COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,EUROGROUP,update

 

Press material Thursday, 08 May 2025

● European Council   08/05/2025 19:42 | Press release | Statement by President Costa and President von der Leyen on the election of Pope Leo XIV as head of the Catholic Church   We sincerely congratulate His Holiness Leo XIV on his election as Pope and head of the Catholic Church. Millions of Europeans draw daily inspiration from the Church’s enduring commitment to peace, human dignity, and mutual understanding among nations. We are confident that Pope Leo XIV will use his voice on the global stage to promote these shared values and encourage unity in the pursuit of a more just and compassionate world. The European Union stand ready to work closely with the Holy See to confront global challenges and nurture a spirit of solidarity, respect and kindness. We wish that Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate be guided by wisdom and strength, as he leads the Catholic community and inspires the world through his commitment to peace and dialogue.

● Eurogroup

08/05/2025 19:57 | Meetings | Agenda highlights - Eurogroup, 12 May 2025   The Eurogroup in the banking union format will hear updates from the Chairs of the Single Supervisory Mechanism and the Single Resolution Board. Ministers will also exchange views on the health of the euro area financial system in light of recent geopolitical challenges. In regular format, they will review preparations for the June annual meeting of the ESM Board of Governors. In inclusive format, ministers will discuss global economic developments and key takeaways from the recent international meetings, including the G7, and reflect on next steps for the digital euro.

● General Secretariat of the Council

08/05/2025 17:14 | Press release | Forward look: 12 - 25 May 2025   Overview of the main topics and events at the Council of EU and European Council for the coming fortnight. Education, Youth, Culture and Sports Council, 12-13 May 2025 Ministers for youth, education, culture and sport will meet in Brussels, where they will seek to adopt a recommendation on a European quality assurance and recognition system in higher education. They will also aim to approve conclusions on the assessment of the legal framework for audiovisual media services and video-sharing platform services. Other topics on the agenda include the impact of disinformation on the lives of young people, and an integrated approach to sport and physical activity in education. Read more Economic and Financial Affairs Council, 13 May 2025 The Council will be invited to reach a general approach on the directive on VAT rules for distance sales of imported goods and import valued added tax (VAT). The Council will hold a policy debate on the proposed Security Action for Europe (SAFE), a new financial instrument to help member states increase expenditure on common defence procurement. Other agenda items include an exchange of views on the recently proposed savings and investments union. Read more Foreign Affairs Council (Trade), 15 May 2025 Ministers will hold a policy debate on EU–US trade relations. The Council will exchange views on European economic security, including the review of the FDI Screening Regulation, export controls, and outbound investment controls. Ministers will dedicate the working lunch to ongoing trade negotiations. Read more Foreign Affairs Council and Foreign Affairs Council (Defence), 20 May 2025 The Foreign Affairs Council with Defence Ministers will discuss EU military support for Ukraine and defence readiness in the morning. The Foreign Affairs Council with Foreign Affairs Ministers will exchange views on the Russian aggression against Ukraine, and the situation in the Middle East including Syria in the afternoon. Ministers will also be informed about current affairs. Read more Competitiveness Council (Internal market and industry), 22 May 2025 Ministers responsible for the internal market and industry will meet in Brussels and adopt a general approach on the declaration of posted workers regulation. They hold three policy debates: on industrial policy, on better regulation and on public procurement. Read more Competitiveness Council (Research and space), 23 May 2025 Research ministers will discuss the mid-term evaluation of Horizon Europe and on the European Research area policy agenda and will approve conclusions on artificial intelligence in science. Space ministers will approve conclusions on the use of space date for civil protection and discuss on space data for resilience and security. Read more Other meetings Eurogroup, 12 May 2025 Informal meeting of energy ministers, 12-13 May 2025 Meeting of the European Political Community, 16 May 2025 EU-UK summit, 19 May 2025 Informal meeting of ministers responsible for cohesion policy, 20-21 May 2025 Indicative calendar of meetings under the Polish presidency (1 January - 30 June 2025) Polish presidency First day of informal meeting of foreign affairs ministers - Gymnich 08/05/2025 | Article First day of informal meeting of foreign affairs ministers - Gymnich The foreign ministers of the European Union member states and the EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, met in Warsaw to discuss the challenges for Europe’s foreign and security policy. 08/05/2025 | Article Russian aggression against Ukraine and transatlantic relations among the topics for day two of EU foreign ministers’ talks in Warsaw The foreign ministers of EU member states and the EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, continued their informal talks on Thursday on issues affecting Europe’s security and stability.