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Πέμπτη 10 Απριλίου 2025

COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

 
● Council of the EU
 
10/04/2025 05:05 | Press release |

Soil monitoring law: Council reaches deal with Parliament

 

Today, the Council reached a provisional deal with the European Parliament on a directive establishing a framework for soil monitoring to improve resilience and manage the risks of contaminated sites. The directive will also set out land-take mitigation principles with a focus on soil sealing and soil removal. 

Healthy soils are the foundation for 95% of the food we eat, host more than 25% of the biodiversity in the world and are the largest terrestrial carbon pool on the planet. Yet, soil is a limited resource and over 60% of soils in the EU are not in a good condition.

The provisional agreement maintains the aspirational, non-binding goal to achieve healthy soils by 2050. The agreement still needs to be confirmed by both institutions.

“With the agreement reached today, we established the first-ever EU framework on assessing and monitoring soils across Europe. It is high time for action as over 60% of European soils are unhealthy and getting worse. Healthy and resilient soil is key to ensuring safe and nutritious food and cleaner water for the generations to come.”

— Paulina Hennig-Kloska, Polish Minister for Climate and Environment

Comprehensive monitoring framework

Member states, supported by the Commission, will first monitor and then assess the health of all soils on their territory, so that authorities across the EU can provide appropriate support to prevent and tackle soil degradation.

Both the Council and the Parliament concurred on the need to achieve a solid and coherent monitoring framework with comparable data. They agreed that member states will determine sampling points for monitoring, on the basis of an EU common methodology. First steps towards monitoring of PFAS and pesticides were agreed by the co-legislators.

Assessment of soil health

The provisional deal maintains the concept of common soil descriptors (physical, chemical and biological parameters), as reflected in the general approach and the Commission’s initial proposal.

It also introduces classes to describe soil health that would be based on the target and trigger values established in the Council’s general approach:

  • non-binding sustainable target values at EU level to reflect the long-term objectives
  • operational trigger values, set at member state level for each soil descriptor in order to prioritise and gradually implement provisions leading to a healthy soil status

Land take mitigation

The new directive will set out mitigation principles on land take, with a focus on its most visible aspects: soil sealing and soil removal. These principles will be taken into account by member states, while national decisions on spatial planning will be respected [including on housing, mining, sustainable agriculture and the energy transition].

Next steps

The provisional agreement will now have to be endorsed by the Council and the Parliament. It will then be formally adopted by both institutions following legal-linguistic revision.

Background

According to the EU soil strategy, presented by the Commission in 2021, the lack of dedicated EU legislation was singled out as a major cause for the alarming state of EU soils. To ensure the same level of protection for soil that exists for water, the marine environment and air in the EU, the Commission put forward the soil monitoring directive on 5 July 2023.

The ultimate aspirational objective of this directive is to have all soils in a healthy condition by 2050, in line with the EU Zero Pollution ambition. The directive will also contribute to the achievement of the UN 2030 agenda for sustainable development.

● Council of the EU
 
09/04/2025 20:46 | Press release |

Egypt: Council agrees position on providing macro-financial assistance

 

Member states’ representatives (Coreper) approved today the Council’s position (negotiating mandate) on a decision to grant EUR 4 billion of macro-financial assistance (MFA) to Egypt. The Council position reflects the Commission proposal without changes.

Together with the IMF programme for the period 2024-2027, the MFA would help Egypt cover part of its external financing gap.

The disbursement of the EU loan would take place in three instalments, with the release of each instalment linked to satisfactory progress with the implementation of both the IMF programme and in relation to a number of additional policy measures to be agreed between the European Commission and the Egyptian authorities.

Next steps

Following today’s approval of the Council’s negotiating mandate, the presidency can enter interinstitutional negotiations with the European Parliament with a view to reaching a common position on this proposal. The European Parliament adopted its negotiating mandate on 1 April 2025.

Background

On 15 March 2024, the Commission proposed a macro-financial assistance operation to Egypt for an overall amount of EUR 5 billion in concessional loans, following the request of Egypt on 12 March 2024. The MFA was divided into two parts amounting to EUR 1 billion and EUR 4 billion respectively.

The first EUR 1 billion loan for Egypt, that was approved in April 2024, was meant to cover part of its financing needs for the fiscal year 2024/2025 and ensure macroeconomic stability. The second MFA loan of EUR 4 billion will address the deteriorating macro-fiscal situation and financing needs of the country and should cover Egypt’s financing gap between July 2025 and June 2027. It will be granted at terms that allow Egypt to repay the loan during a long period, including a possible grace period

These two MFA operations are part of the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership signed with Egypt on 17 March 2024 during a visit of the President of the Commission and five other European leaders.

● Council of the EU
 
09/04/2025 17:57 | Press release |

Joint press release following the 10th meeting of the EU-Ukraine Association Council

 

On 9th April, the European Union and Ukraine held the 10th meeting of the EU-Ukraine Association Council in Brussels under the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement.

The Association Council reiterated its condemnation in the strongest possible terms of Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a manifest violation of the UN Charter. The EU commended the courage and determination of the Ukrainian people and its leadership in their fight to defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity and freedom of Ukraine. The EU underlined its unwavering commitment to help Ukraine exercise its inherent right of self-defence against the Russian aggression and to build a peaceful, democratic and prosperous future.

The Association Council recalled the EU’s objective to support Ukraine to reach a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law. It welcomed the outcome of the US-Ukraine talks in Saudi Arabia, including the proposal for a ceasefire agreement. The Council stressed that the proposal of a ceasefire - if accepted by Russia – can be an important step in this direction and that it is now for Russia to show its willingness to achieve peace. The Council recalled that indiscriminate attacks are prohibited under international humanitarian law, and if they amount to attacks directed against civilians they may constitute war crimes. The Council stressed that recent Russia’s brutal attack against residential neigbourhood in Kryvyi Rih that killed 20 people, including 9 children, may constitute a grave violation of the international humanitarian law and could amount to war crimes. The EU stressed that it is ready to play its full part in supporting the upcoming steps, together with Ukraine, the United States and other partners.

The Association Council welcomed the overall support provided to Ukraine by the EU and its Member States of almost EUR 144 billion since the start of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, including EUR 49.6 billion of military assistance. It welcomed also the training provided for the Ukrainian Armed Forces by the EU Military Assistance Mission, which has trained 73,000 Ukrainian troops so far.

The Council welcomed the continued financial assistance delivered through EU instruments. In this regard, it welcomed the disbursement of the third regular payment of nearly EUR 3.5 billion in 2025 under the Ukraine Facility, bringing total support under the Facility to approximately EUR 19.6 billion since its launch in March 2024. It also welcomed the disbursement of the third tranche of EUR 1 billionin macro-financial assistance under the ERA loan in 2025, bringing the total ERA support to Ukraine in 2025 to EUR 5 billion.  Ukraine emphasized the key role of EU financial assistance in supporting its resilience and recovery.

Ukraine welcomed the decision of the G7 to approve a $50 billion loan for Ukraine in 2025 as a crucial step, and highlighted the EU’s leadership in international efforts to support Ukraine’s reconstruction.

Ukraine expressed its appreciation for the sixteen packages of EU restrictive measures and the Council reiterated that work will continue on sanctions, including by strengthening their implementation and preventing circumvention, and by adopting further sanctions.

The Council stressed that subject to EU law, Russian assets should remain immobilised until Russia ceases its war of aggression against Ukraine and compensates it for the damage caused by this war.

The EU reiterated its determination to address Ukraine’s pressing military and defence needs including the delivery of ammunition and missiles, and its commitment to bolster Ukraine’s ability to defend its independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty. The Association Council highlighted the strategic importance of intensifying work to further support and develop Ukraine’s defence industry and to deepen its cooperation with the EU Defence industry, cooperation which has to be in line with modalities to be agreed and has to take into account the security and defence interests of all Member States, in accordance with the Treaties. The EU underlined that in line with Joint Security commitments between EU and Ukraine  it remained committed to contributing, for the long term and together with partners, to sustainable support for Ukraine’s security and defence , which will help Ukraine to defend itself, deter acts of aggression and resists destabilisation efforts in the future. The Association Council welcomed the opening of the EU Defence Innovation Office in Kyiv in September 2024 and the work towards its extension.

The Association Council stressed the firm commitment that Russia and its leadership must be held fully accountable for waging a war of aggression against Ukraine, and other most serious crimes under international law. The Association Council welcomed the agreement between legal experts on the technical documents, laying the foundation for the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.

The Association Council emphasised the historic decision of the European Council of December 2023 to open EU accession negotiations with Ukraine. It recalled that the Council adopted the respective negotiating framework with Ukraine at the first Intergovernmental Conference on 25 June 2024 and that the European Council on 17 December 2024 reaffirmed its full and unequivocal commitment to the EU membership perspective of Ukraine. It welcomed the completion of the bilateral screening meetings of three clusters, looks forward to its conclusion and to the next steps in Ukraine’s accession process by opening clusters, starting with the fundamentals cluster as soon as possible, when the conditions are met. Ukraine has reiterated its unwavering commitment to implement all opening benchmarks as provided by the negotiating framework immediately after the request of the EU side. The Council encourages Ukraine to continue on its path of reforms, which the EU will continue to support. The future of Ukraine and its citizens lies within the European Union.

Despite the ongoing war, trade between Ukraine and the EU has continued growing. The Association Council took note of the state of play of implementation of the Association Agreement and agreed to maximise the opportunities it offers to accelerate the gradual integration into selected EU policies, already before accession, in those sectors where Ukraine is set to achieve full regulatory alignment. Ukraine reaffirmed the importance of rule-based trade as well as keeping the scope and dynamics of trade between EU and Ukraine, which is highly beneficial for both sides. Ukraine is looking forward to the review of DCFTA under article 29(4) as soon as possible as well as working out bridging solutions in view of the expiration of the Autonomous Trade Measures (ATM).

This also concerns in particular the launch of the assessment for the conclusion of an Agreement on Conformity Assessment and Acceptance of industrial products (ACAA) for three sectors, which could in the future be expanded to other strategic sectors once Ukraine full aligns with the EU legislation; the progress towards granting of internal market treatment for roaming; and the acceleration of preparations by Ukraine to apply to join the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) scheme. The Association Council underlined the importance of the EU-Ukraine road transport agreement to facilitate bilateral trade, and welcomed the Joint Committee’s decision on smart tachograph recognition – a step that will further improve transport connectivity.

The Association Council welcomed Ukraine’s steady progress in implementing reforms under the Ukraine Plan, particularly in the areas of rule of law, judiciary and public administration, and encouraged Ukraine to continue decisively on this path, which is key for strengthening Ukraine’s resilience and brings it closer to EU membership.

The Association Council welcomed progress towards the establishment of the new Public Administration Reform Sub-committee under the Association Agreement and the Joint Consultative Committee between Ukraine and the European Committee of the Regions. These two bodies will foster closer cooperation between the EU and Ukraine on key governance reforms, particularly in public administration and decentralisation.

The Association Council welcomed Ukraine’s signature of the Joint Procurement Agreement for medical countermeasures.

The Association Council acknowledged the EU-Ukraine cooperation on space and welcomed the ambition of Ukraine to be ever closer associated to the Union Space Programme. It welcomed the signing of the agreement on participation of Ukraine in the Copernicus component, the Space Weather Events and Near-Earth Objects sub-components of the Union Space Programme.

The EU highlighted the contribution of the EU Advisory Mission in Ukraine to support Ukraine’s civilian security sector reform in line with the EU accession agenda, accountability efforts, as well as law enforcement in liberated and adjacent territories.

The meeting was chaired by Denys Shmyhal, Prime Minister of Ukraine and the Delegation of the EU was headed by Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos participated in the meeting on behalf of the European Commission.

● Council of the EU
 
09/04/2025 10:49 | Media advisory |

Press briefing - Foreign Affairs Council of 14 April 2025

 

The press briefing ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council will take place on Friday, 11 April 2025 at 14.30.

This press briefing will be 'off the record' and will be given by a senior EEAS official in a hybrid format: EU accredited journalists will be able to participate and ask questions either remotely or in person at the Europa building press room.

To attend the event remotely, please use this link to register and have the possibility to ask questions.

Those who already registered for previous press events of the Foreign Affairs Council do not need to do it again.

  • Deadline for registration: Friday, 11 April 2025, 13.30

Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants shortly after the deadline.

 

● Council of the EU
 
11/04/2025 11:47 | Press release |

Gas storage rules: Council agrees its negotiating mandate

 

Today, member states' representatives (Coreper) approved the Council’s position on amending the gas storage regulation. The Council agreed to extend gas storage rules by two years while providing additional flexibilities for member states to adapt to constantly evolving market conditions and to address possible market manipulations.

This text will serve as the negotiating mandate for the presidency to start talks with the European Parliament on the final shape of the law.

Two-year extension of gas storage rules

The Commission proposed to extend by two years member states’ existing obligations to have their gas storage facilities 90% full before the winter season, in order to provide predictability and transparency. This extension, also kept in the Council’s position, would reduce the EU’s exposure to volatile prices, including due to the current geopolitical instability.

It would also help to improve energy security and gas market stability until a potential EU-wide framework on energy security is established in the upcoming years.

More flexibility for member states

The Council mandate introduces a series of changes to provide additional flexibilities for member states. This would help them react swiftly to constantly changing conditions and to take advantage of the best purchasing conditions, while ensuring security of gas supply and the correct functioning of the internal market. In particular:

  • the already existing binding 90% filling targets should be reached anytime between 1 October and 1 December instead of the current 1 November deadline
  • the Council mandate clarifies that intermediary storage targets for each member state in February, May, July and September are indicative, in order to achieve storage filling and predictability while leaving sufficient flexibility for market participants throughout the year
  • in case of unfavourable market conditions (such as possible market manipulations), member states may deviate by up to 10% from the filling target
  • the Commission may further increase this deviation (with a delegated act), in case of persistent unfavourable market conditions
  • if the national gas production of member states exceeds the average annual consumption over the preceding two years or in the event of slow injection rates of storage facilities with a capacity of over 40 TWh, member states may deviate by up to 5% from the filling target
  • the latter flexibility can be used as long as it does not impact negatively the functioning of the internal gas market or the ability of directly connected member states to supply gas to their protected customers

Next steps

Negotiations on the new regulation are expected to start in May, once the Parliament has voted on its mandate. Once a provisional agreement is reached between the two co-legislators, it will be formally endorsed by both institutions before being published and entering into force.

Background information

Thanks to the gas storage targets established in 2022, Europe’s energy security situation has improved since the energy crisis provoked by Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. These gas storage obligations are set to expire at the end of 2025. However, the continuing tight situation in the global gas market calls for an extension of these provisions beyond 2025.

Gas storage facilities provide for 30% of the Union's gas consumption during the winter months. Moreover, well-filled underground gas storage facilities can help provide additional gas in the event of high demand or supply disruptions.