COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Press material Thursday, 27 March 2025

● Council of the EU   27/03/2025 18:55 | Press release | Belarus: EU lists further 25 individuals and 7 entities in the context of the so-called presidential election and for supporting the repressive regime of Lukashenka   The Council today decided to impose restrictive measures on an additional 25 individuals and 7 entities responsible of undermining democracy and the rule of law in Belarus, as well as contributing to the ongoing internal repression, human rights abuses as well as military cooperation with Russia in support of the war against Ukraine. The EU has listed the Central Election Commission (CEC) its deputy Chair and secretary, as well as its members. The CEC organised the 2025 presidential elections which were neither free nor fair, conducted in a climate of repression and human rights violations, and in breach of Belarus’ OSCE commitments. Aleh Ramanau, the Chair of the largest political party holding the majority of seats in the Belarusian parliament, was also listed. Today’s listings also include nine judges who have issued politically motivated sentences, including against citizens who protested against the Lukashenka regime, or who voiced dissent, thereby participating in the repression of civil society and democratic opposition. Furthermore, the EU has imposed restrictive measures on notable members of the President Property Management Directorate, a Belarusian government body subordinated directly to Lukashenka, generating revenue for the regime and profiting from it. The EU also listed other companies and businessmen supporting the Lukashenka regime and benefiting from it, such as Ridotto LLC - specialised in online gambling - and its majority shareholder Dzmitry Shvedka; Belorusskiye Loterei - running the lottery business in Belarus - and its director Mikalai Dzenisenka. Two companies active in the military-industrial complex in Belarus and their top managers were also designated: OJSC Planar and its CEO Sergey Avakov; and Precise Electro-Mechanics Plant and its director Yuri Tchorny, as well as JSC Integral. Lastly, restrictive measures were imposed on Tsybulka-Bel LLC, an agro-company that has coordinated with Belarusian authorities the deployment of inmates as forced labourers in direct violation of human rights. Altogether, EU restrictive measures against Belarus now apply to 310 individuals and 46 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 EU stands with the people of Belarus and unwaveringly supports the Belarusian people’s quest for a free, democratic, sovereign and independent Belarus as part of a peaceful Europe. The relevant legal acts have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Background Since August 2020, the EU has imposed numerous successive rounds of individual and sectoral sanctions, against those responsible for internal repression and human rights violations in Belarus, and in the context of Belarus’ involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine. With these measures, the EU is signalling to the political and economic actors responsible that their actions and support for the regime and to Russia come at a cost. In its conclusions dated 19 February 2024, the Council expressed its deep concern about the deteriorating human rights situation in Belarus, and strongly condemned the continuing persecution and intimidation campaigns against all segments of Belarusian society by the Belarusian regime. It deplored that political prisoners remain incarcerated in appalling conditions, exposed to torture and ill-treatment, without access to essential health services, and that many of these prisoners have been kept for long periods of time without contact with their lawyers and relatives. The EU urges the Belarusian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners, and abolish the death penalty. Council Implementing Decision (CFSP) 2025/632 of 27 March 2025 implementing Decision 2012/642/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Belarus and the involvement of Belarus in the Russian aggression against Ukraine (including a list of sanctioned individuals and entities) Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/631 of 27 March 2025 implementing Article 8a(1) of Regulation (EC) No 765/2006 concerning restrictive measures in respect of Belarus and the involvement of Belarus in the Russian aggression against Ukraine (including a list of sanctioned individuals and entities) Consolidated text: Council Decision 2012/642/CFSP of 15 October 2012 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Belarus and the involvement of Belarus in the Russian aggression against Ukraine (16 Dec. 2024) EU restrictive measures against Belarus (background information) Belarus (background information)

● Council of the EU

27/03/2025 19:52 | Meetings | Main results - Environment Council, 27 March 2025   Environment ministers gathered in Brussels to discuss the environmental dimension of the clean industrial deal and to exchange views on global environmental policies. ● Council of the EU   27/03/2025 14:01 | Press release | Joint communiqué - 20th EU-Central Asia Ministerial Meeting   On 27 March 2025, the Foreign Ministers of the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Deputy Foreign Ministers of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic, as well as the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (‘The Participants’) held their 20th European Union-Central Asia Ministerial meeting in Ashgabat. The Participants reaffirmed their joint commitment and political willingness to further strengthening their comprehensive partnership based on shared values and mutual interests, reflected in the ‘Joint Roadmap for Deepening Ties between the EU and Central Asia’ adopted by the participants at their last meeting in Luxemburg on 23 October 2023. They welcomed valuable progress achieved in all five key areas of the Joint Roadmap: inter-regional political dialogue and cooperation; enhancing trade, investment and economic ties; engaging on energy, climate neutral economy and connectivity; addressing common security challenges; and strengthening people-to-people contacts and mobility. The Participants discussed the preparations for the organisation of the first EU-Central Asia Summit on 4 April 2025, which will demonstrate their commitment to deepening ties, at the highest level, materialising closer strategic cooperation, and marking an important step in the intensification of EU-Central Asia relations. This builds upon the EU-Central Asia high-level regional meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the President of the European Council, held in Astana in 2022 and Cholpon-Ata in 2023. Participants expressed their deep appreciation to the Republic of Uzbekistan for its offer to host the Summit in Samarkand. The Participants reiterated their commitment to work together for peace, security, promotion of fundamental rights and sustainable development. They reaffirmed their continuing and strong commitment to uphold the UN Charter and the fundamental principles of international law, including UNSC Resolutions 541(1983) and 550(1984), on which the enhancement of EU-Central Asia relations is based, in particular the respect for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, within their internationally recognized borders, including within the framework of all international and regional fora, and agreed to refrain from taking any steps that run contrary to them. In this context, with regard to the above-mentioned matters, Turkmenistan stated that it applies its international commitments in strict accordance with the principles of its permanent neutrality status. The participants called for the earliest possible achievement of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine according to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. They emphasised the need to uphold the principles of the OSCE by the participating States. They reconfirmed the obligation of all States to refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force, to respect international humanitarian law and underlined the need for peaceful resolution of conflicts. The Participants acknowledged Turkmenistan’s lead in advancing the designation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust, an initiative adopted by the UN General Assembly. They stressed the importance of international arms control, disarmament and the non-proliferation architecture for global peace and security. Both the EU and Central Asian countries are firmly committed to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which remains the cornerstone of the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime, and an important element in the development of nuclear energy applications for peaceful purposes in accordance with Article IV of the NPT. Therefore the EU welcomed the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia. Furthermore, the Participants reiterated their support for the entry into force and universalisation of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and acknowledged the significance of the UN General Assembly Resolution designating Central Asia as a ‘Zone of Peace, Trust and Cooperation’, introduced by Turkmenistan on behalf of the region. The Participants highlighted the role of preventive diplomacy as a key instrument for conflict prevention and resolution, in line with the mandate of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) based in Ashgabat as reaffirmed in the UN Resolution on the role of the UNRCCA adopted by the initiative of Turkmenistan on behalf of the region. The Participants also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening and universalising the Biological Weapons Convention, supporting the efforts of the BWC Working Group and the plan to hold a Special Conference. The Participants noted the significance of the UN General Assembly Resolution proclaiming 5 March as the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness and emphasised the need to strengthen global efforts in promoting peace, security, and international stability. The EU shared information about the restrictive measures it has adopted in the current geopolitical context, underlining the critical importance of preventing sanctions circumvention. The Participants agreed to continue their cooperation on this issue, to avoid re-exports of common high priority items. The EU commended the continued work of the Central Asian countries to support good neighbourliness, mutual understanding and trust in the region. The Participants noted the importance of the UN General Assembly Resolution 72/283 of 22 June 2018 on strengthening regional and international cooperation to ensure peace, stability and sustainable development in Central Asia adopted at the initiative of Uzbekistan on behalf of the region. In this respect, the EU welcomed the strengthening of regional cooperation through the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia, as well as at other levels representing regional cooperation on various issues, and took note of the importance of the ‘Treaty on Friendship, Good-Neighbourliness, and Cooperation for Development of Central Asia in XXI Century’ signed on 21 July 2022 in Cholpon-Ata by Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan. The Participants also took note of Turkmenistan’s upcoming 30th anniversary of Permanent Neutrality in 2025. The Participants noted the importance of further developing inter-parliamentary relations between Central Asia and the EU and welcomed the upcoming 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, which will be held for the first time in Central Asia, in Uzbekistan, from 5 to 9 April 2025. The Foreign Ministers of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan welcomed the EU's continued commitment to the stability and prosperity of Central Asia, including its comprehensive approach, among others, through the Global Gateway strategy, multilateral, bilateral and regional financial assistance, the Team Europe and the International Cooperation on Nuclear Safety Initiatives, and the individual engagement of EU Member States and European financial institutions. The Participants emphasised the continued relevance of the EU Strategy for Central Asia (2019), which prioritises resilience, prosperity, and regional cooperation for the region's future development. The Participants looked forward to the organisation of the next EU-Central Asia Economic Forum in 2025 in Uzbekistan, welcomed the proposal by Turkmenistan to host the next Forum in 2027 and recalled the importance of promoting more avenues and meetings for further deepening cooperation. The Participants welcomed further progress in upgrading the institutional framework for bilateral agreements between the EU and its Member States and the countries of Central Asia, notably through the signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) between the EU and the Kyrgyz Republic in Brussels on 25 June 2024. They looked forward to the upcoming signing of the EPCA between the EU and its Member States and the Republic of Uzbekistan and welcomed the conclusion of the EPCA negotiations with the Republic of Tajikistan, expressing hope for the swift finalisation of the agreement. The Participants noted Turkmenistan’s proposal for enhancing the legal framework of its bilateral relations with the EU, expressing hope for progress on the matter. The EU encouraged efforts to improve the business climate in the countries of Central Asia, including promoting responsible business conduct, corporate social responsibility and corporate sustainability due diligence. The Participants reiterated their commitment to strengthening the multilateral trading system and working towards the necessary reforms of the World Trade Organization (WTO), including having a fully and well-functioning dispute settlement system. The EU reaffirmed its support for the Republic of Uzbekistan’s and Turkmenistan’s accession to the WTO. The Participants noted the role of the EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for the Republic of Tajikistan and EU GSP Special Incentive Arrangement for Sustainable Development (GSP+) for the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Uzbekistan to increase access to the EU market and reinforce the link between international trade and respect of human rights including labour rights, environmental protection and good governance. The Participants stressed the need to continue scaling up cooperation under the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy on sustainable connectivity between the EU and Central Asia in the areas of trade, transport, water, energy, climate change, digitalisation and critical raw materials, as well as people-to-people contacts, including in education, research and sustainable tourism. The Participants noted that Global Gateway programmes are key to significantly enhancing the overall connectivity and collaboration between the EU and Central Asia, strengthening ties based on sustainable and green growth, trade and investment. The Participants recalled the successful Global Gateway Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity that took place on 29-30 January 2024 in Brussels and welcomed the readiness of European and international financial institutions to commit 10 billion euros to the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor (TCTC) as a multimodal, modern, competitive, sustainable, predictable, smart and efficient network, that will substantially improve transport connections between Central Asia and Europe. The Participants welcomed the development of the TCTC contributing to better inter-connect countries in Central Asia, fostering cooperation and economic growth across the region. The Participants expressed their appreciation to the Republic of Kazakhstan for hosting the launch of the TCTC Coordination Platform at senior officials’ level in Astana on 12 June 2024, which will monitor progress and enhance regional cooperation along the TCTC. The Participants expressed their gratitude towards Turkmenistan for hosting the high-level launch of the Platform on 3 October 2024 in Ashgabat. They also underscored the importance of continuing the cooperation with a peaceful South Caucasus into the development of the TCTC to enhance regional trade and seamless logistical connectivity. The participants welcomed the increasing importance given to critical raw materials (CRMs) in EU-Central Asia relations, following the signature of Memoranda of Understanding establishing Strategic Partnerships in the field of CRMs between the EU and the Republic of Kazakhstan as well as between the EU and the Republic of Uzbekistan. They acknowledged the EU’s support in strengthening local value chains in Central Asia, aligning with European and international standards for decent work and environmental protection, and fostering sustainable investment projects. The Participants agreed that expanding digital connectivity in line with the highest international standards is essential for the inclusive and sustainable development of economies and societies. Concerning the regional Team Europe Initiative on Digital Connectivity in Central Asia, all components have been adopted in 2024, allowing for a start of activities in 2025. All Participants looked forward to work together to ensure the successful implementation of the programme. The Participants reiterated the importance of advancing the rule of law, democracy, good governance and accountability, gender equality and universal human rights, including labour rights and fundamental freedoms. They discussed and recalled the importance of protecting and guaranteeing media freedom, freedom of expression, assembly and association and labour rights, free and fair elections and non-discrimination in all its aspects. That includes ensuring that women and girls fully enjoy their human rights, and to safeguard the freedom of religion and belief and the rights of persons belonging to ethnic and other minorities, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. The Participants exchanged views on the need to build societal resilience against disinformation and hate speech, including hatred against all groups and nationalities. They recalled the importance of aligning national legislation, policies and actions on freedom of opinion and expression with international obligations. They stressed the importance of further promoting the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in decision-making. In this context, the Participants are looking forward to the EU-Central Asia Forum of Women Leaders in Turkmenistan in 2025 to be organised at the initiative of the EU and Turkmenistan. The Participants also reiterated the need for cooperation to identify and create new opportunities for the youth in Central Asia. In addition, they emphasised the importance of facilitating meaningful civil society participation in decision-making. The Participants reiterated the importance of preventing and fighting corruption. They welcomed the fifth EU-Central Asia Civil Society Forum held on 28-30 January 2025 in Almatyand looked forward to the implementation of the new regional Civil Society Facility. The Participants affirmed the need for their continued commitment to enhanced cooperation and the development of new approaches in the joint fight against organised crime, violent extremism, radicalisation, terrorism, drug trafficking, trafficking in human beings, migrant smuggling, cyber threats, including cybercrime and disinformation as well as addressing Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear risks whilst safeguarding human rights and media freedom. The participants recalled EU projects – Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA), Central Asia Drug Action Programme (CADAP), EU ACT 2 and LEICA 2, contributing to regional cooperation and security, border management and counter-narcotics efforts, and called for their continued efficient implementation to maximise long-term benefits. They welcomed the open and constructive dialogue held during the EU-Central Asia High-Level Political and Security Dialogue on 5 June 2024 in Brussels, the EU-Central Asia Drugs Dialogue on 11 December 2023 in Brussels, and the EU-Central Asia Expert Level Security Conference on 24 May 2024 in Tashkent. In this context, the participants also recalled the Dushanbe Process International Conference on Counter-terrorism Cooperation and Border Security, held on 4-5 November 2024 in Kuwait City. The Participants exchanged views on the regional security situation, including in Afghanistan. They emphasised that long-term stability in Afghanistan requires a peaceful and inclusive political process, among the various political, ethnic and religious groups, including the participation of women. In order to ensure sustainable peace, they called for the promotion and respect of universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of all citizens of Afghanistan, in particular of women and girls, as well as children and persons belonging to ethnic and religious groups and minorities. Participants called for full and equal access to education conforming to international standards and participation in public life of women and girls in Afghanistan, including in humanitarian work. They also acknowledged the ongoing efforts of the UN and its agencies, including the UN-led process initiated by the UN Secretary-General in May 2023 in Doha. Referring to UN Security Council Resolution 2721 (2023), the participants expressed their understanding of the need to develop a substantive roadmap with concrete steps aimed at an Afghanistan at peace with itself and its neighbours, fully reintegrated into the international community and meeting its international obligations. The Participants reviewed the outcomes of the meeting of EU and Central Asian Special Representatives and Envoys on Afghanistan, which took place on 4-5 February 2025 in Dushanbe and called for continued and enhanced cooperation in this format. They emphasised the importance of their dialogue and complementary activities, notably on addressing regional economic and security challenges, as well as the human rights situation in Afghanistan, including the rights of women and girls as well as the rights of minorities in the country, and inclusive governance.The Participants noted the importance of cross-border trade for stabilizing the socio-economic situation in Afghanistan and of targeted assistance to the Afghan people. In this regard, the Participants welcomed the adoption of the UN General Assembly resolution that formalises the UN Regional Centre for SDGs for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty to accelerate achievement of SDGs in the region. The Participants also welcomed the decision to include the regional Transport and Logistical Hub in Termez into the Global Supply Network of the UNHCR. The Participants expressed serious concern about the global and existential threat posed by the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, acknowledging the urgent need for immediate, accelerated action and strengthened ambition. They stressed the importance of following up on the global efforts agreed in the Global Stocktake decision taken at COP 28, including through the work on more ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The Participants acknowledged initiatives promoting the strengthening of the resilience of mountain ecosystems, including relevant dialogues having taken place during recent UN climate change conferences. In this respect, the Participants recognised the importance of the UNGA Resolution on “Sustainable Mountain Development”, declaring 2023–2027 as the ‘Five Years of Action for the Development of Mountain Regions’, to enhance international cooperation on the mountain agenda. Additionally, they noted Kyrgyzstan’s intention to hold the Second Global Mountain Summit, ‘Bishkek+25’, in 2027. The participants also welcomed the commitment of the international community for the remediation of uranium legacy sites at seven uranium tailings sites in three Central Asian countries, acknowledged the progress made in the Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan, and agreed to jointly seek donor funding for the remaining part of the programme in Tajikistan. The Participants welcomed the outcomes of the EU-funded regional programme addressing the negative impacts of uranium waste on local communities and the environment. This includes efforts to improve socio-economic conditions around the uranium legacy sites in Tajikistan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan. The Participants called for continued regional cooperation on water issues when climate change is putting additional strain on water resources in Central Asia. The Participants commended the strong EU support to water cooperation regionally, including to the reforms of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS). The Participants reaffirmed that transboundary water cooperation is vital for the development of the region and agreed to pursue the positive momentum in international cooperation,in line with the 7th EU-Central Asia High-level Conference on Environment and Water Cooperation (Rome 2023) and in the perspective of the next IFAS Summit (Kazakhstan, 2026), and UN Water Conferences (2026 and 2028). The Participants also recognised the importance of the Dushanbe Water Process and acknowledged international initiatives such as the One Water Summit in 2024. They also emphasised the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including through the Global Methane Pledge, and called for the accelerated deployment of renewable energy sources and improved energy efficiency to support a fair transition. The Participants expressed support for domestic and international efforts to halt biodiversity loss in relation to the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 16 CBD) held from 21 October to 1 November 2024 in Cali, Colombia. To deliver on the Global Biodiversity Framework they highlighted the need to submit sound National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (NBSAPs) as well as scale up biodiversity finance through all sources, including through innovative instruments and better synergies with climate finance. The Participants expressed support for international efforts to tackle land degradation, desertification and drought, notably referring to the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention to Combat Desertification (COP 16 UNCCD) held from 2 to 13 December 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which committed participating states to prioritise land restoration and drought resilience in national policies and international cooperation, and which discussed options for addressing droughts under the Convention. The Participants commended the work of the Team Europe Initiative on Water, Energy and Climate Change, including the launch of its Secretariat, new actions promoting regional cooperation on water and energy (EU4SustainableCentralAsia), as well as the ongoing work of the Central Asia Water and Energy Programme (CAWEP) and the Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA) project. They also looked forward to the upcoming events, including the High-Level International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation, which will take place in Dushanbe from May 29-31, 2025 and the 8th High-Level Conference under the EU-Central Asia Platform for Environment and Water Cooperation, scheduled for 2026. Realizing the critical importance of cryospheric sciences for sustainable development, the Participants commended the Republic of Tajikistan and the French Republic for their initiative in advancing the adoption of the UNGA Resolution in August 2024, declaring the years 2025-2034 as the ‘Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences’. The Participants noted the importance of the upcoming Regional Climate Summit to be held in 2026 in Astana and the International Climate Conference in Samarkand on 4 April 2025. The Participants welcomed their cooperation on education, vocational training, and skills development as essential for ensuring the sustainable and inclusive socio-economic development in Central Asia. They commended the work under DARYA (Dialogue and Action for Resourceful Youth in Central Asia) programme to advance cooperation on technical and vocational education and training, and highlighted the additional potential offered by the international dimension of the Erasmus+ programme. The Participants recognised the value of international research and innovation cooperation between their regions, and called for joint engagement in promoting the scientific collaboration and funding opportunities existing under the EU’s Framework Programme for Research and Innovation Horizon Europe. The Participants welcomed the successful completion of the project that delivered training for diplomats and officials from Central Asia at the College of Europe on 13-24 May 2024 in Bruges and look forward to further joint learning initiatives. In this respect, the Participants welcomed the EU developing a collaborative learning initiative in the form of a policy workshop for EU and Central Asian diplomats, actively involved in developing the partnership between the two regions. The Participants thanked Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan for offering to host and organise an EU-Central Asia Ministerial Meeting on Education in 2025 and expressed their interest in enhancing collaboration on education. The Participants expressed their sincere appreciation to Turkmenistan for hosting the meeting and agreed to reconvene in 2026. The EU proposed to hold the next meeting in Brussels. 28/03/2025 12:38 | Press release | EU’s cohesion policy: Council sets out clear guidelines for the future   The Council today approved conclusions setting out its position on key aspects for cohesion and the future of EU’s cohesion policy. The conclusions will serve as a basis for discussions in the coming months and for the Commission’s work on the legislative framework for cohesion policy after 2027. “I am delighted that today we approved these conclusions setting the priorities for our work in the coming months. Having as our guiding principle that EU’s cohesion policy and competitiveness are closely interlinked, I am convinced that we will manage to agree on an efficient and future-proof cohesion policy for the next financial perspective and respond effectively to Europe’s emerging priorities and needs.” — Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz, Minister of Funding and Regional Policy of Poland The conclusions recall that the objective of economic, social and territorial cohesion is at the heart of the European project and that EU policies and actions should contribute to the achievement of this objective through considering their territorial dimension and their coordination, and with the active involvement of the national, regional and local authorities and stakeholders, as relevant. The Council also highlights the importance of promoting clear complementarities and synergies among EU policies and of avoiding overlaps among different instruments. The Council refers to the Letta report, which highlights that an effective cohesion policy, implemented in a balanced way across the EU, is a key condition for the success of the single market. In this regard, the text reaffirms that competitiveness and cohesion are interconnected and emphasises the role of both enhancing competitiveness of the EU as a whole and improving cohesion across countries and regions, thereby contributing to the achievement of EU strategic priorities and addressing EU challenges in a mutually reinforcing manner. The conclusions recall the foundations and key principles of cohesion policy, such as shared management, multi-level governance, partnership, as well as people- and place-based approach, being applied alongside the principles of proportionality and subsidiarity. In this context, cohesion policy should continue to play a key role in reducing regional disparities in Europe, helping less developed regions to catch up with the more developed ones, with a view to upward convergence of the EU. In terms of governance, shared management between the Commission, member states, and regional and local authorities must remain the delivery method of cohesion policy. The Council recalls the importance of multi-level governance that enables effective interventions at the most appropriate territorial levels in each member state, at the same time strengthening the sense of shared responsibility. Together with shared management and dialogue with partners, both during the programming and implementation phases, multi-level governance facilitates the achievement of EU policy goals and empowers the member states, regional and local authorities. Finally, the Council recalls that cohesion policy is a long-term investment policy and that improving its efficiency and effectiveness can be achieved by focusing on results. To this end, the Commission is invited to make cohesion policy more result-oriented, in particular to use an evidence-based approach in designing the framework of the future policy. The Council also calls the Commission to further develop and simplify the well-established systems of monitoring and evaluation, in order to assess how investments and reforms deliver strategic goals, to strengthen tools aimed at examining the potential and real impacts of policy interventions, as well as to further embed territorial impact assessments in policy preparation and evaluation. Council conclusions on cohesion and cohesion policy post-2027, 28 March 2025 ● European Council   28/03/2025 12:11 | Media advisory | Press briefing - First EU-Central Asia summit, 3-4 April 2025   The press briefing ahead of the First EU-Central Asia summit of 3-4 April 2025 will take place on Tuesday 1 April 2025 at 10.30. 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: Tuesday 1 April 2025 at 09.30 Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants shortly after the deadline.