COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,EUROGROUP,update

 

Launch of the Programme and Priorities for the Danish EU Presidency 2025 19/06/2025 | Article Launch of the Programme and Priorities for the Danish EU Presidency 2025 Security and competitiveness, including the green transition. These are some of the key words associated with Denmark’s priorities and programme for its upcoming EU Presidency.

End of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU: ‘Security, Europe’ Firmly Anchored in the EU Agenda 30/06/2025 | Press release End of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU: ‘Security, Europe’ Firmly Anchored in the EU Agenda Poland held the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2025, from 1 January to 30 June. This was Poland’s second Presidency - the first one, in 2011, aimed to introduce Poland to Europe. This time, the goal was to help shape Europe - and that goal was achieved. 'Security, Europe!' is now firmly embedded in the EU agenda. Press material Monday, 30 June 2025     ● Eurogroup   30/06/2025 18:11 | Press release | Eurogroup statement on the draft budgetary plan of Austria for 2025 and 2026   We welcome Austria’s submission of its draft budgetary plan (DBP) for 2025 and 2026 and of its medium-term fiscal structural plan on 13 May 2025, as well as the Commission Opinion on the DBP, published on 23 June 2025. On 23 June the Commission also proposed the opening of an Excessive Deficit Procedure, as Austria does not comply with the deficit criterion. We note that the general government deficit stood at 4.7% of GDP in 2024 and is expected to decline to 4.4% of GDP in 2025, based on the Commission Spring 2025 forecast. The Council is currently considering the Commission recommendation for a decision establishing the existence of an excessive deficit in Austria, the Commission recommendation setting a corrective path under the Excessive Deficit Procedure, as well as the Commission recommendation for the endorsement of Austria’s medium-term fiscal structural plan. We agree with the Commission assessment that Austria’s DBP for 2025 and 2026 is in line with the provisions of the Stability and Growth Pact, as the projected net expenditure growth rates in 2025 and over 2025 and 2026 are below the ceilings set in Austria’s medium-term fiscal structural plan, based on the Commission Spring forecast. The Eurogroup takes notes that, given the exceptionally early assessment of the budgetary plans for 2026, the Commission intends to revisit its assessment later in the year, in light of its Autumn 2025 forecast. We invite Austria to stand ready to take action as necessary and to deliver on its fiscal commitments. The Eurogroup will continue to closely monitor economic and fiscal developments regularly and reinforce its policy coordination. ● European Council   30/06/2025 17:03 | Media advisory | Press briefing - EU-Moldova summit of 4 July 2025   The press briefing ahead of the EU-Moldova summit of 4 July 2025 will take place on Wednesday 2 July 2025 at 16.15. This briefing will be "off the record". The press briefing will take place in a hybrid format: EU accredited journalists will be able to participate and ask questions either in person at the Europa building press room or remotely. To attend the event remotely, please use this form to register and have the possibility to ask questions. Deadline for registration: Wednesday, 2 July 2025 at 15.00 Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants shortly after the deadline.

● Council of the EU

30/06/2025 12:12 | Press release | Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine: Council extends economic restrictive measures for a further 6 months   The Council today renewed the EU restrictive measures in view of the Russian Federation’s continuing actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine for a further 6 months, until 31 January 2026. These economic measures, first introduced in 2014, were significantly expanded since February 2022 in response to Russia’s unprovoked, unjustified and illegal military aggression against Ukraine. They currently consist of a broad spectrum of sectoral measures, including restrictions on trade, finance, energy, technology and dual-use goods, industry, transport and luxury goods. They also cover: a ban on the import or transfer of seaborne crude oil and certain petroleum products from Russia to the EU, a de-SWIFTing of several Russian banks and the suspension of the broadcasting activities and licenses in the European Union of several Kremlin-backed disinformation outlets. Additionally, specific measures enable the EU to counter sanctions circumvention. As long as the illegal actions by the Russian Federation continue to violate fundamental rules of international law, including, in particular, the prohibition on the use of force, it is appropriate to maintain in force all the measures imposed by the EU and to take additional measures, if necessary. Background On 31 July 2014, the Council adopted Decision 2014/512/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia's actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine. In addition to the economic sanctions on the Russian Federation, the EU has in place different types of measures in response to Russia’s destabilising actions against Ukraine. These include: restrictions on economic relations with the illegally annexed Crimea and the city of Sevastopol as well as the non-government controlled areas of Ukraine in the oblasts of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia; individual restrictive measures (asset freezes and travel restrictions) on a broad range of individuals and entities, and diplomatic measures. Since 24 February 2022, the EU has adopted 17unprecedented and hard-hitting packages of sanctions in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In its conclusions of 19 December 2024, the European Council reiterated its resolute condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a manifest violation of the UN Charter, and reaffirmed its continued support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. The European Council also reconfirmed the EU’s unwavering commitment to providing continued political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes and as intensely as needed. Russia must not prevail. The European Council reaffirmed its support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law, in line with the key principles and objectives of Ukraine’s Peace Formula, and underlined the principle that no initiative regarding Ukraine be taken without Ukraine. To this end, the EU and its member states will maintain their intensive global outreach efforts and will participate in the discussions affecting Europe’s security. The European Union remains ready to step up pressure on Russia, including by adopting further sanctions. Consolidated text (21.05.2025): Council Decision 2014/512/CFSP of 31 July 2014 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia's actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine European Council conclusions, 19 December 2024 Russia's war against Ukraine (background information) ● Council of the EU   01/07/2025 09:45 | Press release | EU and OACPS reaffirm commitment to Global Sustainable Development for the FfD4   The EU and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) have issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to the United Nations 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the 4th UN Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4). The parties have called for a renewed and ambitious global financing framework to accelerate progress towards sustainable development in a statement approved today by the Council of the EU. Global financing needs In the joint statement, both parties emphasised the urgent need to close the global financing gap for achieving the SDGs through the effective use of all sources of financing—public and private, domestic and international. They stressed the importance of multilateralism, the rules-based international order, and a stable, fair, secure, inclusive, transparent and predictable global trading system, particularly in light of the current fragmented and uncertain geopolitical climate. Recognising the European Union’s longstanding leadership in development cooperation—as the world’s largest provider of Official Development Assistance (ODA)—the statement called for increased efforts to meet international ODA targets. It also emphasised the importance of mobilising private finance and using innovative financing instruments, such as green and blue bonds and public-private investment funds, as well as remittances and diaspora investment. Samoa Agreement The OACPS and EU underscored the relevance of the Samoa Agreement as the basis for their political partnership, founded on a shared commitment to multilateralism and to contribute to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. Future and ongoing reforms The parties reiterated the need for more effective, inclusive, coherent and efficient cooperation. They also advocated for the inclusion of new metrics such as the OACPS Multidimensional Vulnerability and Resilience Index (OMVRI) to better reflect countries' development realities beyond GDP. Debt management, domestic revenue mobilisation, and combating illicit financial flows were highlighted as critical areas for coordinated action. The joint statement expressed support for the ongoing reforms of the global financial architecture, including efforts to strengthen the role of developing countries within multilateral development banks and other international economic and financial institutions. The parties welcomed the progress made in the channelling of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) to vulnerable countries—led in large part by the EU and its Member States.  They recognise the support provided through the EU’s Global Gateway initiative and the Team Europe approach to sustainable investment across key sectors such as energy, digital infrastructure, health, education, and transport. The OACPS and the EU reaffirmed their commitment to fostering quality investment conditions, enhancing partnership dialogue, and promoting trade and investment agreements, standardisation and regulatory cooperation. They concluded by expressing their shared determination to continue working together to mobilise financing and deliver the SDGs by 2030. Background On 15 November 2023, the EU and its member states signed the Samoa Agreement which serves as an overarching legal framework for their relations for the next twenty years. It has been provisionally applied since 1 January 2024. The agreement covers a wide range of subjects such as sustainable development and growth, human rights and peace and security, as well as enhanced OACPS-EU cooperation in international fora.  Text of the declaration Samoa Agreement ● Council of the EU   Career opportunities at the General Secretariat, 01/07/2025   Director (AD14) for Council's Directorate DITEC.3 "CYBERSECURITY” Ref: CONS/AD/199/25 The closing day for applications is 23 July 2025, at 12:00, noon (Brussels time).

● Council of the EU

01/07/2025 09:45 | Press release | EU and OACPS reaffirm commitment to Global Sustainable Development for the FfD4   The EU and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) have issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to the United Nations 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the 4th UN Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4). The parties have called for a renewed and ambitious global financing framework to accelerate progress towards sustainable development in a statement approved today by the Council of the EU. Global financing needs In the joint statement, both parties emphasised the urgent need to close the global financing gap for achieving the SDGs through the effective use of all sources of financing—public and private, domestic and international. They stressed the importance of multilateralism, the rules-based international order, and a stable, fair, secure, inclusive, transparent and predictable global trading system, particularly in light of the current fragmented and uncertain geopolitical climate. Recognising the European Union’s longstanding leadership in development cooperation—as the world’s largest provider of Official Development Assistance (ODA)—the statement called for increased efforts to meet international ODA targets. It also emphasised the importance of mobilising private finance and using innovative financing instruments, such as green and blue bonds and public-private investment funds, as well as remittances and diaspora investment. Samoa Agreement The OACPS and EU underscored the relevance of the Samoa Agreement as the basis for their political partnership, founded on a shared commitment to multilateralism and to contribute to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. Future and ongoing reforms The parties reiterated the need for more effective, inclusive, coherent and efficient cooperation. They also advocated for the inclusion of new metrics such as the OACPS Multidimensional Vulnerability and Resilience Index (OMVRI) to better reflect countries' development realities beyond GDP. Debt management, domestic revenue mobilisation, and combating illicit financial flows were highlighted as critical areas for coordinated action. The joint statement expressed support for the ongoing reforms of the global financial architecture, including efforts to strengthen the role of developing countries within multilateral development banks and other international economic and financial institutions. The parties welcomed the progress made in the channelling of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) to vulnerable countries—led in large part by the EU and its Member States.  They recognise the support provided through the EU’s Global Gateway initiative and the Team Europe approach to sustainable investment across key sectors such as energy, digital infrastructure, health, education, and transport. The OACPS and the EU reaffirmed their commitment to fostering quality investment conditions, enhancing partnership dialogue, and promoting trade and investment agreements, standardisation and regulatory cooperation. They concluded by expressing their shared determination to continue working together to mobilise financing and deliver the SDGs by 2030. Background On 15 November 2023, the EU and its member states signed the Samoa Agreement which serves as an overarching legal framework for their relations for the next twenty years. It has been provisionally applied since 1 January 2024. The agreement covers a wide range of subjects such as sustainable development and growth, human rights and peace and security, as well as enhanced OACPS-EU cooperation in international fora.  Text of the declaration Samoa Agreement ● Eurogroup   01/07/2025 14:22 | Media advisory | Press briefing - Eurogroup meeting of 7 July 2025   The press briefing ahead of the Eurogroup meeting will take place on Thursday, 3 July at 14.00. 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: Thursday, 3 July at 13.00 Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants shortly after the deadline.   ● European Council   01/07/2025 13:38 | Speech | Speech by President António Costa at the Special Event ‘Implementing the Seville Platform for Action’ at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4)   I would like to thank Spain and the United Nations for their invitation and, above all, for launching the Seville Platform for Action. As of today, we need USD 4 billion a year to close the funding gap. Without this, we will not achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. In addition, uncontrolled debt is resulting in an impossible dilemma for more and more governments. 3.3 billion people live in countries that spend more on servicing debt than on education or health. This is unacceptable. With the Seville Commitment, we have established the way forward. Now is the time to follow that path. And the Seville Platform for Action is the starting point. With it, we must unleash the full potential of the commitments made, and facilitate new alliances between governments, financial institutions, the private sector and civil society. As I said this morning, the European Union and its Member States will rise to the occasion. We will not give up. We will not stop fighting for human dignity and for the planet. Together, in 2023, we contributed 42% of global development aid, a total of EUR 95 900 million. It is estimated that more than USD 300 000 million in debt has been restructured by the countries of the European Union in the Paris Club. And by 2027, we will mobilise up to EUR 300 000 million through our Global Gateway initiative for sustainable, inclusive and place-based investments. In fact, by 2023, we had already mobilised up to EUR 179 000 million with the Global Gateway. In this context, we will support various initiatives of the Seville Platform for Action, from the ‘Declaration on Domestic Resource Mobilisation’ to the ‘Renewed Global Health Ecosystem’. No one can face this challenge alone. It is not the task of just one, nor of a few. It requires the collective strength of courageous and committed partnerships. The European Union is ready to give its best, shoulder with shoulder with each of you. So, let’s get to work! We know that this is a formidable challenge and there lies a very long road ahead. But we are in Seville, the starting point of the first navigation around the world, the first circumnavigation by Magellan. And if Magellan achieved that, all those centuries ago, why should we not set out to achieve this now, this century, because we don’t have much time. Thank you very much.