COUNCIL OF THE EU,update

 

Press material Thursday, 03 July 2025     ● European Council   03/07/2025 19:24 | Speech | Speech by President António Costa at the opening ceremony of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union   The start of a new rotating presidency is a moment of renewed energy. Rotating Presidencies play an essential role in ensuring national ownership of the European Union. They serve as an excellent reminder that our Union is composed of 27 distinct national sensitivities, cultures, and interests. The moto of the Danish presidency is “A Strong Europe in a Changing World”. Under your leadership, dear Mette, I am confident that we will continue to make Europe more secure and more competitive, the two main priorities of the Danish semester.  Let me begin with security, because without it, all other ambitions falter. A Secure Europe is not a slogan. It is a duty. A duty to protect our citizens, uphold our values, and defend our future. NATO is indispensable. At the same time, the European Union is assuming greater responsibility in building a common European defence system that deters aggressions.  That is why we are working hard to achieve defense readiness by 2030. Boosting our capabilities, investing better collectively, more rationally and efficiently, combining different financial tools.  Denmark is a leader on European security. It is setting an example in its steadfast support for Ukraine. Militarily and financially, on reconstruction, and boosting the Ukrainian defense industry with direct procurement, under the so-called ‘Danish model’.  Together, we will continue to stand firmly by Ukraine. With long-term support and a clear path to European Union membership. Because enlargement is not a bureaucratic process, it is a strategic investment in peace, stability, and our shared European future. In fact, it is the EU’s best geopolitical investment. And I know we can count on the Danish Presidency to push forward the negotiations with Ukraine, and also Moldova, and the six Western Balkan countries.  The second pillar of your presidency is economic competitiveness. Both pillars reinforce each other. A more competitive Europe is a safer Europe; and a Europe with a more robust defence industry will be a more autonomous, innovative and technological Europe.  Indeed, we need a European Union that leads in innovation, delivers prosperity and good quality jobs, and attracts talent. Trade is a fundamental component of this effort. That is why the EU needs to continue its ambitious fair-trade agenda with partners all over the world.  The core of our economic strength, the EU’s economic superpower, is the single market. But it must be modernized and deepened. We need to simplify the rules that govern our businesses and cut red tape. We are doing that already and we need to redouble our efforts. Competitiveness and the green transition are two sides of the same coin. Actually, the green transition is Europe’s chance to lead. To create clean jobs, attract investment, and reinforce our energy security and our economic resilience. Denmark has a very strong record in these fields. We count on the Danish presidency to take this work forward, in preparation for a successful COP30 in Brazil, in November. In a nutshell: we need to invest in defense to ensure peace; we need a more competitive Europe to ensure prosperity for our citizens, leaving no one behind; and we need to fight climate change to preserve our existential security. All three of these priorities are interconnected. To deliver on all of them we must prepare a long-term budget that matches our ambitions. A budget that equips us to act decisively, together, as Europe, in a more volatile world.  Advancing the budget discussion will be a key task for the Danish Presidency, ahead of a Leaders’ discussion in December. This task will require skilful and creative negotiations. And who better than Denmark, global leaders in creative design, to take them forward? As the Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard once said, “life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards”. Today, as we look ahead, we must also learn from Europe’s past. A past that tells us that solidarity and cooperation is our greatest strength. A past that tells us that our common future depends on our determination. And I know, dear Mette, that determination is your middle name! In Aarhus, where democracy, climate leadership, and openness intersect, it is fitting to reaffirm our shared commitment: to a European Union that protects; to a European Union that prospers; to a European Union that leads. Together, with you Mette and with Ursula, I am sure we will be a Team Europe that delivers for our citizens.  Thank you and best wishes for a successful Danish Presidency. ● European Council   03/07/2025 17:30 | Statements and remarks | Remarks by President António Costa at the joint press conference following the meeting with Prime Minister Frederiksen, President von der Leyen and President Zelenskyy in Aarhus (Denmark)   It is a pleasure to be here in Aarhus, to launch the Danish presidency of the Council. Let me start by wishing you, Mette, all the best for this presidency. Denmark has shown unwavering support to Ukraine from day one. You personally have set an example for strong leadership in Europe and to the world.  As you rightly said, Ukraine’s fight for freedom is also our fight for freedom. First, the Russian invasion of Ukraine remains a major threat to global peace. Because this invasion is undermining the international rules based order. Because Russia is an intercontinental country, threatening not only Europe, but also the Pacific region, and because Russia is acting in coalition with countries like North Korea or Iran.  Second, a just and lasting peace is urgent for global security. I am deeply disappointed that Russia is not engaging with the efforts of President Trump to achieve a just and lasting peace. While President Zelenskyy has already agreed on an unconditional ceasefire, Russia not only hasn’t agreed, but even increased the intensity of their aggression to Ukraine.  From our part we will continue to give full support to Ukraine. Member states have committed an additional €24 billion of military support since the beginning of this year, and now the European Commission offered all member states more fiscal space to increase their support – and this support counts for the new NATO targets.  On the other hand, we will continue to put pressure on Russia through sanctions. Last week we prolonged all our sanctions for another six months and the 18th package of sanctions is underway. Finally, we are looking forward to our common future, with Ukraine as a full member of the European Union. I am very happy with the recent assessment of the European Commission about your impressive work to deliver on reforms in such a difficult situation and for sure we have reached the conditions to move forward with the ongoing negotiation process to the accession to the European Union.  Thank you.

● Council of the EU

03/07/2025 13:39 | Media advisory | Press briefing - Economic and Financial Affairs Council of 8 July 2025   The press briefing ahead of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council will take place on Monday, 7 July at 09.30. 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 at the Europa building press room. To attend the event remotely, please use this link to register and have the possibility to ask questions. Those who already registered for previous press events of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council do not need to do it again. Deadline for registration: Monday, 7 July 2025 at 08.30 Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants shortly after the deadline. ● Council of the EU   04/07/2025 15:27 | Media advisory | Media advisory – Eurogroup meeting of 7 July and Economic and Financial Affairs Council of 8 July 2025   Indicative programme All times are approximate and subject to change Monday 7 July - Eurogroup meeting Chaired by Paschal Donohoe, President of the Eurogroup 14.00 Arrivals (live streaming) +/- 14.45 (To be confirmed) Doorstep by Paschal Donohoe (live streaming) 15.00 In regular format Fiscal policy coordination – euro area fiscal stance Assessing the international role of the euro Euro area enlargement – Bulgaria Election of the President of the Eurogroup Miscellaneous 17.15 In inclusive format (roundtable): Digital euro Savings and investments union: follow-up to the Eurogroup statement on advancing the capital markets union and perspectives from the European Investment Bank At the end of the meeting (+/- 19.00) - Press conference with Eurogroup President, Paschal Donohoe, Commissioner for Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification, Valdis Dombrovskis and ESM Managing Director, Pierre Gramegna (live streaming). Videos and photos from the event Tuesday 8 July - Economic and Financial Affairs Council Chaired by Stephanie Lose, Danish Minister for Economic Affairs 08.00 Arrivals (live streaming) +/- 08.15 Doorstep by Stephanie Lose (live streaming) 09.00 Ecofin breakfast (roundtable) 10.00 Beginning of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council Adoption of the agenda Approval of "A" items: - non-legislative list - legislative list (public session) +/- 10.15 Single currency package (public session) +/- 11.15 Savings and investment union: review of the EU’s securitisation framework (public session) +/- 12.15 Any other business: - Current legislative proposals in the field of financial services (public session) +/- 12.30 Presidency work programme (public session) +/- 13.00 Economic and financial impact of Russia's war against Ukraine +/- 13.15 Recovery and Resilience Facility +/- 13.30 European Semester 2025: adoption of country-specific recommendations +/- 13.40 Implementation of the economic governance framework +/- 14.00 Preparation of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting of 17−18 July 2025 +/- 14.15 Adoption of the euro by Bulgaria At the end of the Council (+/- 15.00, Justus Lipsius main press room) - Press conference with Minister Stephanie Lose and Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis (live streaming) Following the Ecofin press conference, celebratory event following adoption of the final legal acts enabling Bulgaria to join the euro area with photo opportunity and speeches (live streaming, Europa building press room) Videos and photos from the event Meeting page - Eurogroup of 7 July 2025 Meeting page - Economic and Financial Affairs Council of 8 July ● Συμβούλιο της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης   04/07/2025 08:41 | Συνεδριάσεις | Κύρια σημεία της ημερήσιας διάταξης - Συμβούλιο Οικονομικών και Δημοσιονομικών Θεμάτων, 8 July 2025   Το Συμβούλιο αναμένεται να εκδώσει τις τελικές νομοθετικές πράξεις που ανοίγουν τον δρόμο ώστε η Βουλγαρία να αρχίσει να χρησιμοποιεί το ευρώ ως επίσημο νόμισμά της από την 1η Ιανουαρίου 2026. Θα κληθεί επίσης να ενεργοποιήσει την εθνική ρήτρα διαφυγής στο πλαίσιο του Συμφώνου Σταθερότητας και Ανάπτυξης (ΣΣΑ) σε αιτούντα κράτη μέλη ώστε να διευκολύνει τη μετάβασή τους σε υψηλότερες αμυντικές δαπάνες σε εθνικό επίπεδο, διασφαλίζοντας παράλληλα τη βιωσιμότητα του χρέους. Οι υπουργοί θα έχουν συζήτηση προσανατολισμού σχετικά με τη δέσμη μέτρων για το ενιαίο νόμισμα, όπου περιλαμβάνεται και η πρόταση για ψηφιακό ευρώ. Το Συμβούλιο αναμένεται επίσης να λάβει αποφάσεις και να κάνει συστάσεις στο πλαίσιο της διαδικασίας υπερβολικού ελλείμματος.   Ειδική σελίδα συνεδρίασης