COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Press material Wednesday, 25 June 2025

● Council of the EU   25/06/2025 20:47 | Press release | Bank resolution: Council and Parliament strike deal to strengthen the EU crisis management framework   The Council and the European Parliament reached a political agreement today to put in place a reformed crisis management and deposit insurance (CMDI) framework for banks in the EU. The reform improves the resolution process for small and medium-sized banks, giving them access to industry-funded safety nets as an additional resolution-financing tool. The deal marks another step towards completion of the EU’s Banking Union. “For Europe to reinforce its competitiveness, we need a stable, trusted and resilient EU banking sector. This reform of the crisis management and deposit insurance (CMDI) framework provides additional protection for taxpayers and citizens from the fallout from failing banks. A stronger banking sector is a win for all - financial markets, our businesses and our citizens.” — Andrzej Domański, Polish minister for finance Bridging the gap In a nutshell, today’s agreement will facilitate access for failing banks to industry-funded safety nets - namely national resolution funds and, in the Banking Union, the Single Resolution Fund (SRF) - to finance their resolution and eventual exit from the market. This is referred to as using deposit guarantee funds to 'bridge the gap', i.e. to use such funds to supplement a failing bank's own loss-absorption buffers of own funds and convertible liabilities (MREL), which ensure that losses are borne first by the bank’s shareholders and creditors. Accordingly, banks with insufficient MREL at the time of resolution can, as a last resort, rely on DGS or resolution funds (or SRF in the Banking Union) to finance their resolution without bailing in their depositors. To safeguard financial stability and maintain market discipline, the co-legislators have agreed that access to these industry-funded safety nets will be subject to strict safeguards, ensuring that MREL remains the primary line of defence, and that moral hazard is minimised. Public interest assessment A resolution procedure can only be initiated if considered to be in the public interest. The new CMDI framework clarifies how the existing public interest assessment (PIA) should be conducted by resolution authorities. It broadens the criteria prioritising resolution over liquidation when it better serves financial stability and depositor protection. This makes it more likely for a bank to get a positive PIA but ensures that liquidation remains the default option for managing failing banks in most cases, in particular small and medium-size banks.   The new legislation also provides that when assessing disruption to the real economy, the resolution authority should focus on both the national and regional levels, reflecting the potential footprint of some small and medium-sized banks. ‘Least cost test' The updated legislation provides for a harmonised approach to carrying out the so-called ‘least cost test’ to determine whether a bank should be able to use the resources of the DGS instead of using other measures such as liquidation through an insolvency procedure. It ensures that any use of DGS funds cannot exceed the amount of covered deposits held by the bank in question. Hierarchy of claims The agreed text retains the current preference for the repayment of DGS-protected depositors in the first instance, and a second tier for deposits of households and SME depositors not covered by the DGS. This order of preference will enhance depositor protection and help maintain trust in the banking system while ensuring business continuity. Next steps The co-legislators will now finalise the legal text at technical level. Both legislators will then formally adopt the new framework before it becomes law. Background Originally established in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, the CMDI framework was designed to manage bank failures in a way that protects financial stability and depositors while avoiding taxpayer-funded bailouts. A central pillar of the CMDI framework is the Minimum Requirement for Own Funds and Eligible Liabilities (MREL). This ensures that banks have enough loss-absorbing capacity to support resolution. However, in practice, many small and medium-sized banks struggle to meet MREL targets due to their reliance on deposits and limited access to capital markets. This “funding gap” has led national authorities to favour liquidation or state aid over resolution, undermining the CMDI framework’s effectiveness and creating potential financial stability risks. In April 2023, the European Commission proposed a significant overhaul of the EU’s CMDI framework.The Commission’s reform proposal sought to address these shortcomings by making resolution a more practical and consistent option - especially for smaller banks. At its core, the review aimed to bridge the funding gap by giving small and medium size banks access to industry-funding safety nets as an additional resolution-financing tool and reduce reliance on bail-ins of uninsured depositors. The CMDI review amends Directive 2014/59/EU (the Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive or ‘BRRD’), Regulation (EU) No 806/2014 (the Single Resolution Mechanism Regulation or ‘SRMR’) and Directive 2014/49/EU (the Deposit Guarantee Schemes Directive or ‘DGSD’). Bank crisis management and deposit insurance framework: Council agrees on its position (press release, 19 June 2024) Commission proposal to maintain current liquidity rules to strengthen EU financial markets, 18 April 2025 (European Commission) EU banking regulation (background information)

● European Council

25/06/2025 19:57 | Speech | Speech by President António Costa at the Gavi’s High-Level Pledging Summit 2025   First of all, I would like to thank Gavi for their work to promote health in the world, and to thank Gates Foundation for being co-host of this event today.  It is with great pleasure and a true sense of commitment that I am here today. A commitment to demonstrate the European Union’s role as a reliable partner to global health. Common goods demand common action. A commitment to health as a fundamental right. Leaving no one behind. Standing up for more social justice. More global stability. A commitment to effective international cooperation and multilateralism between international organizations, governments, donors, private sector and civil society. And a commitment to science and research as the only way to save millions of lives threatened by deadly diseases, endangered by obscurantism, negationism and populism. A healthier world is a safer world. A more equitable world is a more peaceful world. Investing into vaccines is one of the best investments in global peace we can make. Now is the time to expand our network of partners and donors. Because in health no one is safe until everyone is safe. This is why Gavi is pivotal in today’s circumstances. For preventing new diseases, for strengthening health systems, for reinforcing social cohesion and political stability around the world. Through Gavi, the European Union has helped immunize over one billion children and prevented more than 17 million future deaths. That’s multilateralism in action, a force for good in the world. Through Gavi, Team Europe is pledging over €2 billion between the European Union and member states combined. And our commitment will continue. We can go further. Gavi can always count on the European Union. For stability, peace, multilateralism and health security, making the next generation the most protected ever. Thanks to all of you, Gavi is one of the great success stories of our time. The world needs more such success stories, not less. The world needs more empathy and solidarity, not less.  Today’s summit sends this strong message to the world: together, we make the difference in people’s lives. As co-host of this Summit, I laud your strong commitment to this global cause. It is also the European Union’s cause.  Thank you. ● European Council   25/06/2025 18:39 | Media advisory | Media advisory - European Council meeting, 26-27 June 2025   Indicative programme All times are approximate and subject to change Thursday 26 June 09.30    Arrivals and doorsteps (live stream 1 / live stream 2) 11.00    Exchange of views with the President of the European Parliament TTBC    Exchange of views with the President of Ukraine via video conference 12.00    European Council working session - morning 13:15    European Council working lunch 15:45    European Council working session - afternoon 19:30    European Council working dinner TTBC    Press conference TTBC    National press briefings and departures At the end of the meeting (TTBC) - Press conference in the Justus Lipsius press room in live streaming. Should the European Council meeting continue on Friday 27 June, timings will be communicated through an updated media advisory. Access for the media Schuman renovation works around the Council premises will oblige to modify the usual summit accesses. The best is being done to minimize the impact of these roadworks on your way to the buildings tomorrow.  Please foresee enough time to collect your EUCO badge at the LEX building: Thursday 26 June: 07.45 - 18.00 Friday 27 June: 08.30 - 14.00 The access security checks will be slightly different, with two main access points through the works via LEX or via Schuman. The exact points are marked on the visual. Access to the Summit The scanner security checks will be carried out at the JL and EB entrance halls.  You are strongly suggested arriving before 09.00, when the security perimeter will be in place.  Please note that the Europa Building entrance will be closed during the arrival of the leaders (approximately 09.00-11.45). Videos and photos of the European Council meeting will be available in the Council Newsroom. Council Newsroom ● Council of the EU   24/06/2025 19:15 | Press release | Gas security of supply: Council and Parliament strike a deal to ensure enough reserves at affordable prices   The Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional deal on the proposal amending the gas storage regulation, which extends by two years member states’ existing obligations to have enough gas in storage before the winter season. The amendment aims to reduce the EU’s exposure to volatile prices linked to geopolitical instability after the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. The provisional agreement establishes a filing target of 90% and introduces additional flexibilities for member states to adapt to constantly evolving market conditions and to address possible market manipulations. “Today’s agreement represents a strategic victory for our energy sovereignty and European resilience to price manipulations on the gas market. By ensuring sufficient gas storage ahead of winter, we are not only protecting our citizens and businesses from price shocks and supply disruptions, but also sending a clear message that we will not be held hostage by external energy pressures.” — Marzena Czarnecka, Polish Minister of Industry Security of gas supply in changing conditions The agreement reached today would help member states to react swiftly to constantly changing conditions and to take advantage of the best purchasing conditions, while ensuring security of gas supply and the correct functioning of the internal market. In particular: The agreement keeps the existing binding target of 90% of gas storage but provides flexibility to reached it anytime between 1 October and 1 December instead of the current 1 November deadline. Council and Parliament agreed that intermediary storage targets are indicative, to give predictability of storage levels while leaving sufficient flexibility for market participants to purchase gas throughout the year when it is more convenient. Next steps The provisional agreement reached with the European Parliament now needs to be endorsed and formally adopted by both institutions. Background Thanks to the gas storage targets established in 2022, Europe’s energy security situation has improved since the energy crisis provoked by Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. These gas storage obligations are set to expire at the end of 2025. However, the continuing tight situation in the global gas market calls for an extension of these provisions beyond 2025. Gas storage facilities provide for 30% of the Union's gas consumption during the winter months. Moreover, well-filled underground gas storage facilities can help provide additional gas in the event of high demand or supply disruptions. Negotiating mandate for the amendment of the gas storage regulation Report on the functioning of the gas storage regulation Recommendation on the implementation of the gas storage filling targets in 2025 Council adopts regulation on gas storage (press release, 27 June 2022) Energy prices and security of supply (background information)   ● Council of the EU   24/06/2025 18:53 | Press release | Council backs new monitoring framework to boost the sustainable management of forests   Today the Council approved its position on a new EU-wide forest monitoring framework, which would make it possible to track progress towards achieving EU targets and policies, goals and instruments directly or indirectly affecting forests. The framework aims to enhance the sustainable management and resilience of forests across Europe. By creating a comprehensive forest knowledge base, it will offer better data and easier access to information promoting the sustainable management and the multiple functions of forests. “Forests are the green lungs of our planet – essential for our climate, our biodiversity and our sustainable growth and future. With the new forest monitoring framework, we are providing forest managers and owners with the tools they need to protect and manage this precious natural resource responsibly, balancing conservation and production goals, while avoiding unnecessary bureaucracy.” — Czesław Siekierski, Polish Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Main elements of the Commission proposal The Commission proposal is the main legislative initiative stemming from the EU forest strategy for 2030. The Commission, in cooperation with EU member states, would set up and operate a high-quality monitoring system to ensure harmonised forest data, building on the existing measurement systems of the member states. The proposal also introduces a forest data sharing framework, making it possible for data to be exchanged between member states and at EU level. Main changes introduced by the Council While supporting the need for harmonised and comparable forest data to improve resilience and biodiversity, the Council considers that the proposal should be significantly simplified to reduce administrative burdens and costs for both forest operators and national authorities. It has therefore introduced a series of changes in its general approach. A bottom-up approach to forest monitoring The Council's position introduces a bottom-up approach, whereby national monitoring would be the starting point for EU-level policy-making. The framework would build on the harmonisation of data already collected by the national forest inventories, and on the indicators currently used by member states to report under other EU legislation and international reporting systems. Only indicators with clear, proven value will be used, but member states can decide to voluntarily introduce new indicators. Remote sensing and mapping The Council voiced concerns about the accuracy and reliability of data obtained through remote sensing (collecting information on forests from satellites or drones). As a result, the Council agrees that mapping should remain the responsibility of individual member states, who are better placed to develop cost-effective and tailored solutions that best fit their own specificities and environments. The forest information collected by the member states will be made publicly available. The Council considers that this approach strikes the right balance between harmonising data and ensuring flexibility. Integrated long-term national forest plans The Council found the purpose of the proposed voluntary integrated long-term national forest plans unclear and that such plans should remain under the competence of member states. Therefore, the Council has decided to remove this provision. Forest units The Council is of the view that the concept of forest unit, proposed by the Commission, is difficult to define and it could lead to data protection issues, and might create uncertainties about how these units could change over time. Furthermore, only a few member states use it mainly for management purposes, making it difficult to rely on it in a bottom-up approach. Therefore, the Council has decided to remove the provisions related to forest units. Next steps The Council is now ready to begin negotiations with the European Parliament, once the latter reaches its own position. Background Forests are an essential ally in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss, and they are crucial for vibrant rural areas and the bioeconomy. In spite of steady growth in terms of area, forests are under increasing pressure posed by natural disasters, including fire, windthrow, and insect outbreaks which are likely to be aggravated by climate change. Information on the status of EU forests is fragmented and the data currently available has gaps and overlaps. Better data and access to information would improve forest governance and the ability of member states, foresters and forest managers to make informed decisions and contribute to the resilience of EU forests. Council general approach Commission proposal EU Ministers for Tourism Discussed in Warsaw: How to Make Europe a Safe and Sustainable Destination 24/06/2025 | Article EU Ministers for Tourism Discussed in Warsaw: How to Make Europe a Safe and Sustainable Destination In the face of new challenges and rapid change, European tourism policy is focusing on ensuring greater safety for travellers, supporting sustainable development, and enhancing the sector’s competitiveness. The latest informal meeting of EU ministers, held in Warsaw during the Polish presidency, has now concluded.

International ministerial meetings

26/06/2025 11:42 | Meetings | Agenda highlights - 23rd Accession Conference with Montenegro, 27 June 2025   The twenty third meeting of the Accession Conference with Montenegro will be held on 27 June 2025 in Brussels. The meeting will serve to provisionally close negotiations with Montenegro on Chapter 5 ‘Public procurement’. ● Eurogroup   26/06/2025 11:17 | Statements and remarks | Eurogroup President, Paschal Donohoe, welcomes agreement on a reformed EU crisis management framework   I warmly welcome the political agreement reached by the Council and the European Parliament on the reform of the EU’s Crisis Management and Deposit Insurance (CMDI) framework. This agreement delivers on a key commitment made in the Eurogroup statement of June 2022 on the future of the banking union - to strengthen the EU’s framework for managing bank crises and improve the use of deposit guarantee schemes in bank resolution. “This reform significantly enhances the EU’s ability to respond to bank failures in a proactive, credible, and efficient manner - protecting depositors and safeguarding financial stability. It reflects the Eurogroup’s consistent view that deepening the banking union is essential to strengthening the euro area’s resilience and competitiveness and to enhancing the international role of the euro.” — Paschal Donohoe, President of the Eurogroup This is a major milestone. The Eurogroup will, in due course, reflect on the next steps needed to further strengthen and complete the banking union. I want to thank my colleagues in the Council, the European Commission, and the European Parliament for the tireless work that made this agreement possible. Together, we are building a more stable, more resilient, and more competitive financial system for all Europeans. Bank resolution: Council and Parliament strike deal to strengthen the EU crisis management framework (press release, 25 June 2025) Eurogroup statement on the future of the Banking Union of 16 June 2022 ● European Council   26/06/2025 10:43 | Press release | World leaders recommit to immunisation amid global funding shortfall   The Global Summit: Health & Prosperity through Immunisation sees a record number of donors pledge towards Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, securing more than €7.7 billion towards a target budget of €10.2 billion for its next strategic period (2026-2030) Additional commitments were made, including an unprecedented €3.8 billion in complementary financing from development finance institutions in support of country systems and accelerated access to vaccines, cost savings of up to €170.6 million from manufacturers, and more than €127 million in private sector partnerships focused on immunisation delivery With some donors unable to pledge support at the Summit due to their domestic budgetary cycles, Gavi will continue to work with its donors to ensure its next strategic period is fully funded, as a shortfall will leave millions of children unvaccinated and increase health security risks Brussels, 25 June 2025 – Today, at the Global Summit: Health and Prosperity through Immunisation in Brussels, world leaders pledged support for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, leading to a total of more than €7.7 billion secured against a targeted €10.2 billion budget for its next five-year strategic period from 2026 to 2030 (Gavi 6.0). Additional donor commitments are expected in the coming months.  The Summit also resulted in €3.8 billion in complementary financing unlocked from development finance institutions, up to €170.6 million in cost savings for Gavi-supported programmes announced by vaccine manufacturers – alongside other innovation and supply commitments that will further boost equitable access to critical vaccines, and a range of private sector partnerships aimed at transforming immunisation systems in lower income countries – including a €34.1 million anchor commitment towards a new Innovation Scale-Up Fund. Today’s commitments bring Gavi a major step closer to securing the resources it needs for Gavi 6.0, in which it hopes to protect 500 million children from preventable disease, averting between 8-9 million future deaths, protecting the world from deadly outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, mpox and Ebola through its vaccine stockpiles and unlocking €85.3 billion in economic benefits for countries.  The Summit, co-hosted by the European Union, Gates Foundation, and Gavi, in partnership with Global Citizen, was attended by representatives of 55 donor and implementing countries – including 10 heads of state and government and 24 ministers – as well as leaders from multilateral institutions, civil society, private sector and vaccine industry. Co-hosts the European Union and the Gates Foundation reaffirmed their leadership in global health by making strong commitments to Gavi. The Gates Foundation announced a commitment of €1.4 billion, underscoring its enduring partnership in Gavi’s efforts to ensure child survival. The European Commission pledged €360 million, as part of a total pledge of more than €2 billion from Team Europe – which includes the EU and its Member States – collectively the largest donor to Gavi. At the Summit, the European Investment Bank (EIB) announced an extension of its €1 billion liquidity facility that can be accessed by any donor to facilitate their pledge, while Team Europe has already pledged nearly €800 million for Gavi’s African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA) to support local vaccine manufacturing.  Record number of donors In addition to the co-hosts, the Summit saw a record number of new donors step forward to support Gavi’s next strategic cycle (2026-2030). With some of Gavi’s existing donors unable to announce commitments due to a need to align pledging with their own domestic budgetary cycles, this broad base of support will provide critical momentum for Gavi as it continues to mobilise resources in pursuit of its €10.2 billion fundraising target. With Gavi’s implementing countries expected to invest a record €3.4 billion towards their immunisation programmes over the coming five years, the Summit had strong representation from leaders pledging support and political commitment towards Gavi’s model of sustainable co-financing and secure supply through a diversified manufacturing base, including increased manufacturing capacity in Africa. The Summit also saw enthusiastic engagement in discussions on reform of the global health architecture. Gavi, which is implementing its own transformative reform programme called the Gavi Leap, has offered to play a lead role in shaping a dialogue on how to evolve the current landscape so that it better serves countries, and to take proactive steps in forging closer collaboration with its partner agencies.  Call to action Leaders from all co-hosts of the Summit urged existing donors unable to pledge today as well as potential new donors to step forward to help Gavi reach its target of €10.2 billion. Failure to fully fund Gavi will have significant consequences on the health and well-being of children in lower-income countries, as well as on global health security. “Today’s summit is a powerful reminder that global health security is a shared responsibility. Immunisation is one of its strongest foundations. We have to ensure that every person, everywhere, has access to vaccines. The European Union is proud to stand at the forefront of this global effort, helping raise significant resources and forging innovative partnerships that will save lives, protect communities and promote prosperity. Through Gavi, we are investing not just in vaccines, but in the preparedness and resilience of health systems worldwide. Together with our partners, we are building a more secure and equitable global health architecture. The EU remains firm in its commitment to leaving no one behind.” — António Costa, President of the European Council “Investing in health is investing in our shared future. Our work with Gavi saves lives. For over 20 years, we have stood side by side, with the European Union contributing over €3.2 billion to vaccinate more than 1 billion children against deadly diseases. But millions still need this vital protection. Today, Team Europe is pledging more than €2 billion. The EU remains committed to this mission so that children across the world are safer, healthier and stronger. This is global solidarity in action.” — Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission “In a constrained budget environment, it’s even more important to focus aid funding on the investments that really work. And Gavi is exactly that. I don’t know of anything with a higher impact per dollar in terms of saving and improving lives. Gavi is one of the best investments I’ve ever made—and one of the best investments countries can make today in the world’s future.” — Bill Gates, chair of the Gates Foundation “Today is a good day for immunisation and a good day for global health. We have made impressive progress towards fully funding our next strategic period, secured vital access to finance for health systems investment and seen important progress that will shape vaccine markets and revolutionize last mile delivery. I want to thank all our donors and stakeholders that have stepped up to pledge towards a successful Gavi 2026-2030 period.” — José Manuel Barroso, Board Chair, Gavi “I have been humbled by the support shown to Gavi today. As Gavi enters a new strategic period, a period which will see radical change to the way we support countries and converge with our partners at the last mile, we can do so with the confidence that not only our donors, but Gavi countries, the private sector and all other stakeholders stand with us as we build a healthier, more prosperous future.” — Dr Sania Nishtar, CEO, Gavi For more information on the outcomes of the Global Summit, please check the full joint press release at the link below: Joint press release Gavi high-level pledging summit: health & prosperity through immunisation Child deaths will rise if funding for lifesaving vaccine program falters (Gates Foundation, press release, 24 June 2025) ● Eurogroup   26/06/2025 11:17 | Statements and remarks | Eurogroup President, Paschal Donohoe, welcomes agreement on a reformed EU crisis management framework   I warmly welcome the political agreement reached by the Council and the European Parliament on the reform of the EU’s Crisis Management and Deposit Insurance (CMDI) framework. This agreement delivers on a key commitment made in the Eurogroup statement of June 2022 on the future of the banking union - to strengthen the EU’s framework for managing bank crises and improve the use of deposit guarantee schemes in bank resolution. “This reform significantly enhances the EU’s ability to respond to bank failures in a proactive, credible, and efficient manner - protecting depositors and safeguarding financial stability. It reflects the Eurogroup’s consistent view that deepening the banking union is essential to strengthening the euro area’s resilience and competitiveness and to enhancing the international role of the euro.” — Paschal Donohoe, President of the Eurogroup This is a major milestone. The Eurogroup will, in due course, reflect on the next steps needed to further strengthen and complete the banking union. I want to thank my colleagues in the Council, the European Commission, and the European Parliament for the tireless work that made this agreement possible. Together, we are building a more stable, more resilient, and more competitive financial system for all Europeans. Bank resolution: Council and Parliament strike deal to strengthen the EU crisis management framework (press release, 25 June 2025) Eurogroup statement on the future of the Banking Union of 16 June 2022   ● Council of the EU   26/06/2025 12:27 | Press release | Co-legislators agree on upgrading river information services   Council and Parliament have found a political agreement on an update of a 2005 directive on river information services. This agreement sets an important step towards a better deployment and use of river information systems (RIS), ensuring a more efficient exchange of information between authorities, inland water transport operators and skippers. “Inland waterways are an essential part of the EU’s transport network. Thanks to the agreement on an update of the river information systems, we will take an important step towards improving the overall functioning and safety of our European transport system.” — Dariusz Klimczak, Minister of Infrastructure of Poland The directive on river information systems (RIS) aims at moving towards a more harmonised way of information exchange of geographical, hydrological and administrative data, data relevant to navigation, instructions in case of accidents, statistics, customs services, waterway charges and port dues for those active on or managing certain cross-border inland waterways such as canals, rivers and lakes or its ports. Today’s agreement strives towards reaching three objectives: ensuring further harmonised standards for RIS and its data availability facilitating the integration of inland water transport into a multimodal chain of transport modes ensuring the uptake of digital tools and their interoperability, while also keeping track of data protection To reach these objectives, the agreement: establishes a single digital platform to improve efficiency in inland water transport operations introduces requirements to share information not only with inland waterway transport users, but also with systems and applications of other modes of transport, to ensure for example harmonised ship reporting across the Union in maritime transport introduces a feedback mechanism to further improve moving towards the goals of the RIS directive updated requirements on privacy, security and the re-use of information. 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 With 13 EU member states and over 250 inland ports being connected by around 13.000km of inland waterways, transport over these waterways offers a significant alternative to transport via road or rail. To increase the safety, and efficiency of inland waterway transport, directive 2005/44/EC lays down a framework for the deployment and use of harmonised, interoperable, and open river information services (RIS). The directive sets out the general requirements for how RIS should be set up by the member states, the areas in which standards need to be developed and the principles to be followed. The Commission carried out an evaluation of the directive in 2021. The revision of the directive aims at addressing problems identified to the implementation of the directive. The proposal was submitted by the Commission on 31 January 2024 in the context of its regulatory fitness and performance programme (REFIT). It is based on the results of an impact assessment which was informed by an external support study. Revised directive on harmonised river information services (RIS), Council general approach, 18 June 2024 Revised directive on harmonized river information services (RIS), Commission proposal, 31 January 2024 ● General Secretariat of the Council   New books added to the Council Library's collection - June 2025   Discover our selection of books recently added to the Council Library collection.