COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Meetings Friday, 21 November 2025

● Council of the EU   21/11/2025 15:54 | Meetings | Foreign Affairs Council (Trade), 24 November 2025   Background brief - Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) of 24 November 2025   View meeting page

● International ministerial meetings

21/11/2025 14:35 | Press release | 'Building together a resilient, prosperous and secure future' - Chair’s statement, EU—Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum, Brussels, 20-21 November 2025   Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, chaired the fourth EU-Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Brussels, on 20 and 21 November 2025. The Forum brought together around 70 delegations from the EU institutions and EU member states, as well as from countries and regional organisations from the Indo-Pacific region, spanning from the East coast of Africa to the Pacific Islands countries. The EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum has become a unique platform for the EU and its member states to engage collectively with Indo-Pacific partners. It reflects a shared interest in fostering concrete cooperation on a region-to-region basis, enhancing mutual security, prosperity and resilience, and laying the foundations for an ever more ambitious partnership. Amid geopolitical shifts and economic uncertainty, Europe and the Indo-Pacific find their futures increasingly intertwined. Recent challenges, from growing pressure on the multilateral system aggravated by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine to the weaponisation of trade and technology and the accelerating climate crisis, are bringing the two regions closer together. In this context, they continue to rely on the rules-based international order, and the multilateral institutions which ensure compliance as well as accountability with agreed rules and norms. EU and the Indo-Pacific partners are also facing increasingly complex security challenges, and the security of the Indo-Pacific and of Europe are more interlinked than ever. This calls for more cooperation and for common solutions in addressing global challenges. During the Forum, participants focused on how to enhance cooperation and deepen solidarity in three parallel roundtables: Security priorities in the face of current geopolitical developments. Shared prosperity, economic security, and digital connectivity. Common endeavours for a clean and sustainable future. The Forum offered a good opportunity for the EU to highlight the concrete progress made in strengthening partnerships with Indo-Pacific countries and organisations since the previous Ministerial meeting in February 2024. This includes the Security and Defence Partnerships agreed with Japan and the Republic of Korea; the conclusion of negotiations on the EU-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement; the signature of the EU Clean Trade and Investment Partnership with South Africa; the EU financial and technical support to the ASEAN Power Grid development; the first-ever EU-Pacific Business Forum that unlocked nearly €300 million in new investments and budget support; as well as numerous other cooperation agreements and initiatives led by EU member states. The EU will continue to invest in the Indo-Pacific on all fronts, building partnerships to match the realities of the 21st century. This sustained engagement promotes an international system based on multilateralism and on the rule of law. By implementing the existing Security and Defence Partnerships and by continuing to expand such cooperation at bilateral and regional level we are determined to contribute further to the security and stability of the region. The roll-out of major Global Gateway investment projects showcases the concrete engagement of the EU and its Member States in support of sustainable, quality infrastructure. Through Free Trade Agreements, our preferential market access schemes, and Strategic Partnership Agreements the EU will continue to be a stable source of growth to countries along the entire value-chain. A high-level event on the Protection of Critical Maritime Infrastructure took place in the margins of the Forum. The EU and the Indo-Pacific partners face similar challenges to the security of their critical infrastructure, including submarine cables, which calls for closer cooperation in this area. Participants explored how to make best use of all available tools and how to achieve concrete solutions in accordance with international law, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Given the shared interest in this topic, the EU will seek to establish a new structured initiative to enhance cooperation on the Protection of Critical Maritime Infrastructure among partners in Europe, in the Indo-Pacific and beyond,   Visit the website

● European Council

21/11/2025 12:13 | Statements and remarks | Remarks by President António Costa at the press conference ahead of the G20 summit in Johannesburg   I am very glad to be in Johannesburg with Ursula von der Leyen, to represent the European Union. Africa is a strategic partner in our multipolar world. And for the very first time, we are having a G20 summit on African soil. We are living in challenging times. Wars in Africa and Europe. Humanitarian tragedies in the Middle East. Trade tensions, supply chains being disrupted and economic coercion on the rise. And against the backdrop of global challenges, like climate change, inequality and poverty. The EU is here to bring a simple message to our partners: The EU is here. We are a predictable, reliable, and trustworthy partner. We are here to work with our G20 partners. We are here to work together, because nobody cannot tackle global challenges alone. South Africa made this year a success, it has used this opportunity to advance its priorities “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainable Development” - priorities that we share in the EU. We are taking positive steps to make the international financing architecture more inclusive, efficient and representative. To ease the debt burden that prevents developing countries from investing in their own future. To improve debt sustainability of vulnerable countries. Climate change is blind to wealth but hurts developing countries more. The EU is here to lead the way in cutting emissions. And so is our willingness to help vulnerable countries react and adapt to this challenge. The EU is committed to supporting Africa’s journey to unlock its full potential. And we are looking forward to engaging with all African Union countries at our summit with them early next week. Finally, on critical minerals. Diversifying supply chains and reducing dependencies is a priority for the EU. Concentrated production increases geopolitical and economic risks. We must build strategic autonomy. This requires us to engage with different parts of the world and weave new partnerships while strengthening existing ones. This is what the G20 enables us to do. On development, on trade, on climate, on critical minerals or AI. The EU will take its responsibilities, as a big economic power in a multipolar world. But we cannot do it alone. We need all G20 members to take bold, collective action. This is what this summit is about. As the world becomes more multipolar, we need more multilateral cooperation - not less.To paraphrase Desmond Tutu, I would say “our commitment to multilateralism is bound up in yours.” Multilateralism is not old-fashioned. Multilateralism is not outdated. Multilateralism is our best – maybe our only – defence against disruption, violence and chaos. And South Africa put multilateralism to work. I would like to commend President Ramaphosa and the South African team. You have done an exceptional work towards reaching an agreed Leaders’ outcome from this summit. We are looking forward to the discussions ahead. Thank you.   Visit the website

● Council of the EU

20/11/2025 20:39 | Meetings | Main results - Foreign Affairs Council, 20 November 2025   The Foreign Affairs Council discussed the Russian aggression against Ukraine, situation in the Middle East, and developments in the Sahel and Sudan.   View meeting page

● European Council

20/11/2025 18:08 | Statements and remarks | Remarks by President António Costa at the press conference following the Leaders' meeting with President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen and President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa in Johannesburg   First, I would like to congratulate the South African authorities and the Commission for the work that you have been doing since our summit 8 months ago in Cape Town. It is very impressive, the capacity that you show to translate into concrete projects what we have agreed on and our ambitious common partnership. My second word is to thank President Ramaphosa and South Africa for their very strong global leadership. We are living in a multipolar world, and in this multipolar world, we need to engage and strengthen the relationships between the different poles of this world. And Africa is a key continent for the future of our world, and of course, South Africa has a leading position on this continent. And the G20 meeting is a great opportunity to gather people from all around the world, to come here, and to sit at the table, to discuss and to listen to each other, to bring new proposals, and to try to tackle the global challenges that we need to face together. Because these global challenges, only together we can tackle them. Climate change, inequality, poverty are three main issues that we need to mobilise the entire world to do on this. Our partnership is based on shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to democracy, multilateralism, and a fairer, more sustainable world. These principles are also the cornerstone of your G20 Presidency. You have chosen as a motto “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainable Development”. The EU fully embraces your priorities, and we are actively contributing to making this week’s summit a success. Now more than ever, we need strong multilateral platforms and institutions, a rules-based order, open dialogue and global cooperation to tackle common challenges. Fighting climate change, inequality, and poverty. By upholding the Paris Agreement, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and the Pact for the Future. Engaging in the reform of international financial institutions and in the reform the United Nations to reflect the world of today, because the world today is no longer the same as it was in 1945. We need act for the well-being of our people today and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. For this first G20 held on African soil, your agenda, dear President Ramaphosa, is firmly geared towards your continent’s prosperity and innovation potential. The EU is a reliable, predictable, and trustworthy partner for Africa on that path. Our two continents are bound by a unique partnership. It is robust. It is dynamic. And it is looking to the future. As you said, next Monday, we will hold our 7th EU-African Summit in Luanda, Angola – with a clear purpose in mind: to strengthen and enrich our cooperation. To make our natural connection even stronger. So that we can grow together and protect each other. Dear President, I look forward to welcoming you, together with my friend, President João Lourenço, there next week. Until then, thank you once again for hosting us here in Johannesburg and all the best for our G20 summit tomorrow. Thank you very much.   Visit the website

● European Council

20/11/2025 17:21 | Press release | Joint press statement by Presidents Costa, von der Leyen and Ramaphosa following the EU-South Africa Leaders’ meeting   On 20 November 2025, President of the European Council, António Costa, President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen and President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, met on the margins of the G20 Summit, in Johannesburg (South Africa), and agreed on a joint press statement. Joint press statement   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   20/11/2025 17:15 | Press release | One Sea, one Pact, one Future: Council approves conclusions on the Pact for the Mediterranean   Today, the Council approved conclusions welcoming the pact for the Mediterranean. This coincides with the marking of the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Declaration, which laid the foundations for a comprehensive partnership between the EU and ten countries in the southern Mediterranean. The pact, which was put forward by the European Commission and the EU High Representative on 16 October 2025, confirms the Mediterranean region as a strategic priority for the EU, and aims to reinforce the EU’s relations with its southern Mediterranean partners, creating joint opportunities. The conclusions support the central objective of the pact which is to create a Common Mediterranean Space. To this end, the pact establishes a framework for deepen cooperation, built around three thematic pillars: people: driving force for change, connections and innovation stronger, more sustainable and integrated economies security, preparedness, and migration management The Council emphasises the importance of creating bridges among people and countries that foster mutual understanding and provide opportunities for sustainable growth and development. There is enormous potential to further increase economic integration and promote sustainable trade and investments, diversification of economies and value chains, development of the blue economy, energy cooperation as well as connectivity between the EU and the southern Mediterranean countries. The objective is to create job opportunities and ensure stability and economic resilience to address existing social inequalities and contribute to social cohesion. The Council also underlines that tackling climate change, environmental degradation and water scarcity in the Mediterranean, notably through the implementation of the Barcelona Convention, remains a shared priority together with maintaining focus on education and youth employment, protecting and valorising cultural heritage and addressing demographic challenges. Furthermore, the Council calls for enhanced cooperation in areas of common interest, such as strengthening peace, security and defence cooperation, including on conflict prevention, mediation, organised crime and maritime safety and security, as well as strengthening the capabilities of Mediterranean partners, and facilitating cross-regional exchanges. The Council emphasises the need for working jointly with the southern Mediterranean partners towards upholding and promoting human rights, good governance, democracy, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms. Concerning migration, the Council supports managing migration jointly in a comprehensive, whole-of-government, whole-of-route and rights-based approach, with a view to preventing irregular migration, improving the protection of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees in vulnerable situations, and pursuing an effective return and readmission policy, among other things. To enhance awareness and understanding of the political engagement under the pact, the Council stresses the need for robust outreach and strategic communication. Council conclusions on the Pact for the Mediterranean – One Sea, One Pact, One Future (20 November 2025) Joint Communication on a new Pact for the Mediterranean Council Conclusions on the renewed partnership with the Southern Neighbourhood – A New Agenda for the Mediterranean, 16 April 2021   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   20/11/2025 17:02 | Meetings | Agenda highlights - Foreign Affairs Council (Trade), 24 November 2025   Ministers will discuss the state of play of EU-US and EU-China trade relations and are expected to review progress on the EU’s ongoing bilateral trade negotiations, focusing on India. Over lunch, US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer have been invited to join the ministers to discuss transatlantic trade cooperation.   View meeting page ● Council of the EU   20/11/2025 16:41 | Statements and remarks | Sudan: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union   The European Union (EU) condemns in the strongest terms the grave and ongoing atrocities perpetrated by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan, including following the seizure of the city of El Fasher. Deliberate targeting of civilians, ethnically motivated killings, systematic sexual and gender-based violence, starvation as a method of warfare and denying access for humanitarian aid are serious breaches of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Such acts may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity. In response to these crimes, the EU Foreign Affairs Council adopted today restrictive measures against Abdelrahim Hamdan Dagalo, the second in command of the RSF. The EU stands ready to impose any further restrictive measure where appropriate, on all actors responsible for destabilising Sudan and obstructing its political transition. Ensuring accountability is at the heart of the EU Foreign Affairs Council conclusions on Sudan from 20 October 2025. The EU will step up support to documenting and investigating such violations to break the persisting cycle of impunity, which continues to breed new atrocities. The EU supports the vital role played by accountability, mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court and the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission and their investigations of crimes committed by the RSF, the SAF and their associates. The culture of impunity in Sudan must end. Those responsible must be held to account. The primary responsibility for ending the conflict rests with the leadership of both the RSF, the SAF and their allied militias, as well as those providing them with direct or indirect support. We urge all external actors to take necessary measures to end the sale or supply of arms and related materiel to all parties as per the arms embargo established by the UN Security Council Resolutions 1556 and 1591. The EU will continue to advocate for expanding the mandate of the ICC and of the arms embargo to the whole country. The EU urges all parties to the conflict to resume negotiations to achieve an immediate and lasting ceasefire, in line with the 12 September statement by the Quad. The European Union will continue to work with the Quad and with other international partners, including as a co-chair of the Paris and London Conferences, to end the suffering of the Sudanese people and find a peaceful and sustainable resolution of the conflict. The cycle of violence in Sudan must end.  The protection of civilians and the humanitarian access are not contingent on a ceasefire. The EU calls for concrete measures to protect civilians, including humanitarian and medical workers, grassroots organisations and local responders, and commends their courage. All parties to the conflict must adhere to international humanitarian law. Civilians on the move, and wishing to leave El Fasher and other besieged cities must be granted safe passage. Those being held hostage must be released immediately.  The EU stresses the need to ensure immediate, unconditional, safe and unhindered humanitarian access in full compliance with international humanitarian law. No administrative fees or taxes must be imposed on humanitarian actors, the issuance and renewal of visas and travel permits must be expedited. Arbitrary expulsion of humanitarian staff cannot occur. The UN must be allowed permanent presence in Darfur and other areas beyond the control of the SAF.  In the longer term, only a broad Sudanese-led and Sudanese-owned inclusive political process can address the grievances that fuel conflicts in Sudan, such as the marginalisation of peripheries. The EU will engage with all parties to the conflict and will step up its support to the dialogue among the Sudanese civilian political groups, in close collaboration with the African Union, IGAD, the Quad members, and other partners. The EU reaffirms its commitment to support the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Sudan and to ensure its state institutions are preserved. The EU rejects the emergence of parallel governing structures and any action that could result in the partition of the country, as well as any external interference, which heightens tensions and fuels the conflict.   Visit the website

● Council of the EU

20/11/2025 15:36 | Press release | Council approves conclusions on a strategy for the EU’s engagement in global digital affairs   Today, the Council approved conclusions on advancing the international digital strategy for the EU. The conclusions set out an ambitious vision for how the EU will engage in global digital affairs. The strategy is structured around 5 main objectives: Placing digital and technology at the centre of EU external action Building partnerships and alliances Strengthening the global role and influence of the EU tech industry Partnering for a secure and trusted digital transformation Ensuring the EU leads in global digital governance EU member states want to boost the EU’s global technological competitiveness, drive innovation and better align the EU’s digital policies with its foreign and security objectives. The Council endorses the strategy’s objective for the EU to support a sustainable, secure and trusted digital transformation globally, and to shape tech and digital governance together with partner countries. The conclusions also welcome the creation of a so-called EU tech business offer to help the EU tech industry operate more impactfully at a global level by focusing on investment opportunities, market access and technological innovation. Member states welcome the objective to expand, strengthen and connect the EU’s global network of partnerships through a strategic and mutually beneficial approach. This includes setting up a digital partnership network, adding digital trade chapters to free trade agreements and digital trade agreements or broader agreements on digital partnerships and dialogues. The Council conclusions highlight the need for stronger collaboration with global partners on issues, such as secure digital infrastructure, resilient supply chains, cybersecurity, and the tackling of cyber threats. Such cooperation should reflect the EU’s geopolitical, economic, and security interests. Member states reaffirm their commitment to a rules-based international order, defending fundamental values, and promoting human-centric digital governance worldwide. Finally, as an important next step, the Council calls on the Commission, the High Representative and the member states to work closely together on the strategy’s implementation and invites the Commission and the High Representative to regularly assess progress and keep member states informed and involved in ongoing and planned activities.  Background On 5 June 2025, the Commission and the High Representative put forward a joint communication on an international digital strategy for the European Union. In light of the digital and artificial intelligence (AI) revolution that is reshaping economies and societies in Europe and across the world, the EU aims to strengthen its leadership in global digital affairs, while reinforcing its partnerships on digital and tech.   Visit the website

● International ministerial meetings

20/11/2025 14:27 | Meetings | Main results - European Economic Area Council, 20 November 2025   The 61st meeting of the European Economic Area (EEA) Council discussed the overall functioning of the agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA agreement) and held an orientation debate on ‘The EU’s simplification agenda and the EEA agreement’.   View meeting page

● Council of the EU

20/11/2025 13:59 | Press release | Taxation: Council updates cooperation agreements with Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco and San Marino   The Council today approved updated EU tax cooperation and transparency agreements with five non-EU countries - Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco and San Marino. The updated agreements reflect new international standards in the field, as developed by the OECD. They expand the automatic exchange of financial account information between the EU and those countries to include electronic money products and digital currencies. The new protocols also establish a new framework for cooperation between partners on recovery of value-added tax (VAT) and on the prevention of tax fraud and tax evasion. In addition, they strengthen due diligence and reporting requirements, allowing tax administrations to act faster and more effectively on the information they receive. Next steps The updated agreements will now enter into force on 1 January 2026. The EU will also seek to now deepen cooperation in tax matters even further with Switzerland. Background Since 2015, the EU has engaged in tax cooperation exchanges with third countries as part of its efforts to promote transparency and international tax cooperation. The exchanges are currently based on traditional financial account information of individuals, as prescribed in the previous OECD common reporting standards. Those standards have now been updated to include information related to new types of financial information. The Council also recently authorised the start of negotiations with Norway for an agreement on cooperation in the area of direct taxation. Council decisions on the conclusion of the agreements between the EU and Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco and San Marino Council Decision authorising the opening of negotiations with Norway for an agreement on administrative cooperation in direct taxation Taxation (background information)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   20/11/2025 13:31 | Media advisory | Press briefing - Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) of 24 November 2025   The press briefing ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) will take place on Friday, 21 November 2025 at 16.00. 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 Justus Lipsius press room. To attend the event remotely, please use the link below to register and have the possibility to ask questions. Those who already registered for the previous press events of Trade meetings do not need to do it again. Deadline for registration: Friday, 21 November 2025, 15.00.  Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants shortly after the deadline. Registration page Media accreditation for journalists   Visit the website

● Council of the EU

19/11/2025 23:58 | Press release | Insolvency proceedings: Council and European Parliament agree on common EU rules   Today, the Danish presidency of the Council and European Parliament negotiators reached a provisional agreement on an EU directive harmonising certain aspects of insolvency law. By bringing national insolvency rules closer to each other, the EU will become more attractive for investors. Currently cross-border investors have to take up to 27 different insolvency rules into account when assessing an investment opportunity in a country different than their own. The agreement between Council and European Parliament (EP) will establish EU-wide rules on a number of key aspects of insolvency proceedings. The goals of the new, common measures are to maximise the value which creditors can recover from the insolvent company and to increase the efficiency of the insolvency proceedings. This is an important step towards more efficient and integrated European capital markets that are crucial to the EU’s competitiveness. Avoidance actions Based on the new EU insolvency law, member states will have to apply the same (minimum) standards when it comes to taking action to prevent debtors from reducing the value that creditors can obtain following the insolvency of a company. These so-called avoidance actions challenge transactions of the debtor taken before the start of the bankruptcy procedure and, as such, protect the insolvency estate against the illegitimate removal of assets. Tracing assets In order to ensure that creditors can recover the maximum value from the liquidated company the Council and EP want member states to designate courts or administrative authorities that, upon request of an insolvency practitioner, can access and search national centralised bank account registers as well as bank account registers held in other member states which can be accessed through the bank account register interconnection system (BARIS) as regards information on assets that belong to the insolvency estate. This requirement comes with rules about the conditions to get access and monitoring of how the access takes place. Insolvency practitioners will also have access to beneficial ownership registers and certain national registers and databases. Here again the goal is to improve insolvency practitioners’ access, irrespective of the country they are established in. The pre-pack proceeding According to the agreement between the Council and the EP, a so-called pre-pack proceeding will become available in all EU member states. In a pre-pack proceeding, the sale of the debtor's business is prepared and negotiated before the formal opening of the insolvency proceedings. This makes it possible to execute the sale and obtain the proceeds shortly after opening the formal insolvency proceedings intended to liquidate a company. The pre-pack proceeding will make it possible to automatically transfer contracts which are essential for the continuation of the business (i.e. executory contracts) from the debtor to the buyer of the business without the consent of the debtor's counterparty. However, in line with the Council’s position, the new EU directive will contain a number of safeguards to protect the freedom of contract. Moreover, it is ensured that individual and collective worker’s rights under union and national law are not affected. Directors’ duty The directive will also align national rules concerning the duty of a director of a business to file for insolvency in a timely manner. This is another measure to maximise the value that creditors may be able to recover. Directors must submit the request for the opening of insolvency proceedings within three months of becoming aware that the company is in financial distress. Following the Council position, a member state may provide that the obligation to file for insolvency is suspended if a director takes other measures to avoid damage for the creditors of a company and to ensure a level of protection of the creditors that is equivalent to the protection provided by the duty to file for insolvency proceedings. Creditors’ committee Another novelty of the law is that creditors’ committees will, under certain circumstances, have to be set up in all member states. The law harmonises certain characteristics of the creditors’ committee across member states such as its composition, the working methods of the committee as well as the personal liability of its members. The creditors’ committee can contribute to a predictable and fair distribution of the recovered value among creditors as it strengthens their position in the insolvency procedure. It ensures, for instance, the involvement of individual creditors who might otherwise, e.g. due to limited resources, or lack of geographic proximity, not participate in the proceedings. Member states have the possibility to narrow down the establishment of the creditors’ committee to large enterprises. Enhancing transparency of national insolvency proceedings In order to reduce the barrier of investing in another member state, EU countries will be obliged to produce a factsheet with practical information on the main features of their domestic insolvency laws. The factsheet will be made available on the EU’s e-Justice Portal in English, French and German as well as the original language (if different). Next steps The agreement between the Danish presidency of the EU and EP negotiators will have to be confirmed by both institutions and then be formally adopted. Member states will have two years and nine months to transpose the directive into national law. Background Already back in 2015, the EP, the Council, the Commission and the European Central Bank (ECB) jointly identified insolvency law as a key area for achieving a capital market union. In 2019, the IMF identified insolvency practices as one of ‘the three key barriers to greater capital market integration in Europe’. And according to the European Banking Authority (2020), substantial variations in insolvency procedures between member states are reflected by differences in average recovery time which ranges from 0.6 to 7 years and in judicial costs which range between 0 to above 10%. Capital markets (background information)   Visit the website

● Council of the EU

19/11/2025 17:33 | Meetings | Foreign Affairs Council, 20 November 2025   Background brief - Foreign Affairs Council of 20 November 2025   View meeting page ● International ministerial meetings   19/11/2025 17:14 | Press release | EU and Tajikistan held 11th Cooperation Council meeting in Brussels   The European Union (EU) and the Republic of Tajikistan held its eleventh Cooperation Council meeting on 19 November, in Brussels. The meeting was chaired by Sirojiddin Muhriddin, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan and by Constantinos Kombos, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, on behalf of Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The participants reviewed the state of play of bilateral relations, and addressed political and socio-economic developments, trade, investment and energy cooperation, as well as regional and international issues. Both sides welcomed the initialling of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) in Dushanbe in July 2025 and reviewed the state of play and next steps ahead of its formal signature. This agreement represents an important step forward for EU-Tajikistan relations, expanding the cooperation between the two sides into new areas and broadening the scope of interactions. The participants reviewed their economic and trade relations, the security of energy supplies, and bilateral and regional cooperation under the Global Gateway strategy on areas such as energy, water and climate change, digitalisation, transport connectivity, and critical raw materials. The two sides assessed progress in implementing the 'Joint Roadmap on Deepening Ties between the EU and Central Asia', adopted in October 2023, and welcomed the upgrading of EU-Central Asia relations to a strategic partnership at the first EU-Central Asia Summit in Samarkand in April 2025. The meeting discussed issues of good governance, rule of law, and human rights. The EU encouraged Tajikistan to improve the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and to combat all forms of discrimination. The EU expressed concern about pressure on human rights defenders and journalists, the lack of space for civil society, and emphasized the need for accountability for excessive force against protesters during the 2022 events in the Gorno Badakhshan region (GBAO). It also encouraged further efforts to prevent torture, improve prison conditions, and advance gender equality and the fight against sexual as well as gender-based violence. The EU stressed that respect for rule of law, democratisation, human rights, accountability and predictability is key to enhance international trust in Tajikistan’s investment climate. It noted that effective reform implementation is vital for the country’s sustainable development and regional stability. The EU also highlighted the importance of a stability-oriented macroeconomic policy and further progress in public finance management as ways to improve the business environment. The EU reaffirmed its continued support for Tajikistan’s political and economic reform agenda, while encouraging sustained progress in its implementation and in improving the socio-economic conditions of its population. The EU welcomed Tajikistan’s ongoing initiatives in the energy, environment, and water sectors, and called for honouring its commitments under the Paris Agreement. The two sides also touched on matters of regional and international security, the situation in Afghanistan and Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The EU invited Tajikistan to uphold international law by supporting Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, aligning with UN and EU positions, and continue close cooperation to prevent sanctions circumvention. The EU encouraged Tajikistan’s constructive engagement within the region. Tajikistan’s important role in the United Nations with regards to water diplomacy and climate change was equally acknowledged.   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   19/11/2025 17:05 | Press release | Deforestation: Council ready to start talks with Parliament on a targeted revision of the regulation   Today the Council adopted its negotiating mandate on a targeted revision of the EU regulation on deforestation-free products (EUDR). The aim is to simplify the implementation of the existing rules and to postpone their application to allow operators, traders and authorities to prepare adequately. Following concerns from member states and stakeholders about the readiness of companies and administrations, as well as about technical issues related to the new information system, the Council supports the Commission’s targeted simplification of the due diligence process. The Council also pushes to introduce a uniform one-year postponement of the application of the regulation for all operators, until 30 December 2026, with an extra six-month cushion for micro and small operators. The Council removed the ‘grace period’ initially proposed by the Commission for large and medium companies, opting instead for a clear extension of the application date for all operators, regardless of their size. The mandate maintains and adds on the simplification measures originally proposed by the Commission, focusing on reducing administrative burdens while preserving the objectives of the regulation. Main elements of the Council position The Council’s mandate has introduced a number of changes to the Commission’s proposal to further reduce the administrative burden on operators, particularly small and micro operators, and allow for a smooth implementation of the regulation. Under the Council’s position: the provisions of the EUDR would apply from 30 December 2026 for medium and large operators and 30 June 2027 for micro and small operators the obligation and responsibility for submitting the required due diligence statement would fall exclusively on the operators who first place the product on the market downstream operators and traders would no longer have to submit separate due diligence statements, but only the first downstream operators must keep and pass on the reference number of the initial statement micro and small primary operators would submit only a one-off simplified declaration The Council also tasked the European Commission with carrying out, by 30 April 2026, a simplification review assessing the EUDR’s impact and administrative burden on operators, particularly small and micro operators. Where appropriate, the review should be accompanied by a legislative proposal. Next steps On the basis of this mandate, the Council will start negotiations with the European Parliament in order to reach a final agreement in the coming weeks and before the current EUDR becomes applicable as of 30 December 2025. Background The regulation on deforestation-free products entered into force in June 2023 with the aim of ensuring that certain commodities, such as cattle, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, rubber, soya and wood, and their derived products placed on or exported from the EU market have not caused deforestation or forest degradation. Its main provisions were initially due to apply from 30 December 2024. Following concerns raised by member states, third countries, traders and operators about readiness, an initial one-year postponement was adopted in December 2024. The new amendment, proposed by the Commission in October 2025, responds to continuing implementation challenges, in particular the need to ensure the effective functioning of the EU information system and to alleviate administrative burdens for smaller operators. EU deforestation law: Council formally adopts its one-year postponement (press release, 18 December 2024) Council adopts new rules to cut deforestation worldwide (press release, 16 May 2023) Deforestation (background information)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   19/11/2025 16:22 | Press release | EU-Mercosur: Council backs regulation implementing the safeguards for agricultural products   Within less than two months after the Commission put forward its proposal on a regulation implementing the bilateral safeguard clause of the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement and the EU-Mercosur interim Trade Agreement for agricultural products, the Council today approved the proposal without introducing any amendments. The regulation strengthens protections for EU farmers in the context of the agreements and introduces into EU law the safeguard provisions included in both agreements for agricultural products. It aims to ensure that safeguard measures can be applied swiftly and effectively in case imports from Mercosur partners cause or threaten to cause serious injury. This decision is without prejudice to the ongoing discussions within the Council on the signature and conclusion of the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement and interim Trade Agreement. Scope of the safeguard measures The regulation sets out how the EU can temporarily suspend tariff preferences on agricultural imports from Mercosur if these imports harm EU producers. It builds on existing EU safeguard tools but introduces faster procedures and simpler triggers to protect EU farmers. Investigations and monitoring Investigations can be launched quickly at the request of member states or industry when there is evidence that imports are rising sharply or affecting EU markets. For sensitive products such as beef, poultry, dairy, sugar and ethanol, a price undercut of 10% by products coupled with either a 10% increase in preferential import volumes or a 10% drop in import prices will be treated as a rule as sufficient grounds to launch an investigation. The investigation will examine factors such as import volumes, price trends, and the impact on production, sales, employment and profits in the EU sector affected. For sensitive products, investigations will conclude within four months and in urgent cases, provisional measures can be introduced within 21 days. The Commission will regularly monitor imports of identified sensitive products and report every six months to the Parliament and the Council on market developments and any risk of injury to EU producers. Next steps Once the European Parliament adopts its position, the co-legislators will finalise the work on the safeguard regulation. The regulation will enter into force once adopted by both institutions and published in the official journal. Background The bilateral safeguard clauses form part of both the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement and the EU-Mercosur interim Trade Agreement. The safeguard regulation complements the broader agreements, which aim to deepen trade and political relations between the EU and Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay) while ensuring robust protection for EU agricultural sectors that may be particularly exposed to import competition. Commission’s proposal for the EU-Mercosur bilateral safeguard regulation Annex – sensitive products EU-Mercosur trade: facts and figures (infographics) EU-Mercosur agreement (European Commission)   Visit the website 19/11/2025 16:22 | Δελτίο τύπου | ΕΕ-Mercosur: Το Συμβούλιο υποστηρίζει τον κανονισμό για την εφαρμογή των διασφαλίσεων για τα γεωργικά προϊόντα   Εντός λιγότερο από δύο μηνών από την υποβολή της πρότασης από την Επιτροπή σχετικά με κανονισμό για την εφαρμογή της διμερούς ρήτρας διασφάλισης της Συμφωνίας Εταιρικής Σχέσης ΕΕ-Mercosur και της ενδιάμεσης εμπορικής συμφωνίας ΕΕ-Mercosur για τα γεωργικά προϊόντα, το Συμβούλιο ενέκρινε σήμερα την πρόταση χωρίς να εισαγάγει τροποποιήσεις . Ο κανονισμός ενισχύει την προστασία των αγροτών της ΕΕ στο πλαίσιο των συμφωνιών και εισάγει στο δίκαιο της ΕΕ τις διατάξεις διασφάλισης που περιλαμβάνονται και στις δύο συμφωνίες για τα γεωργικά προϊόντα. Στόχος του είναι να διασφαλίσει ότι τα μέτρα διασφάλισης μπορούν να εφαρμοστούν γρήγορα και αποτελεσματικά σε περίπτωση που οι εισαγωγές από τους εταίρους της Mercosur προκαλέσουν ή απειλούν να προκαλέσουν σοβαρή ζημία. Η παρούσα απόφαση δεν θίγει τις τρέχουσες συζητήσεις στο Συμβούλιο σχετικά με την υπογραφή και τη σύναψη της Συμφωνίας Εταιρικής Σχέσης ΕΕ-Mercosur και της ενδιάμεσης εμπορικής συμφωνίας. Πεδίο εφαρμογής των μέτρων διασφάλισης Ο κανονισμός ορίζει πώς η ΕΕ μπορεί να αναστείλει προσωρινά τις δασμολογικές προτιμήσεις στις εισαγωγές γεωργικών προϊόντων από τη Mercosur, εάν οι εισαγωγές αυτές βλάπτουν τους παραγωγούς της ΕΕ. Βασίζεται σε υπάρχοντα εργαλεία διασφάλισης της ΕΕ, αλλά εισάγει ταχύτερες διαδικασίες και απλούστερους μηχανισμούς ενεργοποίησης για την προστασία των αγροτών της ΕΕ. Έρευνες και παρακολούθηση Οι έρευνες μπορούν να ξεκινήσουν γρήγορα κατόπιν αιτήματος των κρατών μελών ή της βιομηχανίας, όταν υπάρχουν στοιχεία ότι οι εισαγωγές αυξάνονται απότομα ή επηρεάζουν τις αγορές της ΕΕ. Για ευαίσθητα προϊόντα όπως το βόειο κρέας, τα πουλερικά, τα γαλακτοκομικά, η ζάχαρη και η αιθανόλη, μια υποτίμηση κατά 10% ανά προϊόν σε συνδυασμό είτε με αύξηση 10% των προτιμησιακών όγκων εισαγωγών είτε με μείωση 10% των τιμών εισαγωγής θα αντιμετωπίζεται κατά κανόνα ως επαρκής λόγος για την έναρξη έρευνας. Η έρευνα θα εξετάσει παράγοντες όπως ο όγκος των εισαγωγών, οι τάσεις των τιμών και ο αντίκτυπος στην παραγωγή, τις πωλήσεις, την απασχόληση και τα κέρδη στον επηρεαζόμενο τομέα της ΕΕ. Για τα ευαίσθητα προϊόντα, οι έρευνες θα ολοκληρωθούν εντός τεσσάρων μηνών και σε επείγουσες περιπτώσεις, μπορούν να θεσπιστούν προσωρινά μέτρα εντός 21 ημερών. Η Επιτροπή θα παρακολουθεί τακτικά τις εισαγωγές ταυτοποιημένων ευαίσθητων προϊόντων και θα υποβάλλει έκθεση κάθε έξι μήνες στο Κοινοβούλιο και το Συμβούλιο σχετικά με τις εξελίξεις της αγοράς και τυχόν κινδύνους ζημίας για τους παραγωγούς της ΕΕ. Επόμενα βήματα Μόλις το Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινοβούλιο εγκρίνει τη θέση του, οι συννομοθέτες θα ολοκληρώσουν τις εργασίες σχετικά με τον κανονισμό για τις διασφαλίσεις. Ο κανονισμός θα τεθεί σε ισχύ μόλις εγκριθεί και από τα δύο θεσμικά όργανα και δημοσιευτεί στην επίσημη εφημερίδα. Φόντο Οι διμερείς ρήτρες διασφάλισης αποτελούν μέρος τόσο της Συμφωνίας Εταιρικής Σχέσης ΕΕ-Mercosur όσο και της ενδιάμεσης εμπορικής συμφωνίας ΕΕ-Mercosur. Ο κανονισμός διασφάλισης συμπληρώνει τις ευρύτερες συμφωνίες, οι οποίες στοχεύουν στην εμβάθυνση των εμπορικών και πολιτικών σχέσεων μεταξύ της ΕΕ και των χωρών της Mercosur (Αργεντινή, Βραζιλία, Παραγουάη και Ουρουγουάη), διασφαλίζοντας παράλληλα ισχυρή προστασία για τους γεωργικούς τομείς της ΕΕ που ενδέχεται να είναι ιδιαίτερα εκτεθειμένοι στον ανταγωνισμό των εισαγωγών. Πρόταση της Επιτροπής για τον διμερή κανονισμό διασφάλισης ΕΕ-Mercosur Παράρτημα – ευαίσθητα προϊόντα Εμπόριο ΕΕ-Mercosur: στοιχεία και αριθμοί (infographics) Συμφωνία ΕΕ-Mercosur (Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή)   Επισκεφθείτε την ιστοσελίδα