COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,EUROGROUP,update

 

Press material Friday, 13 June 2025

● Council of the EU   13/06/2025 13:17 | Press release | EU member states agree to extend temporary protection for refugees from Ukraine   Today, the Council voiced its unanimous support for a proposal to extend the temporary protection for the more than 4 million Ukrainians fleeing from Russia’s war of aggression until 4 March 2027. “While Russia continues to terrorise Ukrainian civilians with indiscriminate air strikes the EU continues to show its solidarity with the Ukrainian people. We will continue to offer protection for millions of Ukrainian refugees for another year. The Polish presidency also initiated discussion on a strategy to phase out temporary protection once a just peace is achieved. In the near future, we will work towards common, EU-wide solutions in this area, including in the context of returns to Ukraine.” — Tomasz Siemoniak, Polish Minister of the Interior and Administration Since March 2022 the EU has given safety and shelter to over 4 million refugees from Ukraine on the basis of the temporary protection directive. Temporary protection is due to run until 4 March 2026 and will now be extended until 4 March 2027. The temporary protection system alleviates the pressure on national asylum systems because persons falling under this type of protection do not need to apply for asylum on an individual basis. The extension until March 2027 is a signal to displaced people from Ukraine that is is not necessary to apply for asylum. The extension does not change the terms of the March 2022 decision as regards the categories of persons to whom the temporary protection applies or the rights they enjoy. Durable solution for Ukrainian refugees In addition to the extension of temporary protection member states are discussing a Council recommendation to prepare for a coordinated transition out of temporary protection (exit strategy from the temporary protection). The recommendation will address matters such as switching to other legal (residence) statuses, paving the way for a gradual return to Ukraine and stepping up the provision of information about available options. What is temporary protection? Temporary protection provides immediate and collective protection to a large group of displaced persons who arrive in the EU and who are not in a position to return to their country of origin. People benefitting from temporary protection enjoy the same rights across the EU. These rights include: residence access to the labour market and housing medical assistance social welfare assistance access to education for children The EU’s temporary protection law sets minimum standards of protection. The actual level of assistance can vary from one member state to another. Next steps The Council will formally adopt the decision to extend the temporary protection at one of its upcoming sessions. Background Temporary protection is an EU emergency mechanism which is activated in exceptional circumstances when a mass influx of refugees takes place. The EU directive on temporary protection was adopted in 2001, in the aftermath of the large-scale displacement due to the armed conflict in the Western Balkans, in particular from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo. It was triggered for the first time in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. If the circumstances change in Ukraine, allowing for a gradual return and sustainable reintegration, the Commission can make a proposal to the Council to suspend the temporary protection earlier than its foreseen end date. How the EU helps refugees from Ukraine (background information)

● Council of the EU   13/06/2025 12:35 | Press release | Council defines the EU’s crime-fighting priorities for the next years   Today, the Council agreed on the EU’s priorities for fighting serious and organised crime in the next 4 years ( 2026-2029). These will be implemented by means of the EU’s crime-fighting framework, the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT), which brings together member states, EU and international actors. “Keeping citizens safe is one of the cardinal role of any democratic state. At EU level, we are committed to fighting organised crime so our citizens can live in an area of freedom and security. EMPACT is a key tool to make this objective a reality.” — Tomasz Siemoniak, Polish Minister of the Interior and Administration EMPACT tackles the biggest threats posed by serious and organised crime in the EU in a coordinated manner. It brings together stakeholders from different fields, such as law enforcement, customs, judicial authorities, third countries and the private sector, to fight crime together including through prevention and capacity building. EU crime priorities 2026-2029 The Council identified the following seven EU crime priorities for the EMPACT cycle 2026-2029: Identifying and disrupting the most threatening criminal networks and individuals Tackling the fastest growing crimes in the online sphere: cyber-attacks, online child sexual exploitation and online fraud schemes Fighting drug trafficking Tackling migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings Targeting firearms and explosives crime Disrupting networks involved in environmental crimes Fighting economic and financial crimes such as VAT fraud and intellectual property crime The priorities take into account that serious and organised crime is progressively destablising our societies (e.g. by spreading violence and corruption), it is increasingly happening online and is strongly accelerated by artificial intelligence and other new technologies. Enhancement of EMPACT The EMPACT mechanism fosters multiagency, multi-actor, cross-border, innovative and structured cooperation and offers an unique platform that facilitates connections and provides financial support for member states. Therefore it is critical to overcome persistent issues (e.g. related to funding, commitment of EMPACT actors) and to allow EMPACT to achieve and exploit its full potential. The Council urges all involved stakeholders to take action to ensure EMPACT moves to the next level. Funding The success of EMPACT depends on sufficient and sustainable funding. With that in mind, the Council calls on the Commission to propose increased allocation for EMPACT in the EU budget, including through a higher EU contribution to Europol. Next steps The specific implementation of these crime-fighting priorities will happen on the basis of operational action plans (OAPs). All concerned services and stakeholders, at national and EU level, are called upon to allocate resources to carry out the operational actions under the OAPs. Background EMPACT was established in 2010 to tackle the most important threats posed by serious and organised international crime affecting the EU. EMPACT provides a framework that brings together the law enforcement authorities of the member states, Europol, other EU agencies and bodies, as well as a wide range of multi-disciplinary partners to fight serious and organised crime more effectively. EMPACT translates strategic objectives at European level into concrete operational actions. EMPACT strengthens cooperation between police, border and coast guards, customs, judicial, administrative and tax authorities as well as EU institutions, bodies, agencies and relevant EU networks. It also involves non-EU countries, international organisations, as well as the private sector, where relevant. EMPACT works in four-year cycles. Each cycle starts with the EU Serious and Organised Crime Threat Assessment (EU SOCTA), prepared by Europol, which highlights the most pressing threats, and serves as an input for the Council conclusions that define the EU’s crime priorities for the new cycle. In 2024, EMPACT actions led to over 12 000 arrests and seizures of property and goods worth EUR 1 billion. Council conclusions on the enhancement of EMPACT and on EU crime priorities for the next EMPACT cycle 2026-2029, 13 June 2025 EMPACT 2024 results (factsheet) EU serious and organized crime threat assessment (Europol) ● Council of the EU   13/06/2025 12:10 | Press release | Improved EU rules for forest reproductive material: Council approves negotiating position   Today, member states' representatives (Coreper) endorsed the Council's negotiating mandate on rules to improve the quality and availability of forest reproductive material (FRM). The regulation seeks to support the innovation and competitiveness of the EU seed sector, while addressing sustainability, biodiversity and climate-related challenges. Main elements of the proposal The FRM proposal maintains the existing principles of approval of parent trees ('basic material') and certification of harvested FRM before it is placed on the market. Under the proposed framework, member states would be required to enter the basic material approved on their territory into national registers, with the Commission publishing an EU-wide list to ensure full traceability. In line with the proposal, there would be a stronger focus on assessing the sustainability features of parent trees. In practice, parent trees would undergo an assessment to evaluate traits that contribute to forest resilience, such as tolerance to pests or better adaptation to local climate conditions. Finally, the proposal places a stronger emphasis on innovative production processes, digital tools and biomolecular techniques. Main changes agreed by the Council The Council welcomes the overall goals of the proposal, but introduces a series of changes to improve the text. Official controls Currently, the number and type of controls applied to FRM vary significantly between member states. In an attempt to harmonise the rules, the Commission proposed extending the so-called official controls regulation (2017/625) to cover FRM. The Council acknowledges the need for official controls to be applied consistently across member states. However, due to the specificities of forest reproductive material, as well as to reduce the administrative and financial impact, the Council has agreed that the FRM sector cannot fall under the scope of the official controls regulation. As a result, in its negotiating mandate, the Council agrees that the new FRM regulation should include a number of provisions on controls, safeguarding the quality and traceability of FRM. In particular, it would contain rules for designating competent control authorities, on their legal powers and on financial resources, among other provisions. These provisions would be supplemented by certain elements from the official controls regulation, to ensure the consistent application of official controls across member states. Key elements of the official controls regulation that would apply to the FRM sector include rules on official controls of FRM entering the EU, the delegation of certain tasks of the competent authorities, confidentiality obligations for competent control authorities, and training of staff. This approach will create synergies with official control systems for similar sectors, for instance for plants. National contingency plans The Commission proposed the introduction of national contingency plans to help ensure a sufficient supply of FRM, for instance to contribute to the reforestation of areas affected by extreme weather events. This would help improve the resilience of forest ecosystems. In order to reduce the administrative burden for the competent authorities, the Council agreed that these national contingency plans should be voluntary. The Council also agrees that the plans should contain simplified requirements. List of tree species To further reduce the administrative burden for both competent authorities and operators, the list of tree species that the regulation covers has been streamlined. Member states will be able to apply more or less stringent measures to the tree species that are not listed in the annex. Obligations for professional operators The Council's negotiating mandate also further specifies rules on record-keeping and concerning the obligations that operators have. In particular, professional operators will have to be included in a register. Furthermore, they will have to ensure the traceability and identification of FRM at all stages of production and marketing and provide the user with comprehensive information about the FRM via a document. Next steps With today's agreement, the Council presidency is ready to start negotiations with the European Parliament on the final text of the regulation. Background FRM refers to seeds, plants and parts of plants, and it is used for the creation of new forests, reforestation, and other types of tree planting for different purposes, including biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, climate mitigation and the conservation and sustainable use of forest genetic resources. Council directive 1999/105/EC sets out rules on the production and marketing of FRM. Since its adoption, several developments in science and technology have taken place. The Commission submitted a proposal in July 2023 which aims to ensure that high-quality FRM is available and that the sector maintains its competitiveness. The FRM regulation will also contribute to the EU target of planting at least three billion additional trees by 2030 under the biodiversity strategy, as well as to the development of the bioeconomy. In parallel, the Commission also proposed new rules for the production and marketing of plant reproductive material. Commission proposal ● Eurogroup   13/06/2025 09:32 | Press release | Eurogroup statement on the draft budgetary plan of Belgium for 2025   We welcome Belgium’s submission of its draft budgetary plan (DBP) for 2025 on 30 April 2025, following the submission of its medium-term fiscal structural plan on 18 March 2025, as well as the Commission Opinion on the DBP, published on 4 June 2025. The Council is currently considering the Commission recommendation for the endorsement of Belgium’s medium-term fiscal structural plan, the Commission recommendation for a revised corrective path under the Excessive Deficit Procedure, and the Commission recommendation for the activation of the national escape clause, at the request of Belgium. We agree with the Commission assessment that Belgium’s DBP for 2025 is considered to be in line with the provisions of the Stability and Growth Pact, subject to the activation by the Council of the national escape clause to accommodate higher defence spending. While the projected net expenditure growth in 2025 exceeds the ceiling set in Belgium’s medium-term fiscal structural plan, it remains within the flexibility provided by the national escape clause, based on the Commission forecast. We invite Belgium to stand ready to take action as necessary in line with the risks outlined in the Commission assessment and to deliver on its fiscal commitments. The Eurogroup will continue to closely monitor economic and fiscal developments regularly and reinforce its policy coordination. ● Council of the EU   12/06/2025 21:13 | Press release | Schengen: Council approves declaration to commemorate 40th anniversary and renew its commitment for the common travel area   At the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Schengen Agreement, the Council approved a Schengen Declaration to renew its commitment to the Schengen area and to underline the importance of Schengen for the European cooperation and integration. “We have come together on the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Schengen Agreement to highlight our common commitment to Europe's security, building resilience and readiness for today’s challenges. Guided by our shared values, we pledge to continue investing in the common area without internal borders, ensuring strong management of our external borders, a more effective fight against illegal migration and a high level of internal security. We are determined to work together and foster mutual trust, so that present and future generations of Europeans can continue to enjoy the benefits of the Schengen area.” — Tomasz Siemoniak, Polish Minister of the Interior and Administration The world’s largest area of free movement Schengen has become the largest area of free movement which offers seamless mobility for more than 450 million Europeans. Two million people commute daily across internal borders. Schengen facilitates intra-EU trade which exceeded € 4 100 billion in 2024. Hundreds of millions of people legally cross the EU’s external borders every year. This makes the Schengen area the world’s most visited destination, attracting 40 % of international tourism. Seven commitments to preserve and consolidate Schengen In times of geopolitical instability and an evolving security landscape the EU is committed to continuing to invest in a common area without internal borders, ensuring strong external border management and a high degree of internal security. Through seven commitments the Council will preserve and consolidate the functioning of the Schengen area. The commitments include: To promote and protect the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights in a single area of freedom, security and justice To defend the unfettered free movement of persons by ensuring that the reintroduction of internal border controls remains a measure of last resort and to take all appropriate measures with respect to external border management, secondary movements, migration, the return of those illegally staying as well as the prevention and combating of off-line and on-line cross border crime, terrorism, as well as emerging threats such as hybrid threats or cybercrime To develop and deepen law enforcement and interagency cooperation and to enhance the development and use of large-scale IT systems to ensure Schengen remains the backbone of European security cooperation that contributes to the security of its citizens To refuse entry and prevent unauthorised border crossings to those who have no right to enter, and return those who have no right to stay, in a humane and dignified manner To reinforce the external dimension of Schengen including through an effective visa policy, border management and effective cooperation with third countries on return and readmission To uphold a high level of mutual trust between member states and to address jointly the challenges faced by the Schengen area To invest in a solid and well-functioning Schengen – through appropriate funding, human-centred innovation and new technologies, proactive action Background On 14 June 1985, five countries – Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands – signed the Schengen Agreement. The goal was to gradually remove controls at the internal borders and to allow freedom of movement for their citizens. The practical arrangements for abolishing border controls – and strengthening the protection of the common external borders – were set out in the Schengen Convention from 1990. The Convention entered into force in 1995 and led to the actual removal of border controls between the five countries – as well as Spain and Portugal who had joined in the meantime. Since then the Schengen area without controls at internal borders has only grown and now consists of 29 countries. All EU member states except for Cyprus and Ireland plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The Schengen area explained (background information) 40 Years and Beyond – Schengen Declaration – A Joint Commitment to Freedom, Security and Justice, 12 June 2025 ● Council of the EU   12/06/2025 18:56 | Meetings | Main results - Justice and Home Affairs Council (Justice), 12 June 2025   At their meeting in Luxembourg, ministers of justice agreed their positions on a directive harmonising national insolvency laws and on a regulation about the protection of adults in need of support.   ● Council of the EU   12/06/2025 19:16 | Press release | Council and Parliament agree on simplified and more efficient handling of chemical assessment data   The Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional deal on the OSOA (one substance one assessment) package, which aims to streamline assessments of chemicals across relevant EU legislation, strengthen the knowledge base on chemicals, and ensure early detection and action on emerging chemical risks. The package contains three proposals: a directive concerning the re-attribution of scientific and technical tasks, a regulation aimed at enhancing cooperation among Union agencies in the area of chemicals, and a regulation establishing a common data platform on chemicals. The co-legislators maintain the objectives of the legislative package but enlarge the information available in the common platform (i.e. to include scientific data submitted voluntarily), clarify how medical data should be treated, and ensure that the content of the platform is publicly available, in line with EU legislation on access to information. Gathering data just once The OSOA package creates a common platform that integrates existing databases and offers a 'one-stop shop' for chemical data from EU agencies and the Commission. It enables knowledge sharing from one legislative area to another and mandates the systematic collection of human biomonitoring data to inform policymakers about chemical exposure levels. A monitoring and outlook framework will detect chemical risks early, support fast regulatory responses, and track impacts through an early warning system and indicators. It also empowers the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to generate data when needed and ensures transparency of scientific studies Main elements of the agreement The deal reached today makes sure that over time the common data platform to be hosted by ECHA should provide access to all chemicals data generated or submitted as part of the implementation of about 70 pieces of EU legislation. The agreement requires ECHA to create and manage a database, inside the common data platform, that lists alternatives to substances of concern (chemicals that presents a potential risk to human health or the environment). This database should include alternative technologies and materials that do not require such substances of concern. The agreement specifically supports the voluntary submission of scientific data to be included in the platform. Data on medicinal products The deal reached today considers that certain categories of newly generated data relating to chemical substances present in medicinal products from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) must be addressed as well. The Commission will carry out an assessment to analyse whether in the future it is appropriate to include in the platform further categories of chemicals data related to medicinal products (for instance, other elements than active substances, substances that are now considered non-relevant, or data held by national agencies). The co-legislators also agreed that legacy data from EMA (i.e. data generated and submitted before the entry into force of the regulation) will be gradually integrated into the platform, starting six years after the regulation enters into force. Public access The co-legislators agreed that the platform should give access to data that is already public in line with the rules of the originating legal acts. Horizontal legislation governing public access to information (Regulation (EC) no 1049/2001) will apply to all data that is not confidential. Human biomonitoring studies The package will help ECHA, and other agencies, to generate studies for multiple purposes. The agreement proposes already a practical application of this possibility. Four years after the regulation on the common data platform enters into force, ECHA should commission a Union-wide human biomonitoring study to better understand the population's exposure to chemicals. Human biomonitoring data from the EU and national research programs will also be included in the platform. Next steps The provisional agreement reached with the European Parliament now needs to be endorsed and formally adopted by both institutions. Background Global chemicals production is projected to double by 2030, according to the UN Environment Programme (Global Chemicals Outlook II, 2019), underscoring the growing importance of the EU’s chemical regulations. The “one substance one assessment” was part of the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, that the Commission made public on 14 October 2020. As a core element of the European Green Deal’s zero pollution ambition, the strategy aims to strengthen protection for people and the environment while driving innovation toward safe and sustainable chemicals. Proposal for a Directive concerning the re-attribution of scientific and technical tasks Proposal for a regulation enhancing cooperation among Union agencies in the area of chemicals Proposal for a Regulation establishing a common data platform on chemicals ● Council of the EU   12/06/2025 16:07 | Press release | Guatemala: Council sanctions three individuals and one entity for undermining democracy and the rule of law   The Council decided today to impose restrictive measures against three individuals and one entity related to actions undermining democracy and the rule of law in Guatemala. The Council remains deeply concerned about actions that undermine democracy and the rule of law in Guatemala, including through the persistent instrumentalisation of the justice system. The Council is particularly concerned about continued attacks against the democratically elected government of President Arévalo and the misuse of legal and procedural measures to target elected officials, human rights defenders, journalists, indigenous leaders and independent judicial operators. The Council has therefore listed the Foundation against Terrorism (FCT), its president Ricardo Rafael Méndez Ruiz Valdes, and its legal representative Raúl Amílcar Falla Ovalle for actions that undermine the rule of law in Guatemala, consisting of persecution and intimidation of representatives of the media, and of lawyers, judges and prosecutors. The FCT and its targeted members have initiated a multitude of criminal investigations against justice operators, journalists and representatives of the government, and engaged in the intimidation of civil society and the judiciary. Furthermore, the Council has imposed restrictive measures on the First Instance Criminal Judge of the Tenth Court in Guatemala, Jimi Rodolfo Bremer Ramírez for actions undermining democracy and the rule of law in Guatemala, such as persecution and intimidation of the representatives of the media, and of lawyers and prosecutors in Guatemala. The EU restrictive measures now apply to 8 persons and 1 entity. Those designated are subject to an asset freeze, and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to them. In addition, natural persons are subject to a travel ban, which prevents them from entering or transiting through EU territories. These targeted sanctions are precisely designed to hold accountable and affect only those responsible for responsible for, engaging in, providing support to, or benefitting from actions that undermine democracy, the rule of law or the peaceful transfer of power in Guatemala. They are in no way sanctions against Guatemala, its population or its economy. The EU and Guatemala have a long-standing partnership and the EU remains committed to support democracy in the country. The 2023 EU Election Observation Mission, the EU’s clear position in defence of the election results, its support to good governance and above-mentioned targeted sanctions are all part of this effort. The EU will continue to work with the Guatemalan government and all sectors of society to support a positive national agenda and to invest inclusive and sustainable development to the benefit of all. Background To support the democratic transition and respect the will of Guatemalan people for the democratically elected government, the EU adopted a dedicated framework for restrictive measures in respect of Guatemala on 12 January 2024, to hold accountable those undermining democracy, the rule of law or obstructing a democratic transition following the 2023 general elections, which resulted in a clear victory of President Bernardo Arévalo, as attested by the EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Guatemala. The first set of five listings was agreed in February 2024. Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/1199 of 12 June 2025 amending Decision (CFSP) 2024/254 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Guatemala Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1198 of 12 June 2025 implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/287 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Guatemala Guatemala: Council renews EU restrictive measures for a year (press release, 16 December 2024) Guatemala: Council establishes dedicated framework of restrictive measures in support of democracy (press release, 12 January 2024) EU Delegation to Guatemala (EEAS)

● European Council

12/06/2025 14:56 | Press release | European Council, 26-27 June 2025: Invitation letter by President António Costa to the members of the European Council   I would like to invite you to our June European Council. We will address several issues that must be tackled together to advance our common ambitions: to build a more competitive, safer and more autonomous Europe for our citizens, and to ensure that the European Union can be an effective, predictable and reliable global actor. The interplay between a challenging international context and our internal economic priorities, such as deepening the Single Market, is more important than ever. That is why I want us to discuss the geoeconomic challenges we are facing, addressing both the place of the EU in the world and its competitiveness. I look forward to hearing your views about global economic developments and the relationship we seek with key partners, including with a view to important upcoming international summits. This will also be a good opportunity to consider how to further strengthen the international role of the Euro. We will address several other priorities. Starting with defence and security, the decisions we have taken in our meetings in March are bearing fruit: we are building the Europe of defence. Now we must stay the course and accelerate progress towards Europe’s common defence readiness by 2030. In this regard, I expect us to touch on the ongoing work to build up our capabilities, to strengthen our defence industry and to increase the financing of our defence efforts. Going forward, we must be guided by a collective approach to defence and security, and a focus on efficient spending. Our debates will factor in the NATO Summit taking place on the eve of our meeting. Ukraine has been steadfast in its efforts to enable a real peace process. And the EU will remain equally steadfast in its support to Ukraine. Our objective remains unchanged – to end Russia’s war of aggression and build a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, grounded in the principles of the UN Charter and international law. We will take stock of the fast-evolving diplomatic context, follow up on EU support and address Ukraine’s path towards EU membership. We will discuss the situation in the Middle East, with a focus on the dire situation in Gaza. The European Union has been clear about what is urgently needed: the safe, rapid and unimpeded distribution of humanitarian aid; the unconditional release of all the hostages; an immediate return to the ceasefire and a permanent end to hostilities, with a view to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution. Israel must fully comply with international law and its international obligations. We will assess the instruments and options at the disposal of the European Union in this regard and take stock of the outcome of the UN Conference on the implementation of the two-State solution, to be held in New York on 17-20 June 2025. We will revert to the important topic of migration, with President von der Leyen’s forthcoming letter informing our discussion. The issues of preparedness and internal security, with a focus on organised crime, will equally be on the agenda, as well as the EU’s support to the Republic of Moldova and its accession process. Our discussions will include the situation in the Western Balkans, where I will use the opportunity to debrief you about my recent visit to the region. We will start our meeting on Thursday at 11:00, with our traditional exchange of views with the President of the European Parliament, followed by an exchange of views with President Zelenskyy and a discussion among ourselves about Ukraine. As ever, I will endeavour to keep our meeting limited to one day. I look forward to our meeting. Invitation letter

● Council of the EU

12/06/2025 13:20 | Press release | Council agrees position on EU law improving legal protection for adults in need of care   Today the Council agreed on key aspects of a draft law that will guarantee the rights of adults who need protection or support in cross-border situations. Today’s agreement (the ‘partial general approach’) covers parts of the new legislation, whilst other provisions are still under discussion. The new law is designed to enhance the protection of adults who, owing to an impairment or insufficiency of their personal faculties, are unable to protect their own interests. The law will also ensure that the right to individual autonomy, including individuals’ freedom to make their own choices, is respected when moving within the EU. “When people who are no longer able to take care of themselves need protection, the least they and their carers need are legal uncertainties. This law will make sure that when it comes to cross-border cases such uncertainties will be reduced.” — Adam Bodnar, Polish Minister of Justice Jurisdiction As regards jurisdiction – meaning rules determining the court(s) of which country has the competence to hear a case – the regulation refers to the HCCH 2000 Protection of Adults Convention (an instrument under international law agreed on 13 January 2000). According to that Convention, jurisdiction may be linked to, amongst other things, a person’s habitual residence, nationality and place where they own property. The regulation will go further than the Convention by giving the adult in question the opportunity to choose a court. According to the agreement reached by the member states there should be a link between the person in question and their choice of court. Applicable law Member states agreed that as a general rule the court must apply the law of its country. They also added provisions about rules with regard to conflict of laws, in order to deal with situations when a member state has more than one legal system. Recognition and enforcement of measures The agreed text provides for the automatic recognition by member states of measures taken by a court in another member state. The law also allows for exceptions in limited cases, establishing that an enforceable measure taken in a member state will also be enforceable in other member states without the need for a declaration of enforceability. Authentic instruments The regulation ensures that authentic instruments (for instance a notarial act) have the same full and complete evidentiary effect in other member states as they do in their member state of origin. Next steps During the Danish presidency of the Council of the EU, member state experts will continue discussions on the remaining provisions. Background The number of people in need of help when it comes to making decisions related to personal aspects of their life is increasing. According to EU figures, the proportion of people older than 65 with one form of disability or another is projected to increase by 77% by 2050. At the same time, more and more people use freedom of movement in the EU and, for example, live in more than one country over the course of a year or have possessions in several states. This gives rise to many issues faced by adults in cross-border situations. They may need to manage their assets or property located in another country, undergo emergency or planned medical care abroad or relocate to another country for various reasons. People who are no longer able to take such decisions without support (by for instance a family member or guardian) are confronted with complex and sometimes conflicting rules in the area of private international law. Those rules determine which court or other authority competent to take protection measures has jurisdiction, which law applies to their case, and how to recognise or give effect to a decision taken or powers of representation established abroad. This leads to situations where adults, their families and their representatives experience significant legal uncertainty as to what rules will apply to their case and as to the outcome of the procedures and formalities they need to carry out. To date, no EU law on these matters exist. The HCCH 2000 Protection of Adults Convention has only been ratified by 13 member states and only applies to those countries. Regulation on jurisdiction, applicable law, recognition and enforcement of measures and cooperation in matters relating to the protection of adults (general approach), 12 June 2025)   ● Council of the EU   12/06/2025 12:12 | Press release | EU insolvency law: member states agree position on bringing national insolvency standards closer   Today the Council agreed its position (so-called general approach) on an EU directive harmonising certain aspects of insolvence law. By bringing national insolvency regimes nearer to each other the EU will become more attractive for foreign and cross-border investors. Currently, investors have to take different national insolvency rules into account when investing in other EU countries than their home country. “This law is an important step forward to make the EU more attractive for investors. It can be a drawback to investment decisions when insolvency laws deviate too much between member states and with this law we will cut down on these divergences.” — Adam Bodnar, Polish Minister of Justice The pre-pack mechanism Under the new rules, a pre-pack mechanism will become available in all EU member states. In a pre-pack mechanism, the sale of the debtor's business (or part of it) is prepared and negotiated before the formal opening of the insolvency proceedings. This makes it possible to execute the sale and obtain the proceeds shortly after opening the formal insolvency proceedings intended to liquidate a company. As part of a pre-pack mechanism it will be possible to automatically transfer executory contracts, i.e. contracts which are essential for the continuation of the business, from the debtor to the buyer of the business without the consent of the debtor's counterparty. However, the Council included a number of safeguards to protect the freedom of contract. Creditors’ committee Another novelty of the law is that creditors’ committees will, under certain circumstances, have to be set up in all member states. The creditors’ committee strengthens the position of the creditors in the insolvency procedure. It ensures the involvement of individual creditors who might otherwise not participate in the proceedings, for instance due to limited resources or lack of geographic proximity. The law harmonises certain characteristics of the creditors’ committee across member states such as  its composition , the rights and duties  of the committee as well as the personal liability of its members. According to the compromise member states have the possibility to narrow down the establishment of the creditors’ committee to large enterprises. Other provisions In December 2024, the Council already reached a compromise on other aspects of the draft directive and in particular on measures to preserve the insolvency estate, the duties of directors to request the opening of insolvency proceedings and on transparency obligations. Next steps On the basis of the position reached today the Council will be able to start negotiatons with the European Parliament – as soon as it has defined its position – in order to settle on a final law. Background The directive was proposed by the Commission on 7 December 2022, together with other measures intended to further develop the EU’s capital markets union. The lack of harmonised insolvency regimes is a barrier to cross-border investments. More harmonised insolvency rules contribute to improved certainty and cost reductions for (foreign) investors. Insolvency law: Council settles on position for core capital markets union legislation (press release, 13 December 2024) Directive harmonising certain aspects of insolvency law (general approach), 23 May 2025 European capital markets (background information) • Council of the EU ­ 13/06/2025 | MEETINGS  Background briefs - Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy) of 16 June 2025 and Environment Council of 17 June 2025 Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy) of 16 June 2025 Environment Council of 17 June 2025 ● European Council   13/06/2025 15:53 | Speech | Speech by President António Costa at the ceremony marking the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Accession of Spain to the European Economic Community   In celebrating the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Accession of Spain to what was then the European Economic Community, we are preserving the memory of an act that documented the European path of Spanish democracy. Leaving behind a long dictatorship and writing, together with Portugal, the brightest chapter in its recent history, embracing a democratic Europe with conviction and enthusiasm. This represented full integration into a political area of solidarity, an economic area of shared prosperity, an institutional area of permanent respect and cooperation. But this day was also a milestone in our continent’s collective history. Involving ten Member States, an enlargement that blazed a trail in Europe’s history was being planned. The first time that the democratic transitions in southern European countries were expanded, completing the cycle that began with Greece’s accession four years earlier. For the first time, an enlargement that was determined not by economic but by political criteria. More than a market, what Spain brought to Europe was greater democracy. An enlargement that would have a decisive influence on those that followed after the fall of the Berlin Wall, definitively reaffirming the European Union as a project of democratic values, prosperity and peace. Four decades later, Spain and the European Union are twin success stories. The Spanish economy grew by 123 %, as a result of opening up its internal market to the European area. Today, Spain is an economy that is open to the world, with leading companies in global markets and highly qualified citizens, making a significant contribution to Europe’s economic growth. Human development indicators in health, education, equality and income are now at a much higher level. The development of major infrastructure, territorial and social cohesion and the increased status of the autonomous communities have strengthened a democratic Spain, which has been continually supported by strong European solidarity. This solidarity, this European support, which, in the field of security, freedom and justice, was also so crucial to ending the activities of the terrorist group ETA, which, on the very day this Treaty of Accession was signed, cut short the lives of four people in Madrid and the Basque Country. It is truly impressive how Spain has changed for the better in the last 40 years. But it is also impressive how Spain has contributed and contributes every day to the European project. Spain has played an active role in European integration. Not only by bringing its dynamism and vitality, but also by taking its place at the forefront and becoming a benchmark for progress on rights and freedoms, and in the fight for equality. Making a decisive contribution to developing ideas that today we all take fully for granted as part of our common heritage, such as the concept of ‘European citizenship’, with the rights and benefits it confers, territorial cohesion policy, the Erasmus programme, as the prime minister mentioned, or the need to forge closer ties with Latin America, with the African continent, or with the whole of the Mediterranean. The fact that each of our peoples is an active part of Europe, building it day by day, makes our continent a land of peace and progress, but also of prosperity. A Europe that has radically changed in recent decades. There were ten of us in 1985. Today, we are 27 integrated and prosperous democracies, thanks to successive rounds of enlargement: the greatest geopolitical investment we can make for peace and economic development. We used to live in a system of antagonistic blocs. Today, we live in a multipolar order, with trade and diplomatic interconnections that link us all. We used to have a Europe that was divided in two. Today we have a Union of 450 million citizens, a thriving common market and a single currency that is a world leader. In 2025, Spain and the European Union are a shared success story. A relationship that has survived difficult times because both have always counted on each other when hope seemed to fade: In the financial crises we have overcome. In the inflationary cycles we have kept under control. In the pandemic we defeated. The European Union is undoubtedly the greatest project of solidarity between peoples, a common home, which helps us tackle the good and bad times together. We need this unity and strength to combat climate change, hunger, poverty, inequalities and problems as serious as the cost of housing and global development. And here we can always count on Spain for its leadership, a good example of which is the conference on financing for development it will host in July. We need this unity and strength to defend international law anywhere in the world, whether in Ukraine or in Gaza. And we need this unity and strength to respond to unexpected crises and threats. 40 years ago, at the Royal Palace, Felipe González, with great foresight, spoke of the significance of that day for Spain and for Europe. I would like to conclude with his words: "This event is an act of European affirmation. It should also be an act of hope for a fairer, more solidarity-based and more united Europe, which we are all called upon to build." And this is exactly what happened. And I am convinced that this is how things will continue to be. I am convinced that with our commitment, with our imagination, with our ability to agree, work and deliver, we will continue to write, together, with all the peoples of our Union, and in our own words, the greatest chapters in European history. Thank you very much. • Council of the EU ­ 13/06/2025 | MEETINGS  Background briefs - Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy) of 16 June 2025 and Environment Council of 17 June 2025 Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy) of 16 June 2025 Environment Council of 17 June 2025 ● Eurogroup   13/06/2025 15:20 | Media advisory | Press briefing - Eurogroup meeting of 19 June 2025   The press briefing ahead of the Eurogroup meeting will take place on Tuesday, 17 June at 14.30. The briefing will be "off the record" and will be given by Tuomas Saarenheimo, President of the Eurogroup Working Group. 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. If you haven't registered for one of the previous Eurogroup press events, please use this link to do so and have the possibility to ask questions remotely. Deadline for registration: Tuesday, 17 June at 13.30 Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants shortly after the deadline.