COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,UPDATE

 

Press material Monday, 29 September 2025

● Council of the EU   29/09/2025 10:03 | Press release | Council adopts new rules for healthier and more resilient European soils   The Council today formally adopted the soil monitoring directive, establishing the first-ever EU-wide framework for assessing and monitoring soils, with the overarching aspirational goal of achieving healthy soils across Europe by 2050. This directive is a key step towards healthier and more resilient soils, which are vital for food security, clean water and the environment. Main elements of the directive The new rules will help improve soil resilience, ensure better management of contaminated sites and introduce land-take mitigation principles, with a focus on soil sealing (the covering of soil with impermeable material such as concrete or asphalt) and soil removal (the removal of topsoil during activities such as construction). Under the directive, member states will set up monitoring systems to assess the physical, chemical and biological condition of soils on their territory, based on a common EU methodology. They will regularly report to the Commission and the European Environment Agency on the state of soil health, land take and contaminated sites, ensuring that there is comparable data across the EU and that coordinated action can be taken to tackle soil degradation. Steps will also be taken towards monitoring emerging contaminants such as PFAS, pesticides and microplastics. The directive defines common soil descriptors and introduces classes to describe soil health, linked to non-binding EU-level target values and national trigger values. These will help member states identify priorities and gradually implement measures leading to healthier soils. The Commission will assist member states by developing common tools and methodologies and by facilitating the exchange of best practices. Next steps This step concludes the adoption procedure in the Council. The European Parliament is expected to hold its final vote in the coming weeks. Member states will have three years after entry into force to transpose the new rules into national law. Background Healthy soils are crucial to reaching the EU’s climate neutrality goals and contribute to stopping desertification and land degradation and to preserving biodiversity and human health. However, according to available data, over 60% of European soils are in an unhealthy condition, and research shows that they are degrading further. Soil degradation is being exacerbated by unsustainable management of the land, contamination and overexploitation, along with the effects of climate change and extreme weather events. While many pieces of EU legislation and policy instruments are relevant to soil protection, soil lacks the kind of dedicated legislative framework at EU level that other key ecosystems (water, air, marine environment) have in place. In November 2021, as part of the EU biodiversity strategy for 2030, the Commission adopted a new EU soil strategy, with the overarching goal that all soils across the EU should be in good condition by 2050. The strategy also identifies the lack of dedicated EU legislation as a major cause of soil degradation. To address this, the Commission proposed the soil monitoring law in July 2023. Directive on soil monitoring and resilience A-item note Statement of the Council’s reasons Statements by member states Meeting voting results Soil monitoring law: Council reaches deal with Parliament (press release, 10 April 2025) Why keeping soils healthy matters (background information) How nature helps fight climate change (background information) Soil strategy for 2030 (European Commission)   Visit the website

● Council of the EU

29/09/2025 09:58 | Press release | Iran sanctions snapback: Council reimposes restrictive measures   Today, the Council agreed to reimpose a number of restrictive measures in relation to Iran's nuclear proliferation activities, that had then been suspended with the entry into force of the Joint Plan of Action (JCPoA or Iran nuclear deal) in 2015. The decision was taken after the reintroduction of the UN sanctions, following of the UN Security Council’s decision not to extend the lifting of sanctions on Iran. This occurred after the E3 (France, Germany and the United Kingdom)  invoked the “snapback” mechanism foreseen in the JCPoA. The measures reintroduced today include both those adopted by the UN Security Council since 2006 with successive UNSC resolutions and automatically transposed into EU law, and EU autonomous measures. They concern: travel bans for individuals, asset freezes for individuals and entities and, in line with this, the prohibition on making funds or economic resources available to those listed economic and financial sanctions, covering the trade, financial and transport sectors. Trade In addition to the arms export ban to Iran and the ban on transfer of any items, materials, good and technology that could contribute to Iran’s enrichment-related and reprocessing activities and ballistic missile programmes, the measures also include bans on: imports purchase and transport of crude oil, natural gas, petrochemical and petroleum products and related services the sale or supply of key equipment used in the energy sector the sale or supply of gold, other precious metals and diamonds certain naval equipment a ban on certain software Financial sector The EU is reimposing the freezing of assets of the Central Bank of Iran and of major Iranian commercial banks. Transport sector Lastly the EU is reinstating measures to prevent access to EU airports of Iranian cargo flights, and to prohibit the maintenance and service of Iranian cargo aircraft or vessels carrying prohibited materials or goods. Background On 14 July 2015, the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States) plus Germany, supported by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, reached an agreement with Iran on a long-term comprehensive solution to the Iranian nuclear issue. The plan set out a series of successive steps to ensure that Iran's nuclear programme would exist exclusively for civilian and peaceful purposes. The UNSC consequently adopted resolution 2231(2015) endorsing the JCPoA in July 2015. The resolution also defined the schedule and commitments to be undertaken by all parties to lead to the termination of sanction against Iran on 16 January 2016 (implementation day). In October 2015 the Council adopted declaration 2015/C 345/01 lifting all EU nuclear-related sanctions in accordance with the JCPoA and stressing that the EU would reintroduce sanctions in case of significant non-performance by Iran of its commitments under the agreement, upon joint recommendation to the Council by the High Representative and the E3. On 28 August 2025, the E3 notified to the UN Security Council their assessment that Iran was in significant non-performance of its commitments under the JCPoA, therefore triggering the “snapback” process providing for the re-introduction of UN sanctions, after a 30-day period. On August 29, the High Representative, France and Germany sent a joint recommendation to the Council calling for the reintroduction of all EU nuclear-related sanctions that had been suspended or terminated (2015/C 345/01 of 18 October 2015). In absence of a new resolution from the UN Security Council regarding the prevention of the ‘snapback’ of UN sanctions on Iran on September 17, 2025, the sanctions regime is re-imposed. Iran’s nuclear agreement (background information) Timeline - Sanctions targeting Iran's nuclear proliferation activities (background information) Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (EEAS website) UN Resolution 2331 on Iran nuclear issue (20/07/2015)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   29/09/2025 10:59 | Press release | Better EU data on population and housing: Council greenlights new rules   New rules adopted by the Council today will ensure that statistics collected on population and housing at EU level are complete, coherent and comparable. The aim of the regulation adopted today is to improve the overall quality of population and housing statistics by introducing a harmonised definition of the term ‘population’, providing for easier access to data sources, and streamlining and improving statistical production in this regard. The rules establish a common legal framework for the development of European statistics on population and housing in order to: ensure complete, coherent and comparable statistics provided in a timely manner improve quality of population data, acknowledging the challenges faced by member states be flexible enough to adapt to changing policy needs and to the use of new sources avoid unnecessary burden on national statistical authorities through gradual implementation of changes Background European statistics on population and housing are necessary for the design, implementation and evaluation of EU policies, including economic and social planning, cohesion policy, and the green and digital transitions. They are also essential for administrative purposes and determining qualified majority voting in the Council. On 20 January 2023, the Commission submitted a proposal for a regulation to address the need for timelier, more frequent and more detailed European statistics on population and housing, particularly in view of the evolving demographic situation and recent migration trends, climate change and the digital transformation. Following negotiations, the Council reached an agreement with the European Parliament on 13 May 2025. Next steps The regulation now needs to be adopted by the European Parliament. It will then enter into force upon publication in the EU’s Official Journal. Text of the regulation   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   29/09/2025 10:38 | Press release | CBAM: Council signs off simplification to the EU carbon leakage instrument   The Council today adopted a regulation that simplifies and strengthens the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), as part of the so-called ‘Omnibus I’ legislative package. The regulation seeks to provide simplification and cost-efficient compliance improvements to the CBAM. The main aim is to reduce the regulatory and administrative burden, as well as compliance costs for EU companies, especially SMEs. The climate ambition behind the CBAM remains unchanged, as about 99% of embedded emissions in the imported CBAM goods will remain covered. “If we want to succeed with the green transition and boost Europe’s competitiveness at the same time, we must reduce unnecessary burdens. That’s exactly what this instrument delivers – making life easier for European businesses while maintaining our climate ambitions.” — Marie Bjerre, Minister for European affairs of Denmark Main elements of the regulation Replacing the current threshold exempting from CBAM goods of negligible value, the amendments set a new ‘de minimis’ mass threshold whereby imports up to 50 tonnes per importer per year will not be subject to CBAM rules. The measure is expected to exempt from CBAM mainly SMEs and individuals, which import small or negligible quantities of goods covered by the CBAM regulation. Another important modification is that the amended regulation will also permit to avoid any disruptions for importers in the beginning of 2026, while they await CBAM registration: imports of CBAM goods will be allowed under several conditions, pending CBAM registration of the importer. Furthermore, the amended regulation contains several other simplification measures for all importers of CBAM goods regarding, for instance: the authorisation procedure, the data collection processes, the calculation of emissions, verification rules, and the financial liability calculation of authorised CBAM declarants. Finally, the amended regulation contains adjustments of provisions on penalties and on the rules regarding indirect customs representatives. Next steps The legislative act will be published in the EU’s official journal in the coming days and will come into force on the third day following that of 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 26 February 2025, as a follow-up to EU leaders’ call, the Commission put forward two ‘Omnibus’ packages, aiming to simplify existing legislation in the fields of sustainability and investment, respectively. Regulation amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards simplifying and strengthening the carbon border adjustment mechanism, 29 September 2025 Regulation on simplifying and strengthening the carbon border adjustment mechanism, Council press release, 18 June 2025 Regulation amending regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards simplifying and strengthening the carbon adjustment mechanism, Commission proposal, 26 February 2025   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   29/09/2025 13:02 | Press release | Nicaragua: Council extends restrictive measures for another year   Today, the Council prolonged its restrictive measures in view of the situation in Nicaragua by another year, until 15 October 2026. The restrictive measures that are currently in place apply to 21 persons and 3 entities in total. Those listed are subject to an asset freeze and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to them. Natural persons also face a travel ban, that prohibits them from entering or transiting through EU territories. The EU reiterates its call for fundamental freedoms to be restored in Nicaragua, the release of all remaining political prisoners, and the return of international human rights organisations. The EU also stresses the need to put an end to restrictions on civic space, to respect the right to dissent, and to terminate with all sorts of repression, both in Nicaragua and abroad. The EU also invites Nicaragua to resume cooperation with UN and other key international instances, including the Human Rights Council. The EU reiterates its support of the Nicaraguan people and their commitment to defend democracy, the rule of law and human rights. The current political crisis in Nicaragua should be resolved through genuine dialogue between the government and the opposition. Background The sanctions framework was first introduced in October 2019. It addresses the ongoing deterioration of human rights, democracy and rule of law in Nicaragua, after the Council had repeatedly expressed concerns about the developments in the country. EU member states review the restrictive measures in place on an annual basis. Consolidated text dated 10 October 2024: Council Decision (CFSP) 2019/1720 of 14 October 2019 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Nicaragua Nicaragua: Council extends restrictive measures for a further year (press release, 8 October 2024) EU Delegation to Nicaragua   Visit the website ● European Council   29/09/2025 14:38 | Speech | Speech by President António Costa at the New Economy Forum   [Check against delivery in Spanish] It is a great honour for me to receive this award from such an important institution of a sibling country such as Spain.  In preparing this speech I was transported into the past, to my childhood, to my school classes, when the history of Portugal was summed up in two ideas: First, Portugal was a great imperial nation thanks to the immense Lusitanian genius that enabled us to discover the world. And second, the Portuguese heroism that had enabled us to resist the devil. To resist our great enemy: Spain. The conquest of democracy not only freed us from a backward country that was trapped in an endless colonial war. It also freed us from this nationalist narrative that kept us with our back to Spain and isolated us from Europe and the world. It is difficult for our children and grandchildren to imagine the reality we lived through 50 years ago. That is perhaps the greatest success of the voyage we are taking together on the ship of democracy and the European project. In a similar way, Magellan and Elcano embarked together on that expedition which, in a historic feat, would result in the first voyage around the world. In short, that is what we did, together, the Portuguese and the Spanish. We took Saramago’s stone raft, adrift on the ocean of history, and we took it together to the centre of European modernity. I, personally, feel enormously proud of having taken an active part in this adventure of bringing our two countries closer together, and of having worked hand in hand to strengthen this great project of the European Union. I am extremely grateful to my Spanish colleagues, with whom I have worked closely, irrespective of political colour. In my long career I have been privileged to work closely with a mayor and a mayoress of Madrid, with ministers from the governments of José María Aznar and José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, and, as Prime Minister, with Mariano Rajoy and Pedro Sánchez. Nothing better symbolises the closeness of relations between the Portuguese and the Spanish than His Majesty the King’s friendship towards Portugal and the Portuguese people’s affection for the Spanish royal family. For the Portuguese, one of the greatest milestones in our integration into Europe was the opening of our borders with Spain. The ability to cross to the other side without showing a passport and without enduring long queues. The decision to close the borders during the COVID pandemic was therefore a moment of shared pain. We were the only governments in Europe to do so in a coordinated, and not unilateral, manner. That is why when we decided to reopen them, we wanted to mark the occasion by doing it together, in Badajoz and Elvas, with the Prime Minister of Spain and myself, and with the President of the Republic of Portugal and His Majesty the King. We have never had such a close political, economic and social relationship as we do now in this democratic era. Europe’s border regions are generally the most developed regions. We are an exception here, however, as illustrated by the problem of ‘emptied Spain’ and the emptiness of the Portuguese interior. The close connections between northern Portugal and Galicia can provide the inspiration to promote a cross-border development strategy that overturns that historical inheritance, the result of two countries turning their backs on each other for too long. We now see it all very clearly, as if everything had been written in advance, happy ending included. But during our transitions to democracy we also lived through very difficult, very uncertain times. It was not easy. Neither the Portuguese revolution nor the Spanish transition. For example, we only need to remember the coup d’état of 23 February 1981 here in Spain, which was so well described by Javier Cercas in ‘The Anatomy of a Moment’. Neither could our democracies solve all of their problems at once, as some had hoped. That is indeed one of the most important lessons life has taught me: even when things go badly and do not turn out as expected. The important thing is to have a project and a clear direction. Four decades ago, in Portugal and Spain, we created a solid democratic project and we had a clear destination, which was to return to the centre of Europe. The European Union is now our common project, that of Spain and Portugal, but also of 25 other countries, and is the well-deserved aspiration of many others who want to join it. Despite all the problems and disappointments, we sometimes face, we must not lose sight of the fact that our priority objective must be to strengthen our Union further. I understand the frustration at times. We always expect more, of course. But we could say that frustration is the sister of ambition, which, in turn, is the daughter of the inspiration that Europe awakens in us. We always want more, because Europe has always managed to surpass itself. However, despite the progress made, new difficulties arise, reminding us that we have still not reached the end of the road. It is that contradiction between the developing utopia and the difficulties of the moment that we have to face. But, dear friends in the end, we must ask ourselves two great questions: First: Could we do it better separately? Would we be better off without the single market, without freedom of movement, without the euro? Would we have a better social model without Europe? Could we have greater negotiating capacity with the US or China if we were each negotiating alone? Could we be an indispensable ally in Ukraine’s fight for its sovereignty against Russia’s war of aggression? If we were operating separately, could we exert more influence to stop the unacceptable barbarism in Gaza? To me the answer is obvious. The second great question: how can we keep making this project better? We cannot rest on our laurels. Europe must push forwards, transform itself, dare to look beyond. In doing so we must be guided by three major principles: unity, solidarity and imagination. Unity, because only together can we be strong in a world of giants. Solidarity, because we cannot leave anyone behind. Imagination, because the future is not yet written, and we need courage and vision to build it. That is the way forward: a united, solidarity-based and imaginative Europe. And for all this, Europe needs Spain. Because Spain is not only part of Europe. Spain is building Europe, every day. Always at the forefront, delivering dynamism, energy and ambition. It is an economic driver, spearheading the growth of the euro area over the past two years. Spain has been at the vanguard. A reference point for rights. A role model for freedoms. A pioneer in the fight for equality. And it has also given shape to ideas that have transformed Europe: the concept of European citizenship, which offers so many benefits cohesion policy, which unites territories and reduces inequalities; the Erasmus programme, which has changed the lives of generations of young people; and the belief that Europe must always look towards Latin America, Africa and the entire Mediterranean. The world is changing rapidly: climate, technology, geopolitics. But we cannot let ourselves become incapacitated, overwhelmed by the speed of these changes. We have a unique instrument in history: our European Union. We must act. And we must do it now. It is clear that our biggest ally to date, the United States, is changing a great deal. It is changing, and it is trying to change the order that emerged from the ruins of the second world war. That time gave birth to the European Union. It has cooperation, dialogue and multilateralism in its DNA. Democracy, equality and human rights are some of its key principles. And we will not retreat from any of this. We hope that the United States will continue to be a great ally as we continue to defend our model. A commitment to multilateralism and a rules-based world order. To a fair and predictable global trading system. The European Union will continue to diversify its trade relations with Mercosur, with Mexico, with India, and with countless other partners. We will continue to strengthen our ties with other countries and regional organisations such as the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States and the African Union, with each of which we will hold a summit in November. We will remain the world’s largest development aid donor and the UN’s greatest backer. To address the challenges of the climate emergency, inequality and the technological revolution. We are not American or Russian or Chinese. We are European. And we are proud of that. We are proud of our cultural diversity, our social model, our freedoms, our tolerance, and our democracy. And in this harsher and more dangerous new world, which is now just coming into being, we must defend our model tooth and nail. When our allies inspire less confidence and our adversaries increase their threats, we must be able to stand on our own two feet. If we want to be free and autonomous, we cannot be militarily dependent on other powers. If we want to have influence and make ourselves heard, for example in the Middle East. It will not be enough to uphold lofty principles, issue statements, or wield our economic power. That is why we are massively increasing our investments in defence. Because peace without defence is an illusion. Because soft power alone is not enough in a world where hard power increasingly prevails. As an Iberian, I know it can seem as though the war in Ukraine is a far-off, foreign conflict, as though the Russian threat does not concern us as much as it does the countries in eastern Europe. Let me tell you a story, because life takes many twists and turns. I have a clear memory of how, in meetings of the Council of Ministers for Justice and Home Affairs in 2005, Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba fought to appeal to European solidarity following the storming of the fences in Ceuta and Melilla. To the countries of northern and eastern Europe, this was a far-off concern. Only Portugal and the other southern countries gave their unstinting support. Now, 20 years on, nobody disputes that migration is one of the biggest challenges that Europe is facing. Not even those who said at the time that it was only a southern issue. For me, the more progress is made in European integration, the fewer problems there are that are ‘northern’ or ‘southern’, ‘eastern’ or ‘western’. It is just a matter of time. These are all European challenges. Because we are ONE European Union. My friends, I will conclude now. I hope I haven’t bored you too much. I began my speech by talking about what I was told while sitting at my desk at school in Lisbon, and ended by talking about global geopolitics. Unfortunately, I don’t have all the answers, however much I would like to. I wish I did. However, what I do have is the certainty that what I learned about the vital relationship between Spain and Portugal reaches beyond our beloved Iberia. That borders are lines drawn by people on a map, and that it is within our own power to turn these lines into ties of cooperation. Ties of kinship. Looking back, that is what I have dedicated much of my life to, and what I will continue to do. I am therefore truly grateful for this award, if it also serves to recognise this noble endeavour. Peace, prosperity and freedom for all. Long live Europe! Thank you very much.   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   30/09/2025 11:14 | Press release | Council backs research and innovation for startups and scaleups   The Council has today approved conclusions on the importance of research and innovation for the EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy. These conclusions provide guidance for the establishment of a strong and dynamic ecosystem where higher education and research institutions can support the creation and growth of new companies, valorise the results of their research, and attract and retain talent. To this end, the conclusions call for a supportive regulatory and financial environment to boost innovative companies. “Research and entrepreneurship are not separate realities, but two sides of the same coin. While research institutions can help startups and scaleups take off and grow, the private sector can also help research institutions secure investment and valorise their findings. It is a win-win-win strategy: research institutions win, companies win, and European competitiveness wins.” — Christina Egelund, Danish Minister for Higher Education and Science Creating the right ecosystem The conclusions welcome the EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy as a key step to strengthen European competitiveness and innovation. They stress the urgent need for bold action to close the innovation gap with global competitors while safeguarding welfare, economic security and strategic autonomy and preserving an open economy. However, innovation ecosystems are complex and require collaboration across the value chain and effective feedback between innovators and research. The Commission, in cooperation with member states, is encouraged to act in areas such as the development of legal definitions for startups, scaleups, mid-caps, innovative companies, and undertakings in difficulty, as well as reducing administrative and economic burdens for these companies. R&I – the foundation of startups and scaleups The conclusions recall that predictable and coherent funding in R&I programmes is of the utmost importance for the success and development of startups and scaleups. In this context, higher education institutions and research-performing organisations play an essential role in retaining and attracting talent and valorising innovation through academic spin-offs and startups. The conclusions encourage universities and other research centres to strengthen their entrepreneurship and valorisation activities. State aid can support these efforts, but the current framework makes it difficult for higher education institutions. The conclusions therefore invite the Commission to propose solutions within the existing legislative framework and to provide guidance on the implementation of current state aid rules related to higher education institutions and research-performing organisations. Attracting and retaining talent The Council conclusions welcome the focus on talent and skills in the Startup and Scaleup Strategy and encourage the fostering of entrepreneurial skills in students and academic staff as well as administrative teams in research institutions. Experience exchange, cross-border networks, and European programmes such as Erasmus+, the European Research Council, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, EURAXESS, and the new ‘Choose Europe’ initiative can help attract, foster and retain talent in Europe. Better use of research and technology infrastructures To facilitate access for companies and businesses to infrastructures, the ‘Charter of Access for industrial users’ could be a valuable tool, according to the conclusions adopted today. Another positive step would be enhanced cooperation between existing initiatives, such as the European Universities Alliances, Rise Europe, Startup Europe, and the European Startup Nations Alliance (ESNA), to create or reinforce startup and scaleup hubs. Connecting these hubs through digital technologies and applying FAIR data principles could further facilitate access to funding, improve intellectual property management, and promote global market access. Closing the gaps in the value chain The conclusions call for better use of existing programmes and instruments at European, national, and regional levels to close the financial gap for scaleups as soon as possible. Finally, they stress the need for effective implementation of the strategy, with clear key performance indicators (KPIs), better planning, and maximum efforts to reduce reporting burdens. Background On 28 May 2025, the Commission published the EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy, aiming to make the EU the best place in the world to launch and grow technology-driven innovative companies. The strategy builds on the ‘Choose Europe’ initiative to attract and retain scientific and innovative talent, and highlights the fact that, despite the EU’s solid foundations (e.g. its economic strength, highly skilled workforce, and stable democratic institutions), structural barriers to the creation and growth of enterprises persist. Leaders welcomed the strategy at the June 2025 European Council. Council conclusions on the importance of research and innovation for the EU startup and scale strategy The EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy - Choose Europe to start and scale European Council meeting (26 June 2025) – Conclusions   Visit the website ● General Secretariat of the Council   New books added to the Council Library's collection - September 2025   Discover our selection of books recently added to the Council Library collection.   Read full post ● Council of the EU   29/09/2025 20:41 | Statements and remarks | Republic of Moldova: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the parliamentary elections   On Sunday, 28 September, the citizens of the Republic of Moldova exercised their democratic right to vote in the parliamentary elections. The election results confirm the people’s enduring support for the European future of the Republic of Moldova, as enshrined in its Constitution. The voters have given a clear and strong mandate to continue the Republic of Moldova’s determined engagement towards EU membership.  According to the preliminary findings and conclusions of the OSCE/ODIHR, these elections were competitive, offered clear political alternatives, and were well organized, supported by a sound legal framework. Newly implemented laws and candidate eligibility requirements caused some issues, although the Central Electoral Commission has been forthcoming in solving them. The electoral campaign and the voting itself took place in a context of unprecedented and multi-faceted interference and pressure from Russia, as also noted by OSCE/ODIHR. The EU strongly condemns relentless hybrid attacks by Russia and its proxies aimed at undermining the rule of law and democratic process in the Republic of Moldova, fostering destabilization in the country and fuelling polarization through massive use of disinformation, vote-buying, cyber-attacks, and training of violent provocateurs. We commend the citizens of the Republic of Moldova for their resilience and determination to resist Moscow’s malign interference and for safeguarding their choice. The EU also commends the relevant institutions of Republic of Moldova for their efforts in ensuring the integrity of the elections, despite sustained external manipulation and pressure. The EU looks forward to working closely with the new Parliament and incoming Government to advance EU accession and the implementation of the Reform Agenda, as well as enhancing the country’s resilience and economic growth.  The future of the Republic of Moldova and its citizens lies within the European Union. We commend the Republic of Moldova for the quality and fast pace of its accession-related reforms and welcome the significant progress achieved so far. We stand ready to take the next steps in the accession process in line with the merit-based approach, and to further advance the accession negotiations.   Visit the website

● Council of the EU

29/09/2025 19:59 | Meetings | Main results - Competitiveness Council (Internal market and industry), 29 September 2025   Ministers responsible for the internal market and industry met in Brussels to hold policy debates on the competitiveness fund and simplification measures and the omnibus approach.   View meeting page ● Council of the EU   30/09/2025 11:21 | Press release | Council calls for a leading role of the EU in life sciences   Today, the Council approved conclusions on life sciences for the Union’s competitiveness. The Council welcomes the ambition of making the EU the world’s most attractive place for life sciences by 2030, as outlined in the Commission’s recent strategy, and provides guidance to unlock the Union’s full potential for competitiveness. The Council encourages full support throughout the value chain from fundamental research and uptake, stronger research in advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs), a leading EU role in clinical trials and a broad approach to biotechnology. It also calls for the use of advanced technologies — such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing — in life sciences, while stressing the importance of developing skills, and attracting and retaining talent. At the same time, it underlines the importance of a business-friendly regulatory framework, that reduces administrative burden and supports innovative SMEs and sustainable manufacturing capacities. Finally, in the conclusions is highlighted the need for a coordinated governance framework on life sciences and for swift implementation of the proposed actions. “Today’s Council conclusions send a clear message: the EU should lead the global race for life sciences. To get there, we must act with urgency and determination with a coordinated strategy that turns ambition into action.” — Christina Egelund, Danish Minister for Higher Education and Science Leading world role on life sciences Life sciences are vital for advancing fundamental knowledge and driving innovation in strategic areas such as health, food, and the environment. The EU faces fierce global competition in this area, where the innovation gap, a fragmented ecosystem, and other structural barriers demand immediate action. The Council calls for a holistic approach to research and innovation, building on existing capacities across the entire value chain. In particular, the conclusions encourage the development of ATMPs and welcome the creation of a network of centres of excellence in this field. Clinical trials and health data The Council stresses the urgent need to address the EU’s declining share and reduced global impact in clinical trials. It calls on the Commission to improve the ecosystem for multi-country and multi-centre clinical trials, including by updating the regulatory framework and establishing an investment plan for clinical research. It also underlines the challenges of using health data for research and innovation, insisting on the need to overcome remaining hurdles to strengthen disease prevention and deliver high-quality healthcare. Measures include better coordination among existing clinical trial projects, further digitalisation of health systems, and using artificial intelligence. Seizing opportunities and building skills In the conclusions approved today, the Council calls for an ecosystem that boosts R&I, strengthens support for innovative SMEs, and preserves Europe’s manufacturing capacity. A business-friendly regulatory framework that reduces administrative burdens and fosters innovation will be key. The Council looks forward to forthcoming Commission proposals — including the Innovation Act and the Biotech Act — to cut fragmentation, simplify rules, improve transparency, and shorten the time needed for research-intensive biotech innovations to reach the market. The announced R&I Agenda for Food Systems and the Bioeconomy Strategy are also expected to play an important role in agriculture, food, and environmental systems, ensuring food security, safeguarding human and animal health, and protecting the environment. Time to act The Council also calls on EU Member States and the Commission to coordinate efforts to build and connect research infrastructures, innovation hubs, and centres of excellence in life sciences, in order to secure the Union’s R&I autonomy and technological leadership in this strategic area. Background Life sciences were previously addressed in two sets of Council conclusions in 2003: first, on the ‘Roadmap for a strategy on life sciences and biotechnology’, and second, on ‘Life sciences and biotechnology – a strategy for Europe’. These conclusions emphasised the potential of life sciences and biotechnology across multiple sectors (such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food, or energy) and highlighted the risks of growing global competition. The Competitiveness Compass, presented in January 2025, identified life sciences and biotechnology as key growth engines. It also announced a European Biotech Act, a Bioeconomy strategy and a Life sciences strategy. On 2 July 2025, the Commission unveiled a strategy aimed at positioning the EU as the world’s most attractive place for life sciences by 2030. Council conclusions on Life Science Strategy to position the EU as the world’s most attractive place for life sciences by 2030 Council conclusions and roadmap for a strategy on life sciences and biotechnology Council Conclusions on: "Life sciences and biotechnology - a strategy for Europe"   Visit the website