COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Press material Saturday, 11 October 2025

● Council of the EU   11/10/2025 11:51 | Press release | With start of operation of new EES border control system the EU will strengthen border security and increase efficiency for travellers   On 12 October 2025 the new Entry/Exit digital border management system (EES) will become operational in 29 European countries. 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, and data from the passport, fingerprints, and facial images of non-EU nationals travelling for short stays in EU member states. “We must do everything we can to prevent terrorists and irregular migrants from entering the Schengen Area illegally. It is crucial that we maintain effective control over third-country nationals entering the Schengen Area, so that we can strengthen security at the external borders. With an EU-wide IT system, it will become easier to monitor who is crossing our borders.” — Rasmus Stoklund, Minister for Immigration and Integration This new border management system will enhance the security of the Schengen area and contribute to prevent irregular migration. Because it digitally registers information from the passport and biometric data, the EES can offer real-time information on whether people have complied with their authorised period of stay in the Schengen area. The EES will also help to significantly reduce identity fraud. The EES will be phased in gradually (allowing EU countries start by using the EES at certain border crossings and with fewer functionalities) and become fully operational after six months, as of 10 April 2026. The system only applies to travellers who are not citizens of an EU country or of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. IT systems to fight crime and secure EU borders (background information) Entry/Exit System (European Commission) Border management: Council gives green light to progressive start of Entry/Exit system (press release, 18 July 2025)   Visit the website

● European Council

12/10/2025 11:19 | Press release | President Costa to attend the Sharm El-Sheikh Summit for Peace   The President of the European Council, António Costa, will attend the “Sharm El-Sheikh Summit for Peace” on Monday 13 October on behalf of the European Union, at the invitation of the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump. “A long path toward peace starts tomorrow in Egypt. The international community is united in its commitment to a future where Palestinians and Israelis live side by side in peace and security. For the first time in a long time, there is real hope. Hope for the release of all hostages, for a ceasefire, and the unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza. Hope for a just and sustainable peace, and a brighter future, grounded in the two-state solution. Together, we will help rebuild Gaza and help heal the wounds. We will not forget the horrific events of 7 October 2023, which should never be repeated” — António Costa, President of the European Council The President will participate in the ceremony in Sharm El-Sheikh and witness the signing ceremony of the agreement to end the war in Gaza, which will be signed by the mediators and President Trump. The agreement on the first phase of the Middle East Peace Plan brokered by the US, Egypt, Qatar and Turkey is a crucial breakthrough to put an end to the war in Gaza and to establish a permanent ceasefire, secure the release of all hostages, and allow for the full restoration of humanitarian aid access to the Strip. The EU is committed to contribute to transitional governance, recovery and reconstruction processes to make sure that the ‘day after’ is a success, including by continuing its support to the Palestinian Authority. These efforts should pave the way for long term stability, grounded on the two-State solution, with Israel and a State of Palestine living side-by-side in peace and security. President Costa initially planned visit to Dublin and meeting with Taoiseach Micheal Martin on Monday, 13 October, will be rescheduled to a later date. Background The European Union remains strongly committed to peace, security, and stability in the Middle East. In its June 2025 conclusions, the European Council reaffirmed its call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of all hostages, leading to a permanent end to hostilities. It deplored the humanitarian situation in the Strip and reiterated its strong condemnation of the escalation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, following increased settler violence, the expansion of illegal settlements, and Israel’s military operations. Leaders recalled that the EU stands firmly behind a lasting and sustainable peace based on the two-state solution and is ready to contribute to all efforts towards this outcome. The European Union and its member states are among the world’s leading donors of humanitarian aid, including to the Palestinian people, aiming to save lives, prevent and alleviate human suffering, and maintain human dignity. Last September, President Costa participated on behalf of the EU in the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, organized by France and Saudi Arabia during the United Nations General Assembly in New York City. EU position on the situation in the Middle East (background information) Speech by President António Costa at the high-level conference on the two-State solution, 23 September 2025   Visit the website