COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Press material Monday, 23 June 2025

● Council of the EU   23/06/2025 23:01 | Press release | Simplification: Council agrees position on sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements to boost EU competitiveness   Member states’ representatives agreed today the Council’s negotiating mandate on simplifying sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements to boost EU competitiveness. This proposal aims at simplifying the directives on corporate sustainability reporting (CSRD) and due diligence (CS3D) by reducing the reporting burden and limiting the trickle-down effect of obligations on smaller companies. “Today we delivered on our promise to simplify EU laws. We are taking a decisive step towards our common goal to create a more favorable business environment to help our companies grow, innovate, and create quality jobs.” — Adam Szłapka, Minister for the European Union of Poland The proposal forms part of the 'Omnibus I' package adopted by the Commission on 26 February 2025 to simplify EU legislation in the field of sustainability. In view of significant implications for the business community, the Council has treated this proposal with utmost priority aiming to provide EU companies with the necessary legal certainty as regards their sustainability reporting and due diligence obligations. On the CSRD, the Commission proposed to increase the employee threshold to 1000 employees and to remove listed SMEs from the scope of the directive. In its mandate, the Council added a net turnover threshold of over €450 million to further alleviate the reporting burden on undertakings. The Council’s mandate also introduces a review clause concerning a possible extension of the scope to ensure adequate availability of corporate sustainability information. On the CS3D, the Council’s position contains the following main elements: Scope While the CS3D’s scope was not covered by the Commission’s proposal, the Council increases the thresholds to 5000 employees and €1.5 billion net turnover. In the Council’s view, such largest companies can have the biggest influence on their value chain and are best equipped to absorb the costs and burdens of due diligence processes. Identification and assessment of actual and potential adverse impacts As a rule, the Commission’s proposal limits due diligence requirements to company’s own operations, those of its subsidiaries, and those of its direct business partners (‘tier 1’). The Council’s mandate changes the focus from an entity-based approach to a risk-based approach, focusing on areas where actual and potential adverse impacts are most likely to occur. Companies should no longer be required to carry out a comprehensive mapping exercise, but instead, conduct a more general scoping exercise. To provide for a significant burden relief, the Council maintains the limitation of the relevant obligations to the ‘tier 1’. In-scope companies are supposed to base their efforts on reasonably available information. To ensure an adequate protection of the policy objectives, the Council’s mandate ensures that the identification and assessment obligations are extended in case of objective and verifiable information suggesting adverse impacts beyond direct business partners. Furthermore, the Council mandate adds a review clause related to a possible extension of these obligations beyond the ‘tier 1’. Combating climate change The Commission’s proposal simplifies the provisions on transition plans for climate change mitigation by aligning them with the CSRD. The obligation to put into effect these plans is replaced by a clarification that this transition plan includes outlining implementing actions (planned and taken). In addition, the Council in addition limits the obligation for companies to the adoption of a transition plan for climate change mitigation and empowers supervisory authorities to advise companies on design and implementation of those plans. To further reduce burdens and provide companies with sufficient time for adequate preparations, the Council also postpones the obligation to adopt transition plans by two years. Civil liability The Commission proposes to remove the EU harmonised liability regime and the requirement for member states to ensure that the liability rules are of overriding mandatory application in cases where the applicable law is not the national law of the member state. The Council’s mandate maintains the Commission’s proposal in this regard. Transposition The Council mandate also postpones the CS3D’s transposition deadline by one year, to 26 July 2028. Next steps The Presidency can enter negotiations with the European Parliament, once the latter reaches its own negotiating position, with a view to reaching an agreement on this file. Background In October 2024, the European Council called on all EU institutions, member states and stakeholders, as a matter of priority, to take work forward, notably in response to the challenges identified in the reports by Enrico Letta (‘Much more than a market’) and Mario Draghi (‘The future of European competitiveness’). The Budapest declaration of 8 November 2024 subsequently called for ‘launching a simplification revolution’, by ensuring a clear, simple and smart regulatory framework for businesses and drastically reducing administrative, regulatory and reporting burdens, in particular for SMEs. On 26 February 2025, as a follow-up to EU leaders’ call, the Commission put forward two ‘Omnibus’ packages, aiming to simplify existing legislation in the fields of sustainability and investment, respectively. On 20 March 2025, leaders urged the co-legislators to take work forward on these Omnibus simplification packages as a matter of priority and with a high level of ambition, with a view to finalising them as soon as possible in 2025. On this occasion, the European Council specifically called on co-legislators to adopt the ‘Stop-the-clock’ mechanism without delay and at the latest by June 2025. On 14 April 2025, the Council adopted the mechanism and postponed by two years the entry into application of the CSRD requirements for large companies that have not yet started reporting, as well as listed SMEs, and by one year the transposition deadline and the first phase of the application (covering the largest companies) of the CS3D. Directive on certain corporate sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements, Commission proposal, 26 February 2025

● Council of the EU

23/06/2025 21:32 | Meetings | Main results - Foreign Affairs Council, 23 June 2025   The Foreign Affairs Council discussed the Russian aggression against Ukraine, China and European security and the situation in the Middle East, including Libya. Under current affairs the Council was informed about Georgia.   ● European Council   23/06/2025 20:40 | Statements and remarks | Remarks by President António Costa at the press conference following the EU-Canada summit   Premièrement bienvenu à Bruxelles, à l’Union européenne. C’est toujours un plaisir de recevoir un ami très spécial comme c’est le premier ministre du Canada. Our 20th Summit is much more than a symbolic milestone. It is a powerful political statement. The European Union and Canada are among the closest allies in the transatlantic space. We see the world through a similar lens and we stand for the same values. We have always stood by each other — and we will continue to do so. Building upon these very solid foundations, we have agreed to forge even stronger bonds. With the support of the 27 member states, we will take our strategic relationship to an unprecedented level of closeness. That is why today’s summit marks a turning point in our history. First on defence: we have just signed the EU-Canada Security and Defence Partnership. It is a reflection of our mutual commitment to peace, transatlantic security, and deeper cooperation in building defence capabilities. It opens new opportunities for companies on both sides of the Atlantic. While NATO remains the cornerstone of our collective defence, this Partnership will allow us to strengthen our preparedness faster and better — to invest more, and to invest smarter. On the economic front, we agreed to expand our trade flows and promote our economic security. Thanks to the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement [CETA], since 2017, bilateral trade in goods and services has surged by 71%, demonstrating the tangible benefits of our free trade agreement for citizens and businesses alike. CETA belongs to a new generation of trade deals: it protects workers, preserves the environment, and safeguards our trademarks. Now, we are working on expanding this relationship and broadening our cooperation. Our new joint agenda will allow us to work more closely in the fields of digital trade, energy security, labour mobility and the supply of critical raw materials. We will join forces in the global race for Artificial Intelligence and other breakthrough technologies. And we will also foster people-to-people ties and promote exchanges in education and innovation — while firmly defending academic freedom. Together, we will fight climate change. Global problems require global collaboration. And the European Union and Canada can rely on each other. Our prosperity is interlinked, and together, we are stronger. This summit could not be more timely: after the G7 in Kananaskis, the day before NATO summit, and the day before the NATO summit, and the week of the European Council, which will discuss Europe in the world. Together, we continue to uphold the values that unite us. At a time when the rules-based international order is under pressure, when multilateralism is under attack — the European Union and Canada stand out as responsible, predictable and reliable partners. Thank you.   ● European Council   23/06/2025 20:28 | Press release | EU–Canada summit 2025: outcome documents   At the 20th EU–Canada Summit held in Brussels on 23 June 2025, leaders of the EU and Canada reaffirmed their strong political, economic and strategic partnership through the adoption of a joint statement and the signature of a Security and Defence Partnership (SDP). In the joint statement, both sides highlighted their shared commitment to multilateralism, the rules-based international order and cooperation on common priorities such as support for Ukraine, de-escalation in the Middle East, economic security, trade, digital innovation and defence. The new and ambitious EU–Canada Security and Defence Partnership marks a significant step forward in deepening cooperation across several areas, including crisis management, defence industry collaboration, hybrid threats and military mobility. The full texts of both documents are available below: Joint statement Security and Defence Partnership ● Council of the EU   23/06/2025 19:21 | Meetings | Main results - Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 23-24 June 2025   During the first day of the Council meeting, agriculture ministers discussed trade-related agricultural issues and held a policy debate on a proposal for the simplification of rules in the agricultural sector. Furthermore, the presidency provided an update on the state of play of a number of legislative proposals, namely on the common market organisation, the cross-border enforcement of unfair trading practices, and support for the wine sector. ● Council of the EU   23/06/2025 17:59 | Press release | European Defence Industry Programme: Council ready to start negotiations with the European Parliament   Today, member state representatives (Coreper) adopted a mandate for negotiations with the European Parliament on the proposal to establish the European Defence Industry Programme and a framework of measures to ensure the timely availability and supply of defence products (EDIP). EDIP aims to enhance the readiness of the EU’s defence industry by strengthening the competitiveness of the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) and its ability to adjust to structural changes required by the evolving security landscape. In particular, the EDIP will boost cooperation in defence procurement, improve and accelerate the ability of defence industry supply chains to adapt, facilitate cross-border cooperation, increase manufacturing capacities and reduce lead production time for defence products, thereby addressing existing capability gaps. Furthermore, it will contribute to the reconstruction and modernisation of the Ukrainian Defence Technological and Industrial Base, with a view to its future integration into the EDTIB. “Today, the Council sends a clear message: the EU is stepping up defence readiness. The EDIP will boost cooperation between member states, strengthen our industry, and support both EU defence capabilities and long-term preparedness.” — - Adam Szłapka - Polish Minister for the European Union Main elements of the negotiating position Through the EDIP, the EU will provide €1.5 billion in the form of grants by 31 December 2027. Out of this budget, the European Defence Industrial Programme (“the Programme”) will benefit from a total of €1.2 billion, and the Ukraine Support Instrument €300 million. The Programme The Council’s mandate clarifies which actions will be eligible for funding under the EDIP: common procurement actions carried out by at least three countries (of which at least two must be member states), including for the establishment and maintenance of defence industry readiness pools industrial reinforcement actions, consisting of activities aimed at speeding up the ramp-up of the production capacity of defence products supporting actions, including activities to increase interoperability and interchangeability, and activities to facilitate access to the defence market for SMEs, mid-caps and start-ups the deployment of European Defence Projects of Common Interest,aimed at developing capabilities, including those securing access to strategic domains, strategic enablers and systems forming European defence infrastructure of common interest and use In order to boost the competitiveness of the EU defence industry and in line with the decisions taken under SAFE (the Security Action for Europe instrument), the Council has agreed that the cost of components originating outside the EU and associated countries (EEA states) does not exceed 35% of the estimated cost of the components of the end-product. The Council has also agreed that no components will be sourced from non-associated countries that contravene the security and defence interests of the EU or its member states. Lastly, the Council makes the 'design authority' requirement the default rule. This will ensure that the EU maintains control over the design and development of its defence products. This is particularly important in light of potential supply chain disruptions or restrictions imposed by non-EU countries. Exceptions will apply to actions related to increasing the production capacity for  ammunition and missiles, given that such products need to be available urgently and in large numbers. Ukraine Support Instrument The Council position fully embraces the objective of the Commission proposal to allow the EU to further support Ukraine through the Ukraine Support Instrument, thereby involving the Ukrainian defence industry in the instrument from the start. Furthermore, the Council position clarifies the legal text of the instrument, ensuring that actions eligible for funding under the Ukraine Support Instrument adopt similar forms, criteria and conditions as those eligible for funding under the Programme, but include components and defence products originating from Ukraine and legal entities established and having their executive management structures in Ukraine. Structure for European Armament Programme (SEAP) The Council position furthermore aligns to the Commission proposal for a voluntary legal framework to foster long-term cooperation between member states throughout the entire lifecycle of a defence product. Among others, the SEAP will cover standardised procedures for initiating and managing cooperative programmes. It also offers a VAT exemption for equipment procured under this framework. Security of supply (SOS) The EDIP also sets up the first-ever security of supply regime in the area of defence, designed to ensure timely, reliable and autonomous access to defence products and components during crises. The SOS chapter aims to strengthen the EU’s resilience of supply chains of  critical defence inputs and to promote coordination among member states. The Council position ensures solidarity between member states, while taking into account the specific characteristics of the defence sector and member states’ national prerogatives in that field. In order to ensure a robust governance of the process, the Council proposes to set up a Defence Security of Supply Board, composed of member states, the Commission, the High Representative and the European Defence Agency. On the basis of constant monitoring and exchange of information, the Board will be able to coordinate preventive actions and, in some cases, trigger activation of the supply crisis state and specific measures to ensure continuity of supply and to protect the internal market. Next steps The agreement on the Council's negotiating mandate allows the presidency to start negotiations with the European Parliament. Background On 11 March 2022, the Heads of State or Government of the EU, meeting in Versailles, gave a commitment to “bolster European defence capabilities”. They agreed to increase their defence expenditure, step up cooperation through joint projects and common procurement of defence capabilities, close shortfalls, boost innovation and strengthen and develop the EU defence industry. On 5 March 2024, the Commission tabled a proposal for a regulation establishing the EDIP. Endowed with a financial package of €1.5 bn for the period from 2025 to 2027, the proposal for an EDIP is designed to build on existing programmes aimed at incentivising the common procurement of defence products (the EDIRPA Regulation) and the reinforcement of defence industry manufacturing capacities (the ASAP Regulation), giving them a longer-term and more structured perspective. The European Council conclusions of June 2024 called on the Council, the member states, the Commission and the High Representative to take work forward on all strands, and in particular on critical shortfalls, on the basis of the Capability Development Plan and the proposal for a European Defence Industry Programme. In its conclusions of 6 March 2025, the European Council stressed that Europe must become more sovereign, more responsible for its own defence and better equipped to act and to deal autonomously with immediate and future challenges and threats. At that European Council, all member states committed to strengthening their overall defence readiness and to reducing strategic dependencies, while addressing critical shortfalls and strengthening the EDTIB accordingly, so that the EU is in a position to better supply equipment in the quantities and at the accelerated pace needed. On 27 May 2025, the Council adopted SAFE, a new EU financial instrument to support, by means of loans, those member states that wish to invest in defence industry production through common procurement, focusing on priority capabilities, and as a matter of urgency. Council Conclusions (6 March 2025) European defence industry (background information) Security and defence (background information) Defence numbers (background information)   ● Council of the EU   23/06/2025 15:07 | Press release | 80th UN General Assembly: Council approves conclusions on EU priorities   The Council approved today conclusions setting out the priorities that the EU will follow at the upcoming 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (September 2025 – September 2026). At a moment when the global rules-based order is under strain, the EU renews its commitment to multilateralism based on international law, including the UN Charter, recognising the intrinsic link between peace and security, human rights and sustainable development. The EU engages to remain a predictable, reliable and credible partner, committed to finding global solutions to common challenges, including through the implementation of the Pact for the Future. The EU stands ready to engage with partners in driving forward UN reform through the UN Secretary General’s 'UN80 initiative'. Comprehensive reforms, including of the UN Security Council, international financial institutions and the humanitarian system are essential to ensure a more effective, cost-efficient and responsive UN, capable of delivering across the three UN pillars. Concerned about the increasing and diverse threats to international peace and security and aware of the relevance of the humanitarian-development-peacebuilding nexus and the security-climate nexus, the EU remains committed to safeguarding and restoring just and lasting peace and stability globally.We closely follow the main developments in the area of peace and security, including the Peacebuilding Architecture Review and the review of UN Peace Operations. The EU will continue to focus on conflicts and human rights violations and abuses around the world.It will continue working on strengthening the respect, protection, and fulfilment of all human rights, and to call on all states to fully engage with the UN human rights system. The EU is also determined to accelerate efforts to deliver on the 2030 Agenda and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The grave triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, poses a global and existential threat, the EU is committed to working with partners to accelerate a global, just and inclusive green transition.Marking its tenth anniversary, the EU firmly stands by the Paris Agreement and remains committed to its full implementation. EU action at the UN in the coming year will be guided by the following overarching priorities: Support a multilateral system based on international law and the universality of human rights Advance comprehensive reforms to reinvigorate the UN system, and pursue effective partnership Strengthen the UN peace and security architecture Advance sustainable development in line with the 2030 Agenda Address the triple planetary crisis Text of the conclusions EU at the UN General Assembly (Background information)

● Council of the EU

23/06/2025 14:20 | Press release | Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime: EU imposes restrictive measures on five Syrian individuals associated with the former Assad regime for supporting crimes against humanity and for fueling sectarian violence   The Council today imposed restrictive measures under the European Union Global Human Rights Sanctions regime on five persons responsible for serious human rights violations and abuses in Syria, including involvement in the violence in the coastal region of Syria in March 2025 and supporting the use of chemical weapons against the civilian population under the al-Assad regime. The new listings target three former members of the Syrian Republican Guard and Armed Forces responsible for many serious human rights violations under the al- Assad regime -including torture, extrajudicial killings and other cruel treatment of prisoners – and involved in the wave of violence that took place in March 2025. After the fall of the al-Assad regime, Miqdad Fatiha, Ghaith Dalla, and Suhayl al-Hasan formed militias that fueled sectarian tensions and incited violence, which escalated and resulted in the loss of hundreds of civilian lives. Furthermore, the Council listed two prominent businessmen -Mudalal Khoury and Imad Khoury- who supported the former al-Assad regime and represented its business and financial interests in Russia, helping finance the severe crimes against humanity committed under the al-Assad regime, including the use of chemical weapons. Those listed 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 them. The Council will continue monitoring developments on the ground and stands ready to introduce further restrictive measures against human rights violators and those fuelling instability in Syria. The relevant legal acts, including the names of the listed individuals, have been published in the Official Journal of the EU. Background The EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, established on 7 December 2020, enables the EU to target individuals, entities and bodies – including state and non-state actors – responsible for, involved in or associated with serious human rights violations and abuses worldwide. With the latest updates, the restrictive measures currently apply to 123 persons and 36 entities. On 4 December 2023, the Council prolonged the framework for restrictive measures under the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime for three years, until 8 December 2026. The listings under the regime expire and are reviewed every 12 months. The EU follows the developments in this domain closely and, as a result, ensures that the listings are kept under constant review. Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/1255 of 23 June 2025 amending Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999 concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1256 of 23 June 2025 implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1998 concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses Consolidated text: Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999 of 7 December 2020 concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses (20 February 2025) Syria: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the recent wave of violence (press release, 11 March 2025) Sanctions against human rights violations (background information) Timeline - Sanctions against human rights violations (background information) ● Council of the EU   23/06/2025 12:19 | Press release | Syria: Council approves conclusions   The Council approved today conclusions on Syria reaffirming the EU’s commitment to stand with the Syrian people and to support a peaceful and inclusive, Syrian-led and Syrian-owned transition to help build a better future for all Syrians. The conclusions welcome the commitment by the transitional government to build a new Syria based on national reconciliation, accountability, rule of law, separation of powers, as well as human rights and fundamental freedoms for all Syrians without distinction, fully safeguarding the diversity of the country. They also welcome statements vowing to develop peaceful relations with all countries and to fully respect international law. The EU is ready to engage with the transitional government in regional and multilateral fora, and urges all external actors without exception to fully respect Syria’s unity, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. The EU condemns any unilateral foreign military actions and presence as well as attempts to undermine Syria’s stability and prospects for a peaceful transition, including through foreign information manipulation and interference. Syria’s transition and reconstruction will require long-term sustained efforts. The EU is engaging with the transitional government and civil society and works closely with regional and international partners to that aim, and calls upon the international community to intensify its political and financial support, and to facilitate Syria’s economic recovery. The EU, together with its member states, has been consistently leading in providing assistance to Syrians - having mobilised nearly €37 billion in humanitarian, development, economic and stabilisation assistance over the past fourteen years - is alarmed by the continued catastrophic humanitarian situation in the country, and remains steadfast in its commitment to support Syrian people. For this reason and with the aim of supporting Syria’s inclusive political transition, as well as its swift economic recovery, reconstruction, and stabilisation, the EU recently lifted all its remaining economic sanctions on Syria, maintaining only sanctions related to the Assad regime in line with its call for accountability, and those sanctions based on security grounds. In parallel, the EU introduced additional sanctions against human rights violators and those fueling instability and violence in Syria in response to the recent widespread violence in Syria’s coastal region and in other areas around Damascus. Council conclusions on Syria, 23 June 2025 European Council conclusions on the Middle East (press release, 20 March 2025) Syria: EU adopts legal acts to lift economic sanctions on Syria, enacting recent political agreement (press release, 28 May 2025) Brussels IX Conference on “Standing with Syria: meeting the needs for a successful transition” - Joint Press Statement by the Co-chairs (High Representative Kallas and Commissioners Suica & Lahbib) and Foreign Minister H.E. Asaad Hasan Al-Shaibani of the Syrian transitional government (press release, 18 March 2025) Syria: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the recent wave of violence (press release, 11 March 2025) Syria (background information)   ● Council of the EU   23/06/2025 09:06 | Meetings | Agenda highlights - General Affairs Council, 24 June 2025   Ministers responsible for European affairs will meet in Luxembourg to continue preparations for the European Council meeting on 26-27 June 2025 by discussing draft conclusions. In the context of the European semester 2025, the Council will be invited to approve and transmit to the European Council the horizontal note on the integrated country-specific recommendations. Ministers will also hold a country-specific discussion in the framework of the annual rule of law dialogue, focusing on the rule of law situation in Finland. 'Equality, Europe!' – Poznań at the heart of the debate on the future of equality in the European Union 23/06/2025 | Article 'Equality, Europe!' – Poznań at the heart of the debate on the future of equality in the European Union The upcoming conclusion of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union was marked by a special event. On 23 June, the “Equality, Europe!” conference, held at Poznań University of Technology, became one of the key moments in the ongoing dialogue on equality policies in the EU.