EUROGROUP,COUNCIL OF THE EU,update

Presidency publishes conclusions on the future of agriculture in the EU 24/06/2024 | Press release Presidency publishes conclusions on the future of agriculture in the EU Today member states widely supported a set of conclusions setting out a vision for the future of agriculture in the EU. Press material Monday, 24 June 2024   ● Eurogroup   24/06/2024 16:06 | Press release | Update on recent Eurogroup work: Eurogroup President Donohoe’s letter to the President of the European Council   I am writing to update you on the work of Eurogroup since my last update in March, and in particular to share recent developments in relation to the Capital Markets Union. In March, I wrote to inform you that Ministers at the Eurogroup had agreed a statement on the future of our Capital Markets Union – an ambitious set of proposals for areas where further progress is needed to deepen our capital markets. The Eurogroup was pleased that this statement was subsequently endorsed by Leaders at the March Euro Summit and that it served to spur discussion at the special European Council in April. “ The continued political interest in this topic reflects our shared understanding that we need to take urgent action to develop and deepen Europe’s capital markets so that they can meaningfully contribute to funding Europe’s future, not least the green and digital transitions. ” —  Paschal Donohoe, President of the Eurogroup CMU statement – towards implementation and delivery The Eurogroup has now turned its attention to delivering on the measures outlined in our statement, taking heed of the call from Leaders in the March 2024 Euro Summit statement to “regularly take stock of the performance and evolution of European capital markets and report on the progress of the identified measures”. Ministers held a first discussion on delivery at the May Eurogroup meeting, where we agreed a high level work programme for further follow up. This will see us return to the topic regularly, focussing in turn on the national and EU level dimensions. This work programme has been carefully calibrated to take account of the current period of institutional renewal, with an immediate focus on driving progress at the national level, before turning to EU legislative measures following the formation of the new Commission. Our discussions will be informed by work being driven at the technical level by our Deputies. In the short term, this work will have a specific focus on sharing of best practices and national initiatives in key thematic areas to facilitate progress at the national level. I am pleased that the first discussions on these issues have already begun. A word on Banking Union As we all know, the Capital Markets Union is an essential complement to our Banking Union, which still remains to be completed. In the Eurogroup’s statement on the future of the Banking Union in June 2022, we called for the strengthening of the common framework for bank crisis management and national deposit guarantee schemes (CMDI framework) as an immediate step towards completing our Banking Union. It is welcome therefore that the Council has recently agreed a negotiating mandate on the review of the CMDI framework. It is vital that further progress towards final agreement on this important file is prioritised over the coming months, with a view to enhance the efficiency of the EU resolution framework. The Eurogroup will continue to keep its focus on delivering a deeper and more competitive Economic and Monetary Union in the months ahead. We remain deeply committed to the implementation of our statement on the future of the Capital Markets Union, and to keeping the state of our Banking Union continually under review, identifying in a consensual manner possible further measures to strengthen and complete it. Letter of the President of the Eurogroup, Paschal Donohoe, to the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, of 24 June 2024

Press material Tuesday, 25 June 2024

● Council of the EU   25/06/2024 18:19 | Press release | EUBAM Rafah and EUPOL COPPS: Council prolongs the mandates of both CSDP civilians missions until June 2025   The Council today decided to prolong until 30 June 2025 the mandates of two of its Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) civilian missions: the European Union Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point (EUBAM Rafah) and the European Union Police Mission for the Palestinian Territories (EUPOL COPPS). EUBAM Rafah was launched in November 2005, following the Israeli disengagement from Gaza. In its current stand-by mode, EUBAM Rafah continues to advise and provide technical assistance on integrated border management to the Palestinian General Administration for Borders and Crossings based in Jericho and support projects on trade facilitation and processing of biometric passports.  EUBAM Rafah is furthermore mandated to provide a third-party presence at the Rafah Crossing Point between the Gaza Strip and Egypt and to build confidence between the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority. This part of the mandate is on hold since Hamas take-over of Gaza in 2007. However, the mission maintains its readiness to redeploy to the Rafah crossing point once all necessary conditions are in place for an effective and safe deployment. Its Head of Mission is Ms Nataliya Apostolova. EUPOL COPPS was launched in January 2006 and it is headed by Ms Karin Limdal. The mission’s current mandate focuses on support to the Palestinian Civil Police and wider justice institutions, in the areas of policing and wider criminal justice arrangements, contributing to Palestinian security and justice sector reforms. In its conclusions of 21 and 22 March 2024, the European Council reiterated that the EU remains firmly committed to a lasting and sustainable peace based on the two-state solution and that Palestinians and Israelis have an equal right to live in safety, dignity, and peace. The European Council also recalled that the EUPOL COPPS and EU BAM Rafah can play an important role in support of Palestinian state-building efforts. EUBAM Rafah website EUPOL COPPS website European Council conclusions, 21 and 22 March 2024 Israel/Palestine: Statement by the HR on behalf of the EU in support of the three-phase roadmap to an enduring ceasefire and release of hostages (4 June, 2024)

Meetings Tuesday, 25 June 2024

● Council of the EU   25/06/2024 17:18 | Meetings | Main results - General Affairs Council, 25 June 2024   The Council held a hearing under the Article 7 procedure concerning Hungary. Ministers also prepared for the upcoming European Council and exchanged views on the proposed directive on transparency of interest representation on behalf of third countries.

Press material Tuesday, 25 June 2024

● Council of the EU   25/06/2024 11:29 | Press release | EU relations with non-EU Western European countries: Council approves conclusions   The Council today approved conclusions on a homogeneous extended internal market and EU relations with non-EU Western European countries and with the Faroe Islands. The conclusions, which are usually adopted every two years, assess EU relations with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Andorra, San Marino and Monaco, as well as the Faroe Islands as a self-governing country within the Kingdom of Denmark to which the EU treaties do not apply.  In its conclusions, the Council recalls the weight and importance the EU attaches to its close relationship with non-EU Western European countries as like-minded partners who are highly integrated with the EU and with whom the EU shares fundamental values and interests. The Council underlines the importance of unity regarding Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, notes the excellent cooperation with the non-EU Western European countries in areas of EU external action, and highlights the need to continue and enhance joint work on the global arena to strengthen a multilateral rules-based world order and address shared priority issues, including human rights, peace and security, and the fight against climate change. The Council further recalls the close economic integration and interdependence between the EU and its non-EU Western European partners within the framework of the extended EU internal market. In this regard, it highlights that it is the responsibility of all the states which participate in the extended internal market to ensure its integrity and homogeneity, as well as full respect for equal rights and obligations for both citizens and businesses.  Among other areas, the Council conclusions also address cooperation with non-EU Western European countries in the fields of the security of energy supplies and infrastructure, justice and home affairs, and the management of fish stocks in the North-East Atlantic. In addition, the conclusions assess cooperation within the European Economic Area, where 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of the entry into force of the EEA Agreement, as well as bilateral cooperation with each of the countries concerned. Council conclusions on a homogeneous extended internal market and EU relations with non-EU Western European countries and with the Faroe Islands, 25 June 2024

Press material Tuesday, 25 June 2024

● Council of the EU   25/06/2024 10:38 | Press release | Ukrainian refugees: Council extends temporary protection until March 2026   Today, the Council adopted a decision to extend the temporary protection until 4 March 2026 for the more than 4 million Ukrainians fleeing from Russia’s war of aggression. “ Day after day, Russia terrorises the Ukrainian people with its bombing war. These are not safe circumstances. Those who fled from Russia’s aggression can continue to count on our solidarity. ” —  Nicole de Moor, Belgian Secretary of State for Asylum and Migration  The temporary protection mechanism was triggered on 4 March 2022 – only a few days after Russian armed forces launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine – and is due to run until 4 March 2025. The extension decision that was adopted today does not change the decision of March 2022 in terms of the categories of persons to whom the temporary protection applies. What is temporary protection? Temporary protection provides immediate and collective protection to a large group of displaced persons who arrive in the EU and who are not in a position to return to their country of origin. The system alleviates the pressure on national asylum systems because applications do not have to be examined individually. People benefitting from temporary protection enjoy the same rights across the EU. These rights include: residence access to the labour market and housing medical assistance social welfare assistance access to education for children The EU’s temporary protection law sets minimum standards of protection. The actual level of assistance can vary from one member state to another.

Press material Tuesday, 25 June 2024

● Council of the EU   25/06/2024 10:00 | Press release | Critical infrastructure: Blueprint for protecting EU citizens and the internal market   Because disruptions to critical infrastructure may have repercussions in many EU member states, the Council today adopted a recommendation on a Blueprint to coordinate a response at EU level to disruptions to critical infrastructure with significant cross-border relevance. “ Citizens and businesses rely on the functioning of pipelines, power stations and transport hubs. When these and other critical infrastructures are at risk, the EU needs a playbook on how to respond quickly and effectively. ” —  Annelies Verlinden, Belgian Minister of Home Affairs The recommendation puts in place an EU Critical Infrastructure Blueprint. The objective of the Blueprint is: to promote shared situational awareness of the origin and consequences of an incident, to reinforce the coordination of public communications and to strengthen an effective response. The Blueprint recommends several actions such as information sharing, coordination with other EU crisis and emergency mechanisms, exchanges on public communication approaches, the preparation of incident reports and technical support provided by other member states or relevant EU institutions to the affected member states. Specifically, when the member states affected by a critical infrastructure incident with significant cross-border relevance activate this Blueprint, they are recommended to share with the rotating presidency of the Council and the European Commission relevant information on that incident. According to the recommendation, a critical infrastructure incident with significant cross-border relevance takes place when an incident involving critical infrastructure: significantly disrupts the provision of essential services, as assessed by six or more affected member states has a significant disruptive effect on the provision of essential services by a critical entity of particular European significance significantly disrupts the provision of essential services to or in two or more member states and requires, in agreement with the affected countries, a response at EU level Next steps The recommendation encourages all relevant actors to practise and test the functioning of the EU Critical Infrastructure Blueprint at national, regional and EU level.  The Commission will organise the exercise at EU level not later than 18 months after the adoption of the recommendation. Background As of 18 October 2024, the resilience of critical entities (CER) directive will apply throughout the EU. Its aim is to reduce the vulnerabilities and strengthen the resilience of critical entities. Critical entities are entities providing essential services in sectors such as transport, energy and health that are crucial for the maintenance of vital societal functions, economic activities, public health and safety, and the environment. The directive will oblige member states to put in place a national strategy to enhance the resilience of critical entities, carry out risk assessments and identify those critical entities that provide essential services. Critical entities will need to identify the relevant risks that may significantly disrupt the provision of essential services, take appropriate measures to ensure their resilience and notify the competent authorities of any disruptive incidents. In the aftermath of the Nord Stream pipeline attack, and complementing the CER directive, the Council adopted a recommendation in December 2022 on a Union-wide coordinated approach to strengthen the resilience of critical infrastructure, which invited the European Commission to table a draft for a blueprint to coordinate an EU-level response to disruptions of critical infrastructure with significant cross-border relevance. It was in that context that the European Commission presented the proposal for the recommendation which the Council adopted today. How the EU responds to crises and builds resilience (background information) Recommendation on a Blueprint to coordinate a response at EU level to disruptions of critical infrastructure

Press material Tuesday, 25 June 2024

● European Council   25/06/2024 13:45 | Statements and remarks | Statement by President Charles Michel ahead of opening accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova   We are witnessing an historic moment today. Following the decision of the European Council of December 2023 to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, the two countries are embarking on a true transformation into full EU membership — a proud moment for both nations and a strategic step for the EU.  This is the result of Ukraine and Moldova’s enormous efforts to reform. When the will of the people is followed, visionary leadership delivers and democracy is put into practice, we see the fruit of real progress. The EU continues to deliver in the partnerships with Ukraine and Moldova, all the more as Ukraine defends itself against Russia’s illegal war of aggression, and Moldova faces the war’s fallout. Opening accession negotiations via the first Intergovernmental Conferences is a key milestone. It is also proof of the immense progress both nations have made on their journey towards European integration, despite the immense challenges they have faced and are still facing. Ukraine’s efforts are even more admirable considering Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine has brought about unprecedented hardship and adversity. The people of Ukraine have shown extraordinary courage and solidarity in defending their sovereignty and their European future.  Moldova, too, has faced significant challenges, including economic pressures and political intimidation, yet has remained steadfast in its pursuit of ever closer ties with the EU. Both countries have demonstrated impressive commitment to reform and alignment with European values. The transformative steps taken in areas such as rule of law, governance, and judicial systems offer hope and give a clear indication of their unwavering aspiration to join the European family. The support of their societies has also been crucial along the way. This is the beginning of a long process. While today we celebrate a significant step forward, we must also recognize that the road ahead will require sustained effort, dedication, and further substantial reforms. Ukraine and Moldova will need to continue their work to strengthen institutions, continue combatting corruption, and enhance economic stability to meet the rigorous standards of full EU membership. The European Union, through its institutions and Member States, stands ready to support Ukraine and Moldova at each step of this journey. We will provide the necessary resources, expertise, and political support.  Together, we can build a stronger, more united Europe, where every nation has the opportunity to thrive in peace and prosperity.

Press material Tuesday, 25 June 2024

● Council of the EU   25/06/2024 09:30 | Press release | Council greenlights agreements on the EEA and Norwegian Financial Mechanisms for 2021-2028   The Council today adopted a decision on the signature and provisional application of the agreements on the European Economic Area (EEA) and Norwegian Financial Mechanisms for 2021-2028. The decision covers also the signature and provisional application of two bilateral fish trade protocols with Iceland and Norway, which were negotiated in parallel. In addition, the Council gave its agreement in principle and decided to request the consent of the European Parliament for the conclusion of these two agreements and two protocols. EEA and Norwegian Financial Mechanisms for 2021-2028 The EEA and Norwegian Financial Mechanisms for 2021-2028 set out the contribution of the EEA EFTA states — Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway — to reducing the economic and social disparities in the European Economic Area. The two financial mechanisms will together provide a financial contribution of €3.268 billion to economic and social cohesion in the European Economic Area from May 2021 to April 2028.  This amount consists of country specific allocations to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia, based on the distribution key for the Cohesion Fund. The funding will be made available to promote three overall thematic priorities: European green transition Democracy, rule of law and human rights Social inclusion and resilience Bilateral fish trade protocols with Iceland and Norway  The two ‘additional protocols' to EU’s bilateral agreements with Norway and Iceland, which were negotiated in parallel, provide for liberalisation of access to the EU market for some fish and fishery products originating in those countries from May 2021 to April 2028, building on the protocols for the 2014-2021 period. Norway will also renew the fish transit arrangement for EU vessels landing catches in Norway. Next steps The Commission and the EEA EFTA states are now set to sign the respective agreements and protocols. Following the relevant notifications, the agreements and the protocols will be applied provisionally until the completion of the procedures for their ratification or conclusion and entry into force. The Council will adopt a decision on their conclusion after obtaining the consent of the European Parliament. Background The EEA Agreement, which entered into force in 1994, allows Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway to participate fully in the single market. As a counterpart to this participation, since 1994 these countries have also contributed to the alleviation of economic and social disparities in the European Economic Area on the basis of Article 115 of the EEA Agreement.  In addition, Norway has contributed through a separate Norwegian financial mechanism.  Following the expiration of the financial mechanisms for 2014-2021, on 20 May 2021 the Council authorised the Commission to open negotiations with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway on their future financial contributions towards improving economic and social cohesion in the European Economic Area.  Formal negotiations were opened on 16 June 2022. Separate negotiations took place on the EU-Iceland and EU-Norway fish trade protocols. An agreement on the two agreements and the protocols was reached at negotiators' level on 30 November 2023. Council decision on the signature and provisional application of the Agreements on the EEA and Norwegian Financial Mechanisms and the Additional Protocols with Norway and Iceland Draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Agreements on the EEA and Norwegian Financial Mechanisms and the Additional Protocols with Norway and Iceland Agreement on an EEA Financial Mechanism for 2021-2028 Agreement on a Norwegian Financial Mechanism for 2021-2028 Additional Protocol to the Agreement with Norway Additional Protocol to the Agreement with Iceland The Commission and the EEA EFTA States have reached an agreement on the EEA Financial Mechanism 2021-2028 (Commission press release, 1 December 2023)

Meetings Monday, 24 June 2024

● Council of the EU   24/06/2024 21:26 | Meetings | Main results - Foreign Affairs Council, 24 June 2024   The Foreign Affairs Council exchanged views on the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East. EU ministers then held a discussion on Western Balkans before having an informal discussion over lunch with their Western Balkans counterparts. The Council also exchanged views on Georgia and the Great lakes Region in Africa. Lastly, it was informed about Tunisia under current affairs.

Meetings Monday, 24 June 2024

● Council of the EU   24/06/2024 20:17 | Meetings | Main results - Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 24 June 2024   The Agriculture and Fisheries Council exchanged views on sustainable fishing in the EU and the main orientations for the fishing opportunities for 2025. During this discussion, ministers expressed their views on their main priorities for this year's exercise of setting fishing opportunities for 2025. Furthermore, the Belgian presidency updated the Council on the state of play of some current legislative proposals (forest monitoring framework, plant reproductive material, forest reproductive material, animal protection during transport).

Press material Monday, 24 June 2024

● Council of the EU   24/06/2024 16:19 | Press release | 79th UN General Assembly: Council approves conclusions on EU priorities   The Council today approved conclusions setting out the priorities that the EU will follow at the upcoming 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (September 2024 – September 2025). The conclusions renew the EU’s determination to promote multilateral solutions based on the UN Charter, and back the UN Secretary General’s drive for 'peace in all its dimensions' and call for international cooperation to that end. In the context of the grave, triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, which poses a global and existential threat and aggravates existing security concerns, the EU is committed to working with partners to accelerate a global, just and inclusive green transition. The EU is also determined to accelerate efforts to deliver the 2030 Agenda and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, and looks forward to the Summit of the Future as a critical milestone for the multilateral system. The EU will continue working on strengthening respect, protection, and fulfilment of all human rights and to call on all States to fully engage with the UN human rights system. EU action at the UN in the coming year will be guided by the following overarching priorities: I. Recommit to the foundations of a rules-based international order II. Support international peace and security III. Advance sustainable development and financing for development IV. Address the triple planetary crisis V. Foster trust through a more effective multilateral system Furthermore, the EU will advocate for the meaningful participation of an independent, rights-based, diverse civil society in multilateral processes, including but not limited to human rights fora, peace mediation and decision-making process. Council Conclusions on EU priorities at the United Nations during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, September 2024 – September 2025 EU priorities at the 78th United Nations General Assembly: Council approves conclusions (press release, 20 July 2023) EU at the UN General Assembly (Background information)

Press material Monday, 24 June 2024

● Council of the EU   24/06/2024 15:17 | Press release | 14th package of sanctions on Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine: EU lists additional 69 individuals and 47 entities   As part of the comprehensive fourteenth package of sanctions adopted earlier today, the Council decided to impose restrictive measures on an additional 69 individuals and 47 entities responsible for actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Today's new listings target several businesspersons, propagandists and public figures, members of the army and the judiciary, persons responsible for deportation of Ukrainian children, as well as members of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB) involved in religious persecution in illegally annexed Crimea, and of the government. Among the listed companies, there are some actively involved in circumventing EU sanctions through financial transactions and delivery of prohibited EU goods, and a company operating the Vostochny port that was used to ship weapons and ammunitions from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea into Russia. The list then includes several Russian military and defence industry companies, companies providing vital dual-use technologies used in the battlefield, and companies transporting weapons and military personnel towards the war zone. Additionally, the EU designated Volga Dnepr Group and its subsidiaries for their role in providing services to the Russia’s military-industrial complex, as well as its shareholders. Sovcomflot, Russia's largest shipping company specialising in the transportation of liquefied gas, crude oil, and petroleum products, is also listed, together with its CEO, and other leading companies in the energy sector. The EU sanctioned the 'International Children's Center Artek', which organises camps for children from Ukraine, including in the illegally occupied territories, the Kadyrov Foundation carrying out re educational programmes for Ukrainian children and teenagers, and the Belarusian Republican Youth Union, which is active in the deportation of Ukrainian children from the illegally occupied territories. Some of their notable representatives were also blacklisted. Altogether, EU restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine now apply to over 2200 individuals and entities. Those designated today are subject to an asset freeze and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to them. Natural persons are additionally subject to a travel ban, which prevents them from entering or transiting through EU territories. The relevant legal acts, including the names of the listed individuals and entities, have been published in the Official Journal of the EU. Background In its conclusions of 17 and 18 April 2024, the European Council reiterated its full unwavering support to Ukraine, its people and its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. In its previous conclusions, the European Council also called for further steps to weaken Russia’s ability to continue waging its war of aggression, including by strengthening the sanctions, and implementing existing sanction fully and effectively. Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/1738 of 24 June 2024 amending Decision 2014/145/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine (including the list of sanctioned individuals and entities) Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine: comprehensive EU’s 14th package of sanctions cracks down on circumvention and LNG, and further restricts trade with Russia (press release, 24 June 2024) European Council conclusions, 17 and 18 April 2024 European Council conclusions, 21 and 22 March 2024 EU response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine (background information)

Press material Tuesday, 25 June 2024

● European Council   25/06/2024 21:34 | Press release | Invitation letter by President Charles Michel to the members of the European Council   Dear colleagues, I would like to invite you to the European Council meeting of 27 and 28 June. This will be a particularly significant meeting, as we face both a substantive agenda and critical decisions that will shape our path forward. Among these decisions, three stand out in particular: first, we will adopt the Strategic Agenda. True to its role under the Treaties, the European Council will frame the EU’s priorities and set the EU’s strategic orientations for the next five years, thereby guiding the work of the next institutional cycle. Second, we will determine the way ahead on internal reforms, and thirdly, we will agree on the institutional appointments. Concretely, our meeting will kick off on Thursday 27 June at 2pm with an exchange with President Zelenskyy. This will be an opportunity to discuss the situation on the ground, but also take note of some achievements since our last meeting. In particular, this European Council will be an opportunity to welcome the adoption of negotiating frameworks and the holding of Intergovernmental Conferences with Ukraine, Moldova and Montenegro. These are historic steps in supporting these countries’ respective path towards European membership. Furthermore, we have been ambitious and bold in channelling the extraordinary revenue from immobilised Russian assets to support Ukraine this year. For the following years, together with partners, we will secure loans for Ukraine for an additional EUR 50 billion. It is also imperative that we intensify our military support to Ukraine, focusing on air defence, ammunition, and missiles. Additionally, we must continue to rally broad international support for a just peace in Ukraine based on the UN Charter. Our meeting will also tackle the devastating Middle East crisis. International law and international humanitarian law must be respected in all circumstances. In this context, we will call for the full implementation of the terms of the ceasefire proposal set out in UN Security Council Resolution 2735 and for respecting and implementing the Orders of the International Court of Justice. Secondly, we will repeat our call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages and an increase in humanitarian assistance, significant enough to meet the dire needs on the ground. Thirdly, we will reiterate our unwavering commitment to a lasting and sustainable peace on the basis of the two-state solution. We will continue to support the Palestinian Authority and work with all our partners in the region and beyond to revive a process to that end. This meeting will also allow us to advance constructively on the tasks we set out in our previous conclusions. This includes following up on our March European Council taskings with regard to security and defence. Likewise, in the light of our extensive exchange on competitiveness at our April European Council meeting, we will review progress on all our competitiveness-enhancing initiatives, focusing in particular on the Capital Markets Union. I count on you to make every effort to reach agreement on these important issues. A determined and driven Union is essential in these times. I look forward to seeing you in Brussels. Invitation letter by President Charles Michel

Press material Monday, 24 June 2024

● European Council   24/06/2024 10:55 | Media advisory | Press briefing - European Council meeting of 27 and 28 June 2024   The press briefing ahead of the European Council meeting of 27 and 28 June 2024 will take place on Wednesday 26 June 2024 at 16.30.  This briefing will be "off the record". The press briefing will take place in a hybrid format: EU accredited journalists will be able to participate and ask questions either in person at the Justus Lipsius press room or remotely. To attend the event remotely, please use this form to register and have the possibility to ask questions. Deadline for registration: Wednesday 26 June 2024 at 15.30 Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants shortly after the deadline.