COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Meetings Tuesday, 20 May 2025

● Council of the EU   20/05/2025 21:51 | Meetings | Main results - Foreign Affairs Council and Foreign Affairs Council (Defence), 20 May 2025   The Foreign Affairs Council with defence ministers discussed EU support to Ukraine and defence readiness. Foreign affairs ministers discussed Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East, including Syria.

● Council of the EU

20/05/2025 20:01 | Statements and remarks | Syria: Council statement on the lifting of EU economic sanctions   The EU has stood with the Syrian people throughout the last 14 years, engaging in the search for a political solution and leading financial assistance. The EU also adopted sanctions against Assad’s criminal regime. Following the fall of the Assad regime, the EU has adopted a gradual and reversible approach in order to support Syria’s transition and economic recovery. In February, the EU suspended some of its economic sanctions. In line with this approach, the EU announces the political decision to lift its economic sanctions on Syria. Now is the time for the Syrian people to have the chance to reunite and rebuild a new, inclusive, pluralistic and peaceful Syria free from harmful foreign interference. The EU will maintain sanctions related to the Assad regime in line with its call for accountability as well as sanctions based on security grounds, including arms and technology that might be used for internal repression. In addition, the EU will introduce additional targeted restrictive measures against human rights violators and those fuelling instability in Syria. The EU will continue to engage with the transitional government on the steps it pursues to fulfil the aspirations and safeguard the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all the Syrian people, without distinction. The EU will continue monitoring developments on the ground, including progress on accountability with regard to recent violence outbreaks, as well as the effects of today’s decision, including in view of upcoming Foreign Affairs Council meetings. The Council will remain seized on the matter of restrictive measures and sanctions in the context of Syria. The EU remains committed and intends to take a leading role in Syria’s early recovery and future reconstruction in line with developments on the ground. ● Council of the EU   20/05/2025 16:47 | Press release | Provisional agreement between Council and Parliament makes European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) more future-proof   A provisional political agreement struck between the Council and European Parliament aims at aligning more accurately the mandate of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). The agency carries out important tasks related to countering and handling pollution incidents at sea or the greening and digitalisation of the maritime sector. The provisional agreement also provides for the possibility to update EMSA’s tasks considering possible future challenges or evolving security issues at sea, such as cyber security and hybrid threats. “For over 23 years now, the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) has proven to be an essential support to member states in ensuring safety on European waters. Revising the agency’s mandate will better reflect ESMA’s current and future role and make the agency future-proof. With this agreement, we conclude the legislative work on the maritime safety package.” — Marek Gróbarczyk, Minister of Marine Economy and Inland Navigation Concretely, the new regulation will provide a more suitable legal basis for EMSA to fulfil tasks in the areas of maritime safety, pollution prevention and response, decarbonisation, surveillance and maritime awareness. Moreover, the Agency will provide technical, operational and scientific assistance to Member States and the Commission. The regulation opens the possibility for EMSA to take up additional tasks, at the request of Member States and the Commission, in order to keep up with future developments in the maritime sector, thus making the Agency more future-proof. Finally, the revision aims at ensuring that the Agency has the adequate human and financial resources to accomplish these tasks. Next steps This provisional agreement will now need to be endorsed by the member states’ representatives within the Council (Coreper) and by the European Parliament. It will then be formally adopted by both institutions following legal-linguistic revision. Background The European Maritime Safety Agency was created in 2002, as part of the Erika II maritime safety package launched following maritime incidents in the 2000s. The agency, based in Lisbon (Portugal), has over 290 employees and is mainly responsible for assisting member states and the Commission in ensuring maritime safety, protecting the maritime environment and sustainability issues, coast guard activities, maritime surveillance and other digital services. The provisional agreement on EMSA concludes the legislative work on the so-called ‘maritime safety’ package, which also updated flag-State and port State control provisions, revised rules on the investigation of maritime accidents and tightened rules on pollution from ships. These four directives were already formally adopted by the Council in November 2024. Maritime transport is an important lifeline for the EU’s member states, its islands and peripheral and maritime regions, with 75% of the EU’s external trade being happening over sea. Although maritime safety in EU waters is currently very high, with few fatalities and no recent major oil spills, more than 2 000 marine accidents and incidents are still reported every year. General approach on the regulation strengthening the role of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) (press release, 18 June 2024) Regulation on the European Maritime Safety Agency, Council general approach, 11 June 2024 Regulation on the European Maritime Safety Agency, Commission proposal, 2 June 2023 Revision of regulation (EC) No 1406/2002 establishing a European Maritime Safety Agency, Commission’s staff working document, 5 June 2023 Maritime safety: Council adopts new laws to support safe, clean and modern shipping in the EU (press release, 18 November 2024) Maritime security (background information) European Green Deal (background information) Zero pollution action plan (European Commission) ● Council of the EU   20/05/2025 16:13 | Press release | Yemen: Council approves conclusions calling for a renewed momentum in the peace efforts   Today, the Council approved conclusions on Yemen expressing the EU's grave concern over the deterioration of the security, economic and humanitarian situation in the country. The EU strongly condemns Houthis indiscriminate attacks against international maritime shipping in the Red Sea, and against Israel. These attacks threaten regional peace and stability, global commerce and the freedom of navigation, and exacerbate the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen. The EU remains engaged in the Red Sea through the EU defensive maritime operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES. Amidst these worrying developments, the EU calls for a renewed momentum in the peace efforts in Yemen, reaffirming its commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the country and its full support to UN mediation and regional initiatives aiming at a sustainable ceasefire. The EU will continue to support the internationally recognised Government of Yemen and the Presidential Leadership Council in their efforts to advance reforms and good governance, fight against corruption, and address the critically deteriorating economic situation in the country. The EU and its member states, in a Team Europe approach, remain committed to continuing the humanitarian assistance to Yemen, while advocating for effective protection of human rights and respect for International Humanitarian Law. Lastly, the EU condemns arms proliferation benefiting the Houthis and other non-state actors in the region, and calls on third parties to stop their support and arms deliveries to the Houthis and contribute to the de-escalation. Council conclusions on Yemen, 20 May 2025 Yemen: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU welcoming the UN Security Council resolution strongly condemning Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping (12 January 2024) EU-Yemen relations (EEAS Website)

● Council of the EU

20/05/2025 14:27 | Press release | Chemical weapons: EU sanctions three entities in the Russian Armed Forces over use of chemical weapons in Ukraine   The Council today decided to impose additional restrictive measures on three Russian entities involved in the development and use of chemical weapons. The entities listed today are the Radiological Chemical and Biological Defence Troops, the 27th Scientific Centre and the 33rd Central Scientific Research and Testing Institute of the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation, all belonging to the Russian Armed Forces. This decision was taken in light of the reports issued by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in November 2024 and February 2025, confirming the presence of riot control agents such as chemical CS (2-Chlorobenzalmalononitrile) and related compounds in the samples collected at the frontlines in Ukraine. Such agents have been used as a method of warfare by Russian forces in Ukraine, in breach of the Chemical Weapons Convention, to which Russia is a State Party. Russia has not provided a credible explanation regarding its widely reported use of riot control agents. Considering the seriousness of the situation and to enhance the global norm against the use of chemical weapons, the EU calls for a timely attribution by the OPCW of the proven use of riot control agents as a method of warfare. EU restrictive measures against the use and proliferation of chemical weapons now apply to a total of 25 individuals and 6 entities. Those listed under the sanctions regime are subject to an asset freeze and the provision of funds or economic resources, directly or indirectly, to them or for their benefit is prohibited. Additionally, a travel ban to the EU applies to the natural persons listed. The EU remains fully committed to countering the proliferation and use of chemical weapons, and to supporting the provisions laid down by the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction (CWC). The relevant legal acts have been published in the Official Journal of the EU. Background On 22 March 2018, the European Council confirmed that the use of chemical weapons, including the use of any toxic chemicals as weapons under any circumstances, is completely unacceptable, must be systematically and rigorously condemned and constitutes a security threat to us all. On 15 October 2018, the Council adopted the legal framework for restrictive measures against the proliferation and use of chemical weapons. This framework currently applies until 16 October 2026. The concrete restrictive measures applied to the listed persons and entities laid down in this legal framework are currently in force until 16 October 2025. The EU follows developments in this domain closely and can decide to renew sanctions and amend the list of targeted persons and entities at any time. Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/960 of 20 May 2025 amending Decision (CFSP) 2018/1544 concerning restrictive measures against the proliferation and use of chemical weapons (including a list of the sanctioned individuals and entities) Council Decision (CFSP) 2018/1544 of 15 October 2018 concerning restrictive measures against the proliferation and use of chemical weapons (consolidated text dated 16 0ctober 2024) How and when the EU adopts sanctions (background information) EU sanctions against Russia (background information)

● Council of the EU

20/05/2025 14:14 | Press release | Russian hybrid threats: EU lists further 21 individuals and 6 entities and introduces sectoral measures in response to destabilising activities against the EU, its member states and international partners   The Council today decided to impose additional restrictive measures against 21 individuals and 6 entities responsible for Russia’s destabilising actions abroad. The Council has also broadened the scope to allow the EU to target tangible assets linked to Russia’s destabilising activities, such as vessels, aircraft, real estate, and physical elements of digital and communication networks, as well as transactions of credit institutions, financial institutions and entities providing crypto-assets services that directly or indirectly facilitate Russia’s destabilising activities. Furthermore, in light of the systematic, international Russian campaign of media manipulation and distortion of facts aimed at destabilising neighbouring countries and the EU, the Council will now have the possibility to suspend the broadcasting licences of Russian media outlets under the control of the Russian leadership, and to prohibit them from broadcasting their content in the EU. In line with the Charter of Fundamental Rights, the measures agreed today will not prevent the targeted media outlets and their staff from carrying out activities in the EU other than broadcasting, e.g. research and interviews. Today’s listings include Viktor Medvedchuk, a former Ukrainian politician and businessman who, through his associates Artem Marchevskyi and Oleg Voloshin also listed today, controlled Ukrainian media outlets and used them to disseminate pro-Russian propaganda in Ukraine and beyond. Through secret financing of the “Voice of Europe” media channel - also listed today - and his political platform “Another Ukraine”, Medvedchuk has promoted policies and actions intended to erode the legitimacy and credibility of the government of Ukraine, in direct support of the foreign policy interests of the Russian Federation and disseminating pro-Russian propaganda. Furthermore, the Council targeted individuals involved in activities aimed at undermining the democratic political process in Estonia (Alik Khuchbarov and Ilya Bocharov, both operatives of Russia’s military intelligence agency - GRU) and Germany, such as the German blogger Thomas Röper, the Russian blogger Alina Lipp, the Turkish media company AFA Medya and its founder Hüseyin Doğru. Private citizens involved in destabilising activities against the EU and partner states were also listed such as Elena Kolbasnikova, Yulia Prokhorova, Rostislav Teslyuk, Andrei Kharkovsky. Today’s listings notably include two fishing companies, Norebo JSC and Murman Sea Food, which are part of a Russia-state sponsored surveillance campaign that have conducted espionage missions and sabotage on critical infrastructure, including undersea cables. Furthermore, the Council has listed the Federal State Unitary Enterprise “Main Radio Frequency Center” General Radio Frequency Center (GRFC) and its acting director Ruslan Nesterenko, that are responsible for actions of electronic warfare including “jamming” and “spoofing” primarily affecting the GPS signal in Baltic states and disrupting civil aviation.  In addition, the Council targeted Viktor Lukovenko, the head of listed entity African Initiative, a news agency involved in spreading Russian propaganda and disinformation on the African continent, Justin Blaise Tagouh, CEO of the press group International Africa Media and Mikhaïl Prudnikov have been spreading Russian narrative and anti-western narrative in African countries. Sylvain Afoua, founder of the “Black African Defense League”, a structure dissolved in 2021 by the French authorities for spreading an ideology calling for hatred, discrimination and violence, was also listed. Among those listed are also Stark Industries, a web hosting service, its CEO Iurie Neculiti and owner Ivan Neculiti. They have been acting as enablers of various Russian state-sponsored and affiliated actors to conduct destabilising activities including, information manipulation interference and cyber-attacks against the Union and third countries. Those designated today will be subject to an asset freeze and EU citizens and companies will be forbidden from making funds available to them. In addition, natural persons will also be subject to a travel ban, which will prevent them from entering or transiting through EU territories. In its conclusions of 27 June 2024 and 19 December 2024, the European Council strongly condemned all types of hybrid activities, which are on the rise and target the EU, its member states and partners. The EU and its member states will continue to draw on the full range of tools available to protect, prevent, deter from and respond to such malicious behaviour. A tailored and sustained approach, proportionate to the ongoing threat is necessary. 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 framework for restrictive measures in response to Russia’s destabilising actions was set up on 8 October 2024 to target those engaged in actions and policies by the government of the Russian Federation, which undermine the fundamental values of the EU and its member states, their security, stability, independence and integrity. The sanctions regime can also target those responsible for hybrid activities against international organisations and third countries. On 16 December 2024, the Council has imposed restrictive measures against 16 individuals and 3 entities responsible for Russia’s destabilising actions against the EU and third states. It marked the first time such measures were introduced under the new framework targeting hybrid activities In its conclusions of 19 December 2024, the European Council condemned Russia’s hybrid campaign, including sabotage, disruption of critical infrastructure, cyber-attacks, information manipulation and interference, and attempts to undermine democracy, including in the electoral process, against the European Union and its member states. The Council declared that it would continue to strengthen their resilience and make full use of all means available to prevent, deter and respond to Russia’s hybrid activities. Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/966 of 20 May 2025 amending Decision (CFSP) 2024/2643 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s destabilising activities (including a list of the sanctioned individuals and entities) Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/963 of 20 May 2025 amending Decision (CFSP) 2024/2643 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s destabilising activities (broadened scope) Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/2643 of 8 October 2024 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s destabilising activities (consolidated text dated 16 December 2024) Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on Russia’s continued hybrid activity against the EU and its member states (8 October 2024) European Council conclusions, 19 December 2024 Timeline – EU sanctions against Russia (background information) Russia’s war on Ukraine (background information) ● Council of the EU   21/05/2025 01:47 | Press release | Strengthening representation of EU workers in multinational companies: Council and Parliament reach agreement on the revision of the European works council directive   The Council and the European Parliament have reached a provisional agreement on a new revising directive that seeks to make the representation of workers in large multinational companies more effective. This revision will amend the existing directive on European works councils (EWCs), making them easier to set up, better funded and better protected. “European works councils play a vital role in ensuring that employees of large, multinational companies are informed and consulted on transnational issues that affect them. By improving the process of consultation, the resources made available to European works councils and their access to justice, the agreement reached today between the Council and the Parliament addresses the weaknesses of the 2009 directive and further strengthens the representation of workers.” — Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk, Polish Minister for Family, Labour, and Social Policy The new directive seeks to make the law governing EWCs clearer, more effective and easier to enforce. The main elements of the Council’s agreement with the Parliament include: transnational matters: the scope of transnational matters has been clarified to ensure that decisions substantially affecting workers in more than one member state trigger an obligation to inform and consult an EWC, without this being extended to day-to-day decisions or issues that only affect employees in a trivial way gender representation: the Council and the Parliament agreed to aim for more balanced gender representation on EWCs confidentiality: information can only be required to be withheld or treated as confidential if objective criteria are satisfied and for as long as the reasons justifying these limitations persist access to justice: the new deal strengthens provisions on access to judicial proceedings and (where relevant) administrative proceedings, including by ensuring that costs relating to legal representation and participation are covered penalties: in the event that a company fails to comply with the rules set out in the directive, the financial penalties imposed should be sufficiently dissuasive, while also taking into account different factors such as the gravity, duration, consequences, and intentional or negligent nature of the offence Next steps The provisional agreement reached today needs to be confirmed by member-state ambassadors. The new rules will then be adopted following legal-linguistic revision, and member states shall transpose the provisions of the directive into national law within two years of its entry into force. They shall apply the provisions of the directive at the latest three years after its entry into force. Background EWCs are information and consultation bodies that represent European workers in multinational companies with more than 1 000 employees operating in at least two EU or European Economic Area (EEA) countries. On 24 January 2024 the Commission presented a proposal for a directive amending Directive 2009/38/EC as regards the establishment and functioning of EWCs and the effective enforcement of transnational information and consultation rights. The aim of the directive is to tackle shortcomings in the existing legislation on EWCs with a view to improving the effectiveness of the framework for the information and consultation of employees at transnational level. The Council agreed its mandate for negotiations with the Parliament on 20 June 2024. Negotiations began on 6 February 2025 and conclude with this agreement. Strengthening representation of EU workers in multinational companies: Council agrees its position on the European works council directive (press release, 20 June 2024) Library blog Wednesday, 21 May 2025     ● General Secretariat of the Council   Think Tank Review - May 2025   The role of the European Council; ‘Europe appears to be the solution’ according to the latest Eurobarometer statistics; a possible European digital services tax; the new emissions trading system, ETS2, coupled with a Social Climate Fund; a proposal for a common strategy on Russian gas; strengthening EU’s defence capabilities; 6G networks, cybersecurity and defence implications; impact of President Trump’s tariffs on Europe; the importance of the Arctic, the US-China rivalry, and the latest incidents between India and Pakistan are some of the topics discussed in this Think Tank Review. ● Council of the EU   21/05/2025 10:39 | Media advisory | Press briefing - Agriculture and Fisheries Council of 26 May 2025   The press briefing ahead of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council will take place on Friday, 23 May 2025 at 11.00. 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 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 Agriculture and Fisheries Council do not need to do it again. Deadline for registration: Friday, 23 May 2025, 10.00 Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants shortly after the deadline.   ● Council of the EU   21/05/2025 09:10 | Press release | Moldova: Council extends the mandate of the EU civilian mission for two years   The Council adopted a decision extending the European Union Partnership Mission in Moldova (EUPM) for a further two years, until 31 May 2027, with a budget allocation of over €19.8million for the period. The Council also decided to adjust EUPM Moldova’s mandate to increase the provision of strategic advice to the Moldovan authorities in the security sector. The decision was taken in the wake of the Strategic Review of the mission. “I’m pleased to announce that we will be extending our Partnership Mission in Moldova for another two years, with nearly €20 million in support. Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Moldova has experienced more attempts to undermine its democratic institutions than ever before. Through our Mission, we’ve helped Moldova strengthen its cybersecurity and improve its defences against hybrid threats. EU support for a stronger and more resilient Moldova is an investment in our own security, as well as in Moldova’s journey to becoming a member of the European Union itself.” — Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and chair of the Foreign Affairs Council EUPM Moldova was established in April 2023 for an initial period of two years, with the objective of enhancing the resilience of the security sector of the country in the areas of crisis management and hybrid threats, including cybersecurity and countering foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI). To this end, the mission provides advice at strategic level on the development of strategies and policies, and identifies the needs for organisation, training and equipment. The mission also features a project cell responsible for identifying and implementing projects in the aforementioned areas, in close coordination with other like-minded actors. The Head of Mission is Cosmin Dinescu, and the Civilian Operations Commander is Stefano Tomat, EEAS Managing Director of the Civilian Operational Headquarters (CivOpsHQ). EU Partnership Mission in the Republic of Moldova (EUPM website) Moldova: EU sets up a civilian mission to strengthen the resilience of the security sector (press release, 24 April 2023) Moldova (background information)