34 | Press release | Foreign affairs & international relations Operation IRINI: Council appoints new Force Commanders The Council approved the appointment of two Force Commanders for Operation IRINI. Read the full item Council of the European Union