COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Press material Saturday, 14 June 2025

● Council of the EU   14/06/2025 19:25 | Press release | Israel/Iran: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union   The European Union is following very closely the situation in the Middle East and expresses its deepest concern at the dangerous escalation that threatens to destabilise the Middle East following Israeli strikes on Iran and Iran’s response. The EU reiterates its strong commitment to regional security, including the security of the State of Israel, and calls on all sides to abide by international law, show restraint and refrain from taking further steps which could lead to serious consequences such as potential radioactive release. The EU has always been clear that Iran must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weaponand is concerned about the IAEA’s recent report based on which the IAEA Board of Governors found Iran in non-compliance with its legally binding nuclear safeguards obligations under the NPT. But lasting security is built through diplomacy, not military action. We believe that diplomacy must prevail. The EU will continue to contribute to all diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and to find a lasting solution to the Iranian nuclear issue which can only be through a negotiated deal.

● Council of the EU

16/06/2025 10:43 | Media advisory | Media advisory - Environment Council of 17 June 2025   Indicative programme All times are approximate and subject to change Place: ECCL building, Luxembourg Chairs: Paulina Hennig-Kloska, Minister for Climate and Environment Tuesday, 17 June from 09.00 Arrivals (live streaming) +/- 09.15 Doorstep by Paulina Hennig-Kloska (live streaming) 10.00 Beginning of the Environment Council Adoption of the agenda Approval of 'A' items: legislative list (public session) Non-legislative list +/- 10.10 Regulation on circularity requirements for vehicle design and on  management of end-of-life vehicles (public session) Any other business: - Report on a main recent international meeting: Triple Conference of the Parties to the Basel (COP 17), Rotterdam (COP 12) and Stockholm (COP 12) Conventions (+/- 11.40 public session) - Outcomes of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference (+/- 11.50 public session) - Water resilience (+/-12.00 public session) - Ban on lead in ammunition and fishing tackle under the REACH Regulation (+/-12.20 public session) - Circularity and recycling industry - support for recyclers in the current economic context (+/- 12.30 public session)  +/- 12.45 Working lunch +/- 14.30 The EU at COP30 - stocktake and road ahead Any other business: - Assessment of the final national energy and climate plans (+/- 16.00 (public session) - Work programme of the incoming Presidency - Report on the MED9 Ministerial Meeting of Energy and Environment Ministers (+/- 16.20 (public session) - Launch preparatory study of a delegated act on switchgears (+/- 16.30 (public session) At the end of the meeting (+/- 16.55) press conference in live streaming.   Arrangements for the press conferences The press conferences 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 ECCL Luxembourg 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 Environment Council do not need to do it again. Deadline for registration: Tuesday, 17 June 2025, 16.00 Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants shortly after the deadline. Videos and photos from the event ● European Council   16/06/2025 04:45 | Statements and remarks | Remarks by President António Costa at the joint press conference before the G7 summit in Kananaskis   Good evening, it's a pleasure to be here in Kananaskis. And let me begin by extending thanks to Canada and Prime Minister Mark Carney for hosting this summit. I also want to express our solidarity with Canada regarding the devastating wildfires affecting the country in the last days. These fires remind us of the urgent need to protect our environment and to fight climate change. This is an issue we will address during our meeting.  This G7 summit takes place at a critical moment. We face uncertainty in the global economy and an increasing number of conflicts across the world. We have witnessed continued Russian aggression against Ukraine. We confront a devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with urgent needs growing by the day. And we now also grapple with conflict between Israel and Iran. At the same time, we also face risks to economic growth, risks fueled by policy uncertainty and trade disputes.  Against this backdrop, the G7 carries an important responsibility. The G7 must lead with unity and purpose. On the economic front, global imbalances remain a shared concern among G7 members, and we are committed to addressing them without sacrificing free and fair trade, which have delivered prosperity to our countries and lifted millions out of poverty over the years. We must act to overcome trade tensions, encourage investment and foster sustainable growth. It is our duty and it is our obligation.  The role of the G7 is also essential in addressing the many geopolitical challenges. We must step up our efforts in the Middle East. Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. This issue should be addressed by diplomatic means. This is the time to give space for diplomacy and to give an opportunity to decrease the escalation between Israel and Iran. Furthermore, we cannot forget that it is urgent to guarantee access for humanitarian aid to Gaza, to have an immediate cease fire and the unconditional release of the remaining hostages. Finally, we must stay the course in our collective resolve to support Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, supporting United States' led peace efforts and ensuring they have the best chance of success. Shaping the conditions for lasting peace, including long term security guarantees, continuing to provide military and financial support to Ukraine, empowering its defence, deterring future aggressions, and enabling swift reconstruction. And increasing pressure on Russia, by imposing additional sanctions to cripple its ability to wage war, and pressing for an unconditional ceasefire.  The G7 plays and essential role in coordinating global diplomatic and economic efforts. I hope that the frank an open discussions we will have here in Kananaskis, under the skilled chairmanship of the Prime Minister Carney, will enable the G7 to fulfil its role, to restore stability to show the way to lasting peace and economic growth.  Thank you.  ● General Secretariat of the Council   Library guide on the Schengen area   Marking 40 years since the Schengen Agreement, our library guide offers key resources on its history and impact. Explore how this milestone shaped Europe’s borderless future!