COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Press material Monday, 19 May 2025

● Council of the EU   19/05/2025 21:40 | Press release | Egypt: Council and European Parliament secure agreement on macro-financial assistance   The Council has reached a provisional agreement with the European Parliament about a decision to grant €4 billion of macro-financial assistance (MFA) to Egypt. 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 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. The Council and European Parliament agreed that the Commission will also have to draw up an annual report examining the progress made in implementing the economic policy and financial conditions of the Memorandum of Understanding and the steps taken by Egypt towards respecting democratic mechanisms and the rule of law and guaranteeing human rights. In addition, the text includes reporting requirements for the Commission who will be tasked to report regularly of developments regarding the EU's macro-financial assistance. Next steps The agreement between Council and European Parliament negotiators is provisional and has to be confirmed by both institutions. Formal adoption is required before the MFA decision can enter into force. Background On the basis of a request made by Egypt in March 2024, the Commission proposed a macro-financial assistance operation to Egypt for an overall amount of €5 billion in concessional loans. The MFA was divided into two parts amounting to €1 billion and €4 billion, respectively. The first €1 billion loan for Egypt, 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 €4 billion, on which the Council and the European Parliament agreed today, 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. Decision on providing macro-financial assistance to the Arab Republic of Egypt (negotiating mandate), 9 April 2025

● Council of the EU

19/05/2025 17:06 | Press release | Border management: Council and European Parliament strike agreement about progressive launch of Entry/Exit system   A provisional deal agreed today between the Council and the European Parliament allows member states to gradually introduce the Entry/Exit digital border management system (EES) over a period of six months. “Thanks to this agreement member states will be able to deploy the new border management system for registering the entry and exit into the Schengen area of non-EU nationals. This is good news and will support our efforts to keep our borders safe.” — Tomasz Siemoniak, Polish Minister of the Interior and Administration The EES is an IT system that will digitally record entries and exits, data from the passport, fingerprints, and facial images of non-EU nationals travelling for short stays in an EU member state. Thanks to this system EU countries will have real-time access to third-country nationals’ personal data, travel history and information on whether they comply with the authorised period of stay in the Schengen area. As a result, the EES will significantly reduce the likelihood of identity fraud and overstay. The phased introduction of the EES allows member states to start benefitting from its security features and gives border authorities and the transport industry more time to adjust to the new procedure. Progressive start Under the phased deployment, member states will progressively start operating the EES and work towards a minimum registration of 10% of border crossings after the first month. For the first 60 days, member states may operate the EES without biometric functionalities. After three months, member states should operate the EES – with biometric functionalities – at a minimum of 35% of their border crossing points. EU countries should reach full registration of all individuals by the end of the six months period of the progressive start of EES operation. Until the end of this transition period, member states will also continue to manually stamp travel documents. EES roll-out and start date The gradual roll-out takes the diverse needs of member states into account. The new rules enable those who wish to implement the EES gradually over a 180 days period to do so, while making it possible for others to start operating the system fully from day one. The regulation does not set a date for the start of the progressive deployment of the system. This will require a separate European Commission decision. Suspension The co-legislators agreed that during the progressive start of operations of the EES, member states may fully or partially suspend operating the EES at certain border crossing in exceptional circumstances (for instance when traffic intensity would lead to very high waiting times). After the end of the progressive start, and again in exceptional circumstances, member states may also suspend operating the EES at a certain border crossing point for 6 hours. Next steps The agreement reached today is provisional. It will have to be confirmed by the Council and the Parliament before it can be formally adopted by both institutions. Background In October 2023, the Justice and Home Affairs Council endorsed plans to launch the EES at the end of 2024. As this deadline could not be met – and because of concerns that a full start of the system could constitute a risk factor for the resilience of the IT system – the Commission proposed a gradual start. Because the EES regulation requires all member states to start using the EES fully and simultaneously, a new regulation was necessary to make a progressive start possible. IT systems to fight crime and secure EU borders (background information) Regulation as regards a progressive start of operations of the Entry/Exit System (general approach), 28 February 2025)

• Council of the EU

­ 20/05/2025 | MEETINGS  Background brief - Competitiveness Council (Internal market, industry, research and space) of 22 and 23 May 2025 Background brief - Competitiveness Council (Internal market, industry, research and space) of 22 and 23 May 2025 Competitiveness Council (Internal market and industry), 22 May 2025 Competitiveness Council (Research and space), 23 May 2025

● Council of the EU

19/05/2025 16:28 | Meetings | Agenda highlights - 3rd European Union - African Union Ministerial Meeting, 21 May 2025   The 3rd European Union - African Union Ministerial Meeting will take place in Brussels on 21 May 2025.

● European Council

19/05/2025 14:34 | Statements and remarks | Remarks by President António Costa at the joint press conference following the EU-UK summit in London   Let me begin by thanking Prime Minister Keir Starmer for hosting us here in London for what has been a timely and truly productive summit. A few months ago, Prime Minister, you spoke of your ambition to reset the relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union. Today, I am proud to say — we, together, have delivered on that ambition. You have succeeded. We all succeeded. The agreements we have reached today mark not just progress but a new chapter in the relationship between the UK and the EU. The start of a renewed and strengthened Strategic Partnership. Over the past months, we have worked tirelessly to rebuild trust. As we discussed during my visit to Downing Street in December, in an increasingly volatile world, deeper collaboration between like-minded partners — natural allies like us — is not a luxury. It is a necessity. Then, back in February, I invited you to join the EU27 leaders at a retreat in Brussels to discuss defence matters. There, I felt a new, positive energy in our relationship. I saw the great potential of what we can accomplish together — to make real, tangible progress for the people of the EU and the UK. Since then, we have worked hand in hand. To support Ukraine. To increase pressure on Russia. To stabilize and strengthen the transatlantic partnership. And to uphold international law and defending the United Nations Charter amid growing security threats. We have to be proud of the fruits of that collective effort: a Joint Statement on cooperation on global issues, a Security and Defence Partnership, and a Common Understanding and a Renewed Agenda for Cooperation. These agreements represent more than just words on paper. They are a reflection of our shared commitments — to security, to prosperity, to development, and to the people we serve on both sides of the Channel. Our relationship is grounded in shared values, mutual interests, and the simple fact of our geographical closeness. We are neighbours, allies, partners. And we are friends. Times are changing. The rules-based international order is under attack. Multilateralism is being tested. The EU and UK are providers of global stability. We must be guardians of the rules based global order. Europe faces the gravest security threat in decades — provoked by Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine. But both the UK and the EU are united in one belief: We share a fundamental responsibility for the security of Europe. That is why we are committed to continuing our efforts — together — to achieve a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine. A peace that guarantees Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The ball is now in Russia’s court. Together, we will intensify pressure on President Putin — including through a new package of sanctions — to bring him to the negotiating table. Russia must agree to an unconditional ceasefire. It must stop being a threat to Ukraine and to European security. On defence, our new partnership will bring deeper cooperation. It will strengthen Europe's contribution to NATO. And it will sharpen our focus on common strategic priorities. On trade, we are united in our commitment to economic stability. We both believe in free trade, fair, sustainable, and open,  as the engine of prosperity — for our citizens and for the global economy. On migration, we will work together to reduce irregular flows and to strengthen cooperation with countries of origin and transit. And finally, today we also addressed the situation in the Middle East. In particular, we addressed the tragic humanitarian crisis in Gaza — a tragedy where international law is being systematically violated, and an entire population is subjected to disproportionate military force. There must be safe, swift and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid. The remaining hostages must be unconditionally released. And a permanent ceasefire must be reached — now. Our discussion reaffirmed our shared conviction that lasting peace and security in the Middle East can only be achieved through the implementation of a two-state solution. Prime Minister, dear Keir, your leadership has been instrumental in turning ambition into action. Today’s agreements are a testament to your determination and to the new tone you have brought to our relationship. The United Kingdom and the European Union are stronger when we stand together — For prosperity, for security and for peace in Europe and beyond. This is the message that underpins our renewed cooperation. This is the direction we are taking, together, after this successful summit — which will be just the first of many. Because as we have agreed today, from now on, the European Union and the United Kingdom will meet every year. So — see you in Brussels!

● European Council

19/05/2025 14:03 | Statements and remarks | Opening remarks by President António Costa at the EU-UK summit in London   Dear David, dear Keir, thank you very much for your warm welcome with Rachel, David and Nick.  For us, it is a great pleasure to be here. This is our first summit since Brexit, and the United Kingdom and the European Union are looking forward, not looking back. We are here to work on the new relationship, not to talk about the past one. The United Kingdom and the European Union are reconnecting with purpose. The security of our citizens, the prosperity of our economies, and the defence of peace in Europe and beyond. These are the three priorities that will guide our work today. Our shared values inspire us to address together our common challenges. We are stronger when we act together. To support Ukraine, to stabilize and strengthen our transatlantic alliance, to protect free trade, multilateralism and an international rules-based order. Today we are building a new partnership. A new strategic partnership based on the Renewed Agenda for Cooperation, which Ursula will develop on. Thank you.   ● Council of the EU   20/05/2025 11:19 | Press release | PESCO: Switzerland will be invited to participate in the ‘Cyber Ranges Federations’ project   The Council adopted today a decision confirming that the participation of Switzerland in the PESCO project ‘Cyber Ranges Federations’ meets the general conditions set out in Decision (CFSP) 2020/1639 of November 2020, and will bring substantial added value and mutual benefit to the project, given its work developing the Swiss Cyber Training Range and Cyber-Defence Campus. Today's decision authorises Estonia as project coordinator to formally invite Switzerland to join this PESCO project, in response to Switzerland’s request of October 2024. Once Switzerland completes an administrative agreement with the project, they will become formal members. The PESCO project ‘Cyber Ranges Federations’ aims to develop sophisticated and powerful platforms for cyber training purposes. They are virtual environments used for cybersecurity and cyberwarfare training, simulation or emulation, and development of technologies related to cybersecurity. The primary objective is to enhance the project members’ Ranges capabilities by centralising existing national Cyber Ranges into a larger cluster with more capacity and unique services. Furthermore, the project aims to share the research and development of the national Cyber Ranges to facilitate standardization between the Cyber Ranges. This enhances interoperability of services and increases sophistication of automated processes, while reducing the manual labour currently performed during cybersecurity training, exercise, testing, validation, and experimentation. Background The Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) is one of the pillars of EU Defence Policy. It provides a framework for defence cooperation among the 26 participating EU member states who have entered into more binding commitments between one another. They jointly develop defence capabilities, coordinate investments, enhance the operational readiness, interoperability and resilience of their armed forces, and collaborate in projects. On 5 November 2020, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2020/1639 establishing the general conditions under which third states could exceptionally be invited to participate in individual PESCO projects. The countries applying must meet political, legal, and substantive conditions, including sharing the values on which the EU is founded and not contravene the security and defence interests of the EU and its member states. PESCO Website PESCO project "Cyber Ranges Federation" ● Council of the EU   20/05/2025 11:25 | Press release | Middle East Peace Process: EU appoints French diplomat as a new Special Representative   Today the Council appointed Mr. Christophe Bigot as new EU Special Representative (EUSR) for the Middle East Peace Process. Mr. Bigot’s mandate will be to contribute to the EU objective of having a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East on the basis of a two-State solution, with Israel and a democratic, contiguous, viable, peaceful and sovereign Palestinian State living side by side within secure and recognised borders enjoying normal relations with their neighbours in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. The tasks of the new EUSR will be -among others- to facilitate and maintain close contacts with all the parties to the peace process, in particular Israel and the Palestinian Authority, relevant political actors and countries of the region, and other relevant countries, as well as the UN and other relevant international organisations, like the League of Arab States or the Gulf Cooperation Council. He will work with them closely in strengthening the peace process. Furthermore, the EUSR will pay particular attention to factors affecting the regional dimension of the peace process, including the developments related to the conflict in Gaza and in the region following the brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel on 7 October 2023, to the engagement with Arab partners and to the implementation of the Arab Peace Initiative. The EUSR will also engage with representatives of civil society, including women and young people, as well as with those involved in measures to build confidence between the parties. Mr. Bigot, who will take up his duties on 2 June 2025, for a period of 12 months, is a Middle East and North Africa specialist and senior French diplomat with extensive experience. He served as Director of Africa and Indian Ocean in the French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and Director of Strategy for the DGSE (French Foreign Intelligence Agency). Between 2009 and 2013, he served as Ambassador of the Republic of France to Israel, and from 2016 to 2019 to Senegal and Gambia. He has worked for the United Nations, UNESCO and other international organisations. The EUSR will support the work of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, on matters within his mandate, and maintain an overview of all EU regional activities linked to the Middle East Peace Process. EU Special Representatives promote the EU's policies and interests in certain regions and countries as well as issues of particular concern or interest for the EU. They play an active role in efforts to consolidate reforms, stability and the rule of law. The first EU Special Representatives were appointed in 1996. Currently, eleven EUSRs support the work of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas. Christophe Bigot – Curriculum Vitae EU Special Representatives (EEAS website) EU position on the situation in the Middle East (background information) ● Council of the EU   20/05/2025 13:19 | Press release | Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine: EU agrees 17th package of sanctions   The Council adopted today the 17th package of economic and individual restrictive measures cutting off Russia’s access to key military technology and curbing Russia’s energy revenues that fuel its war of aggression against Ukraine, by heavily targeting Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ of oil tankers, their operators, as well as a major Russian oil producer. Today’s 17th package is part of an even broader set of EU measures also targeting the Russia’s hybrid activities, domestic violations of human rights and the use of riot control agents by Russian forces in Ukraine, under three other sanctions regimes. “This round of sanctions on Russia is the most wide-sweeping since the start of the war, together with new hybrid, human rights, and chemical weapons-related sanctions. In this 17th package, we include Surgutneftegas - a Russian oil giant - as well as almost 200 vessels in Russia’s shadow fleet. While Putin feigns interest in peace, more sanctions are in the works. Russia’s actions and those who enable Russia face severe consequences. The longer Russia persists with its illegal and brutal war, the tougher our response will be.” — Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and chair of the Foreign Affairs Council The measures agreed today cover: Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ The Council adopted today its largest ever package targeting Putin’s shadow fleet, doubling the number of vessels included in the list of those subject to a port access ban and ban on provision of a broad range of services. 189 vessels originating from third countries were targeted today, bringing the total of designated vessels to 342. Those vessels are part of Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’, and responsible for transporting Russian oil while practicing irregular and high-risk shipping practices, or supporting Russia’s energy sector. Restrictive measures on the shadow fleet are intended to dismantle its operational capacity, thereby reducing the oil revenues that support Russia's war economy. In addition, the EU imposes individual sanctions (assets freeze and prohibition to make funds available) targeting the shadow fleet ecosystem, namely on actors enabling the operation of the shadow fleet. These measures cover shipping companies responsible for the transportation of crude oil and oil products by the sea and engaging in dangerous practices at sea while transporting Russian oil, including entities from the United Arab Emirates, Türkiye and Hong Kong. The list also includes one important insurer of the Russian oil shipping industry. Since the EU introduced the oil price cap and sanctions on the shadow fleet, relevant Russian revenues have decreased by €38 billion. Russian revenues in March 2025 were 13.7% lower than those in March 2023 and 20.3% lower than those of March 2022. Energy In order to further curb Russia’s revenue sources, the EU is also imposing restrictive measures on Surgutneftegaz, a major Russian oil company which provides substantial revenues to the Russian government, directly fuelling its war effort. An important Russian oil shipping company is also listed. Military – Industrial sector The EU is imposing sanctions on more than 45 Russian companies and individuals providing the Russian army with drones, weapons, ammunition, military equipment, critical components and logistical support. Making full use of the reinforced legal framework adopted in the 16th package, the EU also extend the targets to industrial enablers, such as Russian and Chinese entities supplying machine tools to the Russian military and industrial sector. The EU also continues to address support from third countries by adding three Chinese entities – including state-owned – a Belarusian and an Israeli one providing critical components to the Russian military, including for drones production. The Council also added 31 new entities to the list of those subject to tighter export restrictions concerning dual use goods and technologies, due to their support to Russia’s military and industrial complex in its war of aggression against Ukraine. Some of these entities are located in third countries (Serbia, the United Arab Emirates, Türkiye, Vietnam and Uzbekistan) and have been involved in the circumvention of export restrictions, including on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or computer numerical control machine tools. The EU also introduced further restrictions on exports of goods which contribute to Russia’s military and technological enhancement, the development of its defence and security sector the development or the production of its military systems, including chemical precursors to energetic materials and spare parts for machine tools. Occupied territories Today’s set of listings also targets looting of cultural heritage in Crimea and illegal exploitation of Ukraine agricultural production. The relevant legal acts will soon be published in the Official Journal of the EU. With today’s addition of 75 new listings (17 persons and 58 entities)EU restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine now apply to over 2400 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 into or transiting through the territories of EU member states. Background In its conclusions of 19 December 2024, the European Council reiterated its resolute condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a manifest violation of the Charter of the United Nations, and reaffirmed the Union’s unwavering commitment to providing continued political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people. The European Council reaffirmed its support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law, and underlined the principle that no initiative regarding Ukraine be taken without Ukraine. The European Union remains ready to step up pressure on Russia, including by adopting further sanctions. Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/936 of 20 May 2025 amending Decision 2014/145/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine European Council conclusions, 19 December 2024 ● Council of the EU   20/05/2025 13:42 | Press release | Human rights violations in Russia: EU lists further 28 individuals   The Council today imposed restrictive measures on 28 individuals responsible for serious violations of human rights, the repression of democratic opposition, and activities seriously undermining the rule of law in Russia. The new listings target members of the Russian judiciary: judges, prosecutors, representative of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation and regional courts, as well as members of the Investigative Committee involved in the fabrication of the cases against various activists. Many of the individuals listed today played a role in the persecution of the late opposition politician Alexei Navalny by representing the state prosecutor’s office in several court hearings, sentencing Navalny, upholding the verdict against him and his brother, and running politically motivated trials against Navalny’s lawyers and the technical director of the YouTube channel “Navalny LIVE”. Others were involved in the sentencing of the activists Alexei Gorinov, Igor Baryshnikov and Olga Smirnova, and the bloggers Ioann Kurmoyarov and Sergey Drugov, who disseminated information about the actions of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in Ukraine, and anti-war messages. Their trials were characterised by arbitrary and unfair proceedings and used as a tool to intimidate other dissenting Russian citizens. 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 remains unwavering in its condemnation of human rights violations and repressions in Russia and is deeply concerned about the continuing deterioration of the human rights situation in the country, especially in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The relevant legal acts, including the names of the listed individuals and entities, have been published in the Official Journal of the EU. Background The Council established a new framework for restrictive measures against those responsible for serious human rights violations or abuses, repression of civil society and democratic opposition, and undermining democracy and the rule of law in Russia in May 2024, as the EU’s response to the accelerating and systematic repression in Russia. The regime allows the EU to target also those who provide support for, or are involved in human rights violations in Russia, as well as repressions of civil society and democratic opposition, and actions undermining democracy and the rule of law. Furthermore, the regime prohibits export to Russia of equipment, which might be used for internal repression and the monitoring or interception of telecommunication. Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/957 of 20 May 2025 amending Decision (CFSP) 2024/1484 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Russia (including a list of the listed individuals and entities) Russia: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the death of Alexei Navalny (19 February 2024) EU sanctions against Russia (background information) Russia's war against Ukraine (background Information)