COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Press material Friday, 18 July 2025

● Council of the EU   18/07/2025 13:01 | Press release | Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine: EU adopts 18th package of economic and individual measures   “The EU just approved one of its strongest sanctions packages against Russia to date. Each sanction weakens Russia's ability to wage war. The message is clear: Europe will not back down in its support for Ukraine. The EU will keep raising the pressure until Russia ends its war.” — Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and chair of the Foreign Affairs Council The Council adopted today a 18th package of economic and individual restrictive measures hitting hard on Russia’s energy, banking and military sectors, as well as trade with the EU, and ensuring accountability for Russia’s continued war of aggression against Ukraine. Furthermore, the Council complemented the package by agreeing further measures on Belarus. Today’s package includes economic and individual measures with a view to increasing pressure on Russia and to achieving a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. The Council has agreed on a significant set of 55 listings, consisting of 14 individuals and 41 entities responsible for actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, bringing the total number of individual listings to over 2 500. Energy With today’s package, the EU is curtailing Russia’s energy revenues through a number of different measures. The EU is lowering the price cap for crude oil from USD 60 to USD 47.6 per barrel, to align it with current global oil prices and is introducing an automatic and dynamic mechanism to modify the oil price cap and ensure that this price cap is effective. Oil exports still represent one third of the Russian government’s revenues. The EU is also imposing further sanctions across the shadow fleet value chain. An additional 105 vessels will be subject to a port access ban and a ban on the provision of a broad range of services related to maritime transport, bringing the total number of listed vessels to 444. This measure targets non-EU tankers that are part of Vladimir Putin’s shadow fleet circumventing the oil price cap mechanism, which support the energy sector of Russia or which transport military equipment for Russia or stolen Ukrainian grain. Full-fledged sanctions (asset freezes, travel bans, bans on providing resources) target Russian and international companies managing shadow fleet vessels, traders of Russian crude oil and a major customer of the shadow fleet – a refinery in India with Rosneft as its main shareholder. For the first time, The EU is also listing the captain of a shadow fleet vessel, as well as a private operator of an international flag registry. Lastly, one entity in the Russian LNG sector is also included in today’s listings. Furthermore, the EU is introducing an import ban on refined petroleum products made from Russian crude oil and coming from any third country – with the exception of Canada, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States – thereby preventing Russia’s crude oil from reaching the EU market through the back door. The EU is also imposing a full transaction ban on Nord Stream 1 and 2, including for the provision of goods or services, thus preventing the completion, maintenance, operation and any future use of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines. Lastly, the Council decided to end the exemption for oil imports from Russia to Czechia. Banking The EU is upgrading the existing prohibition on providing EU-based specialised financial messaging services to certain Russian banks to a full transaction ban. This will apply to 22 additional Russian banks, on top of the 23 banks already subject to the ban. The EU is lowering the threshold for sanctioning third-country financial and credit institutions and crypto-asset service providers that are frustrating sanction measures against Russia, supporting Russia’s war of aggression or are connected to the System for Transfer of Financial Messages (SPFS), the Russian alternative financial messaging service, developed by the Central Bank of Russia and used to shield Russian banks from the impact of EU sanctions. The EU is also expanding the transaction ban on third countries’ financial and credit institutions and crypto-asset service providers which, through their actions, frustrate EU sanctions or support Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The transaction ban on third-country operators that circumvent oil-related prohibitions has also been widened. Additionally, a ban is imposed a ban on carrying out any transaction with the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and its sub-funds and companies, and Council has have established an instrument to extend such a ban to certain companies in which the RDIF has invested and to entities providing investment services or other financial services to the RDIF itself. Such companies and financial institutions will be selected by the Council; four Russian entities in which the RDIF has invested are already listed. This measure further limits Russia’s access to global financial markets and foreign currency. Lastly, the Council is putting in place a new ban on selling, supplying, transferring and exporting software management systems and software with certain uses in the banking and financial sector. Military industry With a view to curbing Russia’s military capabilities, the Council is imposing further full-fledged sanctions on suppliers of the Russian military industrial complex, including three entities based in China that sell goods used on the battlefield. These measures aim to further constrain Russia’s access to goods and technologies. Additionally, the package covers eight companies operating in the Belarusian military-industrial complex, which is supporting Russia’s war efforts. 26 new entities will be subject to tighter export restrictions concerning dual-use goods and technologies, including those that could contribute to the technological enhancement of Russia’s defence and security sector. Eleven of these entities are located in third countries other than Russia (seven in China and Hong Kong, and four in Türkiye),and have been involved in circumventing export restrictions, including for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Additionally, the EU has agreed further export bans worth more than €2.5 billion. The list of restricted items contributing to the technological enhancement of Russia’s defence and security sector will now include items for the development and production of Russia’s military systems such as computer numerical control (CNC) machines and constituent chemicals for propellants. Furthermore, the existing transit ban via the territory of Russia is expanded to cover selected economically critical goods used for construction and transport. Accountability The Council is imposing sanctions on another individual actively involved in Russia’s “military education” of Ukrainian children. This brings the total number of listings in relation to the deportation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children to over 90. The package also lists several Russian proxies in occupied territories, including a person responsible for manipulating Ukrainian cultural heritage, another leading Russian businessperson and a prominent Russian propagandist. Belarus In addition to the eight new listings related to the Belarusian military complex, today’s package also further mirrors the measures imposed on Belarus’ trade with those imposed on Russia. Furthermore, the ban on specialised financial messaging services is upgraded to a full transaction ban and an embargo on imports of arms from Belarus is introduced. Other The EU is also introducing measures to protect member states from illegitimate Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) arbitration proceedings launched by Russian companies and individuals, including oligarchs and their proxies (i.e. damages recovery provision to be taken by member states, tailored non-recognition provision in the EU for those arbitration proceedings and an obligation on member states to act in BIT proceedings). The relevant legal acts will soon be published in the Official Journal of the EU. Background 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 can be taken without Ukraine. To this end, the EU and its member states will maintain their intensive global outreach efforts and will participate in discussions affecting Europe’s security. The European Union remains ready to step up pressure on Russia, including by adopting further sanctions.   European Council conclusions, 19 December 2024 Russia's war against Ukraine (background information) Timeline - Packages of sanctions against Russia since February 2022 (background information)   Visit the website

● European Council

18/07/2025 12:14 | Press release | President Costa to travel to Japan and China for high-level Summits   The President of the European Council, António Costa, will travel to Japan and China, together with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to represent the EU in the EU-Japan Summit on 23 July and EU-China Summit on 24 July. EU-Japan summit – 23 July The two Presidents will meet Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Tokyo, for a Summit focused on further strengthening EU-Japan relations, particularly in the areas of security and defence, trade and economic resilience, as well as support for multilateralism and the rules-based international order. “Japan is our closest strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region. In today’s volatile international environment, this partnership matters more than ever. This Summit is about deepening our cooperation even further, across different fronts.” — António Costa, President of the European Council Ahead of the EU-Japan Summit, President Costa will visit the Expo 2025 in Osaka, including the EU Pavilion. The Pavilion, themed “Nurturing Tomorrow”, showcases European actions related to sustainability, connectivity, inclusivity, and security. During his travel to Japan, President Costa is also expected to visit Hitachi, a major Japanese group developing advanced industrial equipment and precision machinery with extensive operations in Europe, as well as the Tokyo Disaster Prevention Centre. Meeting page - EU-Japan summit, 23 July 2025 EU-China summit – 24 July President Costa and President von der Leyen will attend the EU-China Summit, taking place in Beijing on 24 July and marking the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations. They will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss EU-China relations and current geopolitical challenges, including Russia’s war in Ukraine. They will also meet Chinese Premier Li Qiang, to cover in more detail the trade and economic aspects of the relationship. “This Summit is an opportunity to engage with China at the highest level and have frank, constructive discussions on issues that matter to both of us. We want dialogue, real engagement and concrete progress. We aim for a fair, balanced relationship that delivers for both sides.” — António Costa, President of the European Council Meeting page - EU-China summit, 24 July 2025 Media opportunities Press statements by Prime Minister Ishiba, President Costa and President von der Leyen are expected on 23 July at 18:00 (11:00 Brussels time) to report on the outcomes of the EU-Japan Summit. President Costa and President von der Leyen will hold a joint press conference on 24 July at 20:00 (14:00 Brussels time) to report on the outcomes of the EU-China Summit. Both press moments will be live-streamed on EbS. EBS - European Broadcasting Service Photos and video will be available on the Council newsroom. Council newsroom   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   18/07/2025 11:15 | Press release | Border management: Council gives green light to progressive start of Entry/Exit system   Today, the Council adopted an EU law that will make it possible to start the new Entry/Exit digital border management system (EES) in a gradual way over a period of six months. The EES will improve the effectiveness and efficiency of controls at the EU’s external borders. The new system will digitally record entries and exits, data from the passport, fingerprints, and facial images of non-EU nationals travelling for short stays in an EU member state. “Strong protection of our external borders is vital for the European Union. The new Entry-Exit system will help us ensuring that non-EU nationals travelling to Europe comply with our rules. That will make our borders safer and border checks more efficient.” — Kaare Dybvad Bek, Minister for Immigration and Integration Thanks to this system, relevant authorities ranging from border guards to law enforcement bodies will have access to data enabling to verify the third-country nationals’ identity and information on whether they comply with the authorised period of stay in the Schengen area. As a result, the EES will significantly reduce the likelihood of identity fraud and overstay. Main features of the new law: The new rules enable those member states who wish to implement the EES gradually over a 180 days period to do so, while making it possible for others to start operating the system fully from day one. EU countries should all reach full registration, including biometric data, of all individuals in the EES by the end of the six months period. Until the end of the transition period, member states will also continue to manually stamp travel documents. Member states may fully or partially suspend operating the EES at certain border crossing in exceptional circumstances (for instance when traffic intensity would lead to very high waiting times). Next steps The regulation enters into force on the third day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the EU. The EES will start operating progressively at a date to be determined by the European Commission. Background The EES Regulation, adopted in 2017, required all member states to start using the EES fully and simultaneously. To ensure a smooth launch of the EES and facilitate its timely roll-out in all member states – and because of concerns that a full start of the system could constitute a risk factor for the resilience of the IT system – the Commission proposed a gradual start. A new regulation was necessary to make such progressive start possible. IT systems to fight crime and secure EU borders (background information) Border management: Council and EP strike agreement about progressive launch of Entry/Exit system (press release), 19 May 2025   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   18/07/2025 10:34 | Press release | VAT: Council formally adopts new rules simplifying tax collection for imports   The Council today formally adopted new value added tax (VAT) rules for distance sales of imported goods. The directive will improve collection of VAT on imported goods by ensuring suppliers are always liable for VAT paid on imports, rather than the EU consumer as is currently usual practice. This should encourage suppliers outside the EU to use the VAT import one-stop-shop (IOSS) for VAT reporting and collection. Import one-stop-shop (IOSS) The already-existing IOSS serves as a point of contact for importers of goods from third countries into the EU. It simplifies VAT declaration and payment when importing goods into the EU, since it is only necessary to register in one member state even when making sales throughout the EU. Non-EU traders or platforms will now be made liable for VAT on imported goods, paid in the member state of final destination of the goods. This will encourage use of the IOSS for VAT, as foreign traders or platforms that do not use the system otherwise need to register in each EU member state in which they sell goods. As the IOSS enables VAT payments up front when the consumer purchases the item, rather than at the border, it protects member states’ tax revenues and increases VAT compliance for imports. It also shifts the burden for VAT collection from customers to platforms. Next steps The directive will now be published in the Official Journal of the EU and will enter into force twenty days later. The rules will apply from 1 July 2028. Background The new rules take the form of a directive which amends directive 2006/112/EC, known as the VAT directive. VAT is a consumption tax that applies to most goods and services. It is classified as an indirect tax, meaning that while it is paid by consumers, it is collected and remitted to the tax authorities by businesses. Businesses also pay this tax on their own purchases, but they can deduct it from the VAT they pay to the tax authorities. Council directive on VAT on distance sales of imported goods and import VAT Value added tax (VAT) in the EU (background information) VAT rules: Council agrees position on directive simplifying tax collection for imports (press release, 13 May 2025)   Visit the website

● Council of the EU

18/07/2025 09:58 | Press release | Simplification: Council adopts law to ‘stop-the-clock’ on due diligence rules for batteries   The Council adopted today a new law to ease EU rules and thus boost EU competitiveness in the field of batteries. The main goal is to postpone by two years, until 18 August 2027, the date of application of relevant due diligence obligations to give batteries producers and exporters more time to prepare. The new regulation is part of the so-called ‘Omnibus IV’ package. Omnibus packages are part of the EU’s broader effort to support industrial competitiveness by reducing regulatory complexity. As part of the EU’s battery regulation, adopted in 2023, battery producers are obliged to put in place due diligence policies, have them verified and periodically audited by a third-party verification body and publicly report on their due diligence practices to prevent or reduce batteries’ adverse impacts on the environment, including their waste management. The new law provides additional time to battery makers and exporters to comply with these new environmental due diligence rules. The postponement will also offer more time for the setting up of third-party verification bodies since several problems have been identified with their authorisation process. In addition, the Commission will be required to publish due diligence guidelines one year before the obligations take effect to give timely guidance to businesses and help ensure a smoother implementation of the new rules.   Next steps The legislative act will be published in the EU’s Official Journal in the coming days and enter into force the day after this publication. 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 20 March 2025, EU 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. The “Omnibus IV” package also contains proposals for a directive and for a regulation on mid-caps, a simplification of certain data protection obligations for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and small mid-caps (SMCs), and proposals for a directive and a regulation regarding the digitalisation and alignment of common specifications amending 20 pieces of EU product legislation under single market rules. Regulation amending Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 as regards battery due diligence policies (Omnibus IV), 18 July 2025 Regulation as regards obligations of economic operators concerning battery due diligence policies, Outcome of the European Parliament’s first reading (Strasbourg, 7 to 10 July 2025) Regulation on obligations of economic operations concerning battery due diligence policies, Council mandate, 18 June 2025 Regulation on obligations of economic operations concerning battery due diligence policies, Commission proposal, 21 May 2025   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   18/07/2025 09:52 | Press release | Gas storage: Council greenlights 2-year extension of reserves filling rules to safeguard winter supply   Today, the Council adopted proposed changes to the gas storage regulation, extending the current requirement for member states to maintain sufficient gas reserves before the winter season by an additional two years. The objective of this measure is to mitigate the EU's vulnerability to price fluctuations owing to geopolitical tensions, particularly in the light of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, while at the same time striking a balance between energy security and the return to market-based principles. Main elements of the legislation The amendment to the regulation maintains the storage target of 90% and introduces additional flexibility for member states to adjust to ever-evolving market conditions and combat potential market manipulation. It will enable member states to react faster to changing market conditions and get better deals when buying gas, while maintaining security of supply. Specifically: the existing binding target of 90% for gas storage is maintained, but with flexibility in meeting it anytime between 1 October and 1 December, replacing the current hard deadline of 1 November a 10% flexibility is introduced in case of difficult conditions in filling the storages. Additionally, through a delegated act, the European Commission may increase the flexibility towards the filling target by up to an additional 5% in case of persistent unfavourable market conditions intermediate storage targets will become indicative, offering predictability in storage levels while allowing market participants to purchase gas throughout the year when conditions are most advantageous Next steps Today’s vote by the Council closes the adoption procedure. The regulation will enter into force the day after its publication in the EU’s Official Journal.   Read more ● Council of the EU   18/07/2025 09:14 | Media advisory | Technical briefing on the agreement reached by the EU and Israel to improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip   The technical briefing on the agreement reached by the EU and Israel on 10 July to improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip will take place on Friday, 18 July 2025 at 10.00. This press briefing will be in hybrid format and be 'off the record' and will be given by a senior EEAS official.  EU accredited journalists will be able to participate and ask questions online or in person at the Europa building press room.   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   17/07/2025 18:09 | Media advisory | Media advisory - General Affairs Council of 18 July 2025   Indicative programme All times are approximate and subject to change Place: Europa building, Brussels Chair: Marie Bjerre, Danish minister for European Union Affairs from 09.00 Arrivals (live streaming) +/- 09.00 Doorstep by Marie Bjerre (live streaming) +/- 09.30 Beginning of the General Affairs Council Adoption of the agenda Approval of "A" items: Non-legislative list Legislative list (public session) - Council Regulation amending Regulation No 1 determining the languages to be used by the European Economic Community +/ 10.30 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) post-2027 (public session) - Any other business Handling of the simplification agenda during the Danish Presidency At the end of the meeting (+/- 13.15) press conference in live streaming from Justus Lipsius press room. Videos and photos from the event     Visit the website ● European Council   16/07/2025 17:42 | Media advisory | Press briefings ahead of EU-Japan summit and EU-China summit   The press briefings ahead of the following summits will take place on Friday 18 July 2025: EU-Japan summit at 11.00 (CEST) EU-China summit at 11.30 (CEST) These briefings will be "off the record". The press briefings 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 events remotely, please use this form to register and have the possibility to ask questions. Deadline for registration: Friday, 18 July 2025 at 10.00 (CEST) Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants shortly after the deadline.   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   16/07/2025 12:47 | Media advisory | Press briefing - General Affairs Council of 18 July 2025   The press briefing ahead of the General Affairs Council will take place on Thursday, 17 July 2025 at 15.00 in the Europa building press room. 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 remotely or in person. 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 General Affairs Council do not need to do it again. Deadline for registration: Thursday, 17 July 2025 at 14.00 Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants shortly after the deadline.   Visit the website ● General Secretariat of the Council   Redlines and partnerships : insights from the EUISS Chaillot Paper, 'Unpowering Russia'   How can the EU move beyond deterrence to actively counter Russian influence? At a recent Council Library event,  European Union Institute for Security Studies (EUISS) analysts Lizza Bomassi and Giuseppe Spatafora shared insights from their latest Chaillot Paper, ‘Unpowering Russia’.   Read full post