COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Press material Monday, 22 September 2025

● Council of the EU   22/09/2025 13:14 | Press release | Sudan: EU extends sanctions regime by one year   The Council has agreed today to extend for another year the EU restrictive measures against those responsible for destabilising Sudan and obstructing its political transition. As a consequence, the sanctions regime in view of the situation in Sudan will remain in force until 10 October 2026, covering ten individuals and eight entities. Those listed are subject to an EU-wide travel ban, the freezing of assets, and a prohibition on making funds or economic resources available to them, either directly or indirectly. For the past two years, the war in Sudan has brutally impacted the lives of millions of civilians, with responsibility resting on the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), and their respective affiliated militias. Background In October 2023, the Council adopted a dedicated framework of restrictive measures in view of activities undermining the stability and political transition of Sudan. It then adopted successive sets of restrictive measures against individuals and entities belonging or affiliated to the SAF and the RSF in January, June and December 2024, and in July 2025. On 11 April 2025 the High Representative issued a statement on behalf of the EU, reiterating the EU’s strong appeal to the warring parties for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, and urging the belligerent parties to negotiate in good faith for a sustainable peace, where territorial integrity, unity and sovereignty are respected. On that occasion the EU stressed that, in close coordination with the international community, it would use its diplomatic tools and instruments, including restrictive measures, to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict and a lasting inter Sudanese inclusive political process reflecting the aspirations of the Sudanese people. Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/2135 of 9 October 2023 concerning restrictive measures in view of activities undermining the stability and political transition of Sudan (including a consolidated list of sanctioned individuals and entities dated 18 July 2025) Sudan: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union marking two years of war, 11 April 2025   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   22/09/2025 11:34 | Press release | Plastic pellets: Council signs off regulation to reduce pollution from microplastics   Today, the Council adopted the regulation on preventing the loss of plastic pellets into the environment, following a provisional agreement with the European Parliament. The new regulation aims to reduce microplastic pollution by strengthening controls and management of plastic pellets, a key industrial raw material, throughout the supply chain. Main elements of the regulation The new rules focus on the prevention of pellet losses, requiring companies to implement risk management plans that include measures for packaging, handling, staff, training and equipment. The regulation also establishes clear obligations for clean-up operations in the event of accidental losses. To ensure fairness and accountability, non-EU carriers will need to designate an authorised representative within the EU, and operators handling more than 1,500 tonnes of plastic pellets annually will be required to obtain certification from an independent third party. Smaller companies will benefit from simplified compliance measures, including self-declarations of conformity for microenterprises. In addition, the regulation introduces specific requirements for the maritime transport of plastic pellets, addressing packaging, transport and cargo information to prevent pellet losses at sea. Next steps This step concludes the adoption procedure within the Council. The European Parliament is expected to hold its final vote in October 2025. Following this, the new rules will enter into force 20 days after publication in the EU official journal. Apart from specific derogations and exemptions, the majority of provisions in the regulation will start applying from 2 years after entry into force. Background Plastic pellets are minuscule particles used for producing plastic materials. When lost in the environment during manufacturing or transport, these particles do not biodegrade but accumulate in the environment and animals, such as fish and shellfish, and can consequently be ingested by humans. They also contribute to marine, freshwater and soil pollution. Currently, an estimated 52 to 184 thousand tonnes of pellets are released into the environment annually due to mishandling throughout the entire supply chain. Plastic pellets rank as the third-largest source of unintentional microplastic releases, after paints and tyres. Regulation on preventing plastic pellet losses to reduce microplastic pollution A-item note for the adoption of the regulation Statements by member states Meeting voting results Plastic pellet losses: Council and Parliament agree on new rules to reduce microplastic pollution (press release, 8 April 2025) Tackling plastic waste (background information) Zero pollution action plan (European Commission)   Visit the website

● Council of the EU

22/09/2025 10:24 | Press release | Council greenlights improved rules to tackle non-sustainable fishing by third countries   The Council today formally adopted a set of updated rules to better tackle non-sustainable fishing practices allowed by non-EU countries in relation to stocks of common interest. The aim of the regulation is to safeguard the long-term sustainability of shared fish stocks, while also ensuring fair competition for European fishers and protecting EU fishing interests. Clearer rules leading to improved enforcement The revised regulation makes the rules for identifying countries that allow non-sustainable fishing practices clearer and more transparent, thus improving legal clarity. Non-EU countries will now have a better understanding of the circumstances under which their actions could lead to EU penalties, including import bans or restrictions of fish and fishery products. In particular, the updated regulation clarifies the notion of 'failure to cooperate' and provides a list of examples of non-cooperative behaviour. Improved cooperation The regulation also fosters cooperation with non-EU countries before and after the EU takes action to address non-sustainable fishing practices. It ensures a continued dialogue with the third country, as well as bilateral and multilateral cooperation, aiming to ensure that the country ceases to allow non-sustainable fishing. In line with the new rules, third countries will have 90 days to reply to a notification on the Commission's intention to identify it as non-cooperative. Next steps The amended regulation will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the EU official journal. Background  Regulation (EU) 1026/2012 sets out a framework for the EU to adopt measures against non-EU countries that allow non-sustainable fishing practices. These measures may include identifying a country as such, as well as imposing restrictions on imports of fish and fishery products from that country, as well as specific measures for certain vessels or fleets from the third country concerned. Text of the regulation Council and Parliament secure deal to better tackle non-sustainable fishing by third countries (press release, 3 June 2025) Tackling non-sustainable fishing practices allowed by non-EU countries: Council endorses negotiating mandate (press release, 11 December 2024)   Visit the website ● European Council   21/09/2025 22:49 | Press release | Joint communiqué - sixth trilateral meeting of the African Union, the European Union and the United Nations, New York, 21 September 2025   The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf; the President of the European Council, António Costa; the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen; and the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, met on 21 September 2025 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on the margins of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, along with senior officials of the Secretariats from the three organizations. The three organizations reiterated their support for multilateralism as the most effective way to address today’s challenges. They condemned the rising number of instances of lack of respect for international humanitarian law and human rights law. They discussed peace efforts in Africa, including the imperative to end the devastating war in the Sudan by intensifying collective support and coordination towards an inclusive political dialogue in view of an immediate cessation of hostilities and a sustainable solution the conflict. They also discussed measures to strengthen the fight against terrorist armed groups and to promote reconciliation and development in the Sahel. They affirmed their support for the United Nations roadmap to revive the political process in Libya and reiterated their commitment to address migration in line with international humanitarian and human rights standards, including through the African Union-European Union-United Nations Tripartite Task Force on the Situation of Migrants and Refugees in Libya. They expressed support to ongoing international and regional peace initiatives in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, in line with the communiqué adopted by the African Union Peace and Security Council during its 1261st meeting on 14 February 2025 and the United Nations Security Council resolution 2773 (2025). They reaffirmed their support for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, urging sustained and broadened donor contributions to ensure the mission’s effective mandate delivery. Moreover, they exchanged views on the ongoing reviews of peace operations aimed at addressing more efficiently emerging challenges in Africa and beyond. They welcomed efforts and called for further progress regarding the operationalization of Security Council resolution 2719 (2023) on predictable financing of AU-led peace support operations on a case-by-case basis. The three organizations reaffirmed their collective commitment to advancing durable peace and sustainable development in Africa, in line with the African Union Agenda 2063 and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They noted the deepening of the partnership between Africa and Europe, in line with their Joint Vision for 2030, and the upcoming Summit between the African Union and the European Union scheduled in November 2025 in Luanda, Angola. The three organizations underscored the importance of implementing the Sevilla Commitment to facilitate financing for development, catalyze investments and address the debt challenges of developing countries. They expressed concern over the climate-induced disruptions intensifying across the world, which are disproportionally affecting the most vulnerable populations, and called for ambitious commitments at the COP30 scheduled from 10 to 21 November 2025 in Brazil. Moreover, they commemorated the 25th anniversary of the adoption of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security, and committed to accelerating women’s leadership and full, equal, and meaningful participation in peacebuilding processes. The three organizations agreed to reconvene in 2026, on the margins of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.   Visit the website