COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Meetings Tuesday, 25 November 2025

● Council of the EU   25/11/2025 15:38 | Meetings | Agenda highlights - Informal video conference of foreign affairs ministers, 26 November 2025   Ministers will discuss the recent developments in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and new momentum in peace efforts for Ukraine.   View meeting page

● Συμβούλιο της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης

25/11/2025 15:43 | Συνεδριάσεις | Κύρια σημεία της ημερήσιας διάταξης - Συμβούλιο Απασχόλησης, Κοινωνικής Πολιτικής, Υγείας και Καταναλωτών (Υγεία), 2 December 2025   Οι υπουργοί Υγείας της ΕΕ θα συνεδριάσουν στις Βρυξέλλες για να συζητήσουν σχετικά με τον κανονισμό για τα φάρμακα κρίσιμης σημασίας. Κατά τη διάρκεια γεύματος, θα ανταλλάξουν επίσης απόψεις σχετικά με τις επιπτώσεις των νέων προϊόντων καπνού και νικοτίνης στα παιδιά και τους νέους.   Ειδική σελίδα συνεδρίασης ● Συμβούλιο της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης   25/11/2025 15:42 | Συνεδριάσεις | Κύρια σημεία της ημερήσιας διάταξης - Συμβούλιο Απασχόλησης, Κοινωνικής Πολιτικής, Υγείας και Καταναλωτών (Απασχόληση και Κοινωνική Πολιτική), 1 December 2025   Οι υπουργοί Απασχόλησης και Κοινωνικής Πολιτικής της ΕΕ θα συνεδριάσουν στις Βρυξέλλες για να συζητήσουν για την οικονομικά προσιτή στέγαση, το Ευρωπαϊκό Ταμείο Προσαρμογής στην Παγκοσμιοποίηση, τα επικίνδυνα χημικά προϊόντα στον χώρο εργασίας και το θεματολόγιο απλούστευσης της ΕΕ.   Ειδική σελίδα συνεδρίασης ● European Council   25/11/2025 14:16 | Press release | Joint declaration of the 7th African Union - European Union summit 2025, 24-25 November 2025   At the 7th African Union - European Union summit in Luanda (Angola) on 24-25 November 2025, the EU and African Union leaders agreed on a joint declaration. Joint declaration of the 7th African Union - European Union summit 2025   Visit the website

Press material Tuesday, 25 November 2025

● Council of the EU   25/11/2025 10:03 | Media advisory | Press briefing - Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council of 27-28 November 2025   The press briefing ahead of the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council will take place on Wednesday, 26 November 2025 at 14.30. This briefing will be "off the record". The press briefing will take place in a hybrid format: EU accredited journalists will be able to participate and ask questions either remotely or in person at the Europa building press room. To attend the event remotely, please use the link below to register and have the possibility to ask questions. Those who already registered for previous press events of the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council do not need to do it again. Deadline for registration: Wednesday, 26 November 2025 at 13.30 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

24/11/2025 16:32 | Meetings | Main results - Foreign Affairs Council (Trade), 24 November 2025   Ministers held a working lunch with US counterparts on EU-US trade relations, taking stock of progress since the 21 August Joint Statement and addressing shared challenges. Ministers also reviewed the increasingly complex state of EU-China trade relations, and assessed the state of ongoing bilateral trade negotiations, with particular attention to India as talks enter a decisive phase.   View meeting page ● Συμβούλιο της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης   24/11/2025 11:52 | Συνεδριάσεις | Κύρια σημεία της ημερήσιας διάταξης - Συμβούλιο Παιδείας, Νεολαίας, Πολιτισμού και Αθλητισμού (Πολιτισμός και Αθλητισμός), 28 November 2025   Οι υπουργοί Πολιτισμού και Αθλητισμού της ΕΕ θα συνεδριάσουν στις Βρυξέλλες για να συζητήσουν σχετικά με την πρόσβαση σε αξιόπιστες ειδήσεις, τον ρόλο του πολιτισμού στην προάσπιση των ευρωπαϊκών αξιών και της δημοκρατικής ανθεκτικότητας, το πρόγραμμα AgoraEU για την περίοδο 2028-2034, τη δημοκρατία και τη διαφάνεια στον αθλητισμό, καθώς και την εκπροσώπηση των κρατών μελών της ΕΕ στο διοικητικό συμβούλιο του Παγκόσμιου Οργανισμού κατά της Φαρμακοδιέγερσης (WADA).   Ειδική σελίδα συνεδρίασης

● Συμβούλιο της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης

24/11/2025 11:46 | Συνεδριάσεις | Κύρια σημεία της ημερήσιας διάταξης - Συμβούλιο Παιδείας, Νεολαίας, Πολιτισμού και Αθλητισμού (Παιδεία και Νεολαία), 27 November 2025   Οι υπουργοί Παιδείας και Νεολαίας θα συνεδριάσουν στις Βρυξέλλες για να συζητήσουν για την ενίσχυση της ανθεκτικότητας των νέων, το Erasmus+, τον Ευρωπαϊκό Χώρο Εκπαίδευσης και την επαγγελματική εκπαίδευση και κατάρτιση.   Ειδική σελίδα συνεδρίασης       ● Συμβούλιο της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης   24/11/2025 11:46 | Συνεδριάσεις | Κύρια σημεία της ημερήσιας διάταξης - Συμβούλιο Παιδείας, Νεολαίας, Πολιτισμού και Αθλητισμού (Παιδεία και Νεολαία), 27 November 2025   Οι υπουργοί Παιδείας και Νεολαίας θα συνεδριάσουν στις Βρυξέλλες για να συζητήσουν για την ενίσχυση της ανθεκτικότητας των νέων, το Erasmus+, τον Ευρωπαϊκό Χώρο Εκπαίδευσης και την επαγγελματική εκπαίδευση και κατάρτιση.   Ειδική σελίδα συνεδρίασης ● Συμβούλιο της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης   24/11/2025 11:46 | Συνεδριάσεις | Κύρια σημεία της ημερήσιας διάταξης - Συμβούλιο Παιδείας, Νεολαίας, Πολιτισμού και Αθλητισμού (Παιδεία και Νεολαία), 27 November 2025   Οι υπουργοί Παιδείας και Νεολαίας θα συνεδριάσουν στις Βρυξέλλες για να συζητήσουν για την ενίσχυση της ανθεκτικότητας των νέων, το Erasmus+, τον Ευρωπαϊκό Χώρο Εκπαίδευσης και την επαγγελματική εκπαίδευση και κατάρτιση.   Ειδική σελίδα συνεδρίασης ● European Council   24/11/2025 08:34 | Press release | “One Partnership. One Future.” – op-ed article by President António Costa   As Africa and Europe prepare for the 7th European Union–African Union Summit in Luanda, we stand shoulder to shoulder, drawing on the valuable lessons of our shared history, and with renewed joint ambitions firmly focused on the future. 2025 marks 25 years of EU-AU partnership and 50 years of Angola’s and many other African nations’ independence—milestones that remind us of how far we’ve come and how much more we can achieve together. Europe and Africa are bound by together in an increasingly fast-changing world that demands solidarity, innovation, and a common purpose. The challenges we face today—climate change, digital transformation, irregular migration, conflicts and insecurity - know no borders. The response to this multipolar world must be multipolar cooperation. And together, Africa and Europe can lead the way. Africa’s greatest asset is its youth: dynamic, innovative, and determined. With Europe’s experience, technology, and investment, we can work together to turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities - creating green jobs, driving digital growth, and ensuring no one is left behind. Over the past 25 years, the AU–EU partnership has grown deeper, broader, and more strategic. The EU is Africa’s leading trading partner, investor, and collaborator in peace and development, because our prosperity and security are inextricably linked. Through the Global Gateway Africa–Europe Investment Package worth €150 billion, our flagship projects are already transforming lives across the African continent, supporting initiatives ranging from vaccine production to digital infrastructure and sustainable agriculture. We are powering Africa’s clean energy future. Our “Scaling Up Renewables for Africa” campaign has already mobilized €15.5 billion to accelerate this transformation. These investments will help develop strategic clean industries from start to finish, create good jobs across the continent, and bring electricity to millions of people. We are also advancing regional integration and the African Continental Free Trade Area, supporting trade facilitation, digitalisation, and value-chain development across key sectors. In peace and security, Europe stands as Africa’s closest ally, with over €1 billion provided through the European Peace Facility and 12 civilian and military missions working hand in hand with African counterparts to support African-led solutions. Our cooperation on mobility and education is equally vibrant: since 2022, more than 30,000 African and 18,000 European students and professionals have exchanged knowledge and experience through EU-supported programmes. Together, we are building new bridges. Our partnership is about shaping a fairer, greener, and more secure world based on shared values and mutual respect. As we look to the next 25 years, our message from Luanda is clear: Africa and Europe stand united in ambition, equal in partnership, and determined to unlock the full potential of our people, especially our youth. This is the time for a bold and forward-looking AU-EU partnership.   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   24/11/2025 11:39 | Press release | Council gives green light to the EU’s annual budget for 2026   Today, the Council formally adopted the EU’s budget for 2026. This budget is the result of negotiations with the European Parliament that lead to an agreement on 15 November 2025. The total commitments are set at €192.8 billion and the total payments at €190.1 billion. “Today, we took the final step in ensuring a strong and resilient EU budget that enable us to continue delivering on our common EU priorities next year. Addressing priorities such as defence, migration, competitiveness and preparedness, this budget allows us to respond decisively to the needs of European citizens. At the same time, we’ve built in flexibility to allow us to deal with unfolding crises.” — Nicolai Wammen, minister of finance of Denmark and chief Council negotiator for the 2026 EU budget This year, €715.7 million has been kept available as a margin under the expenditure ceilings of the current MFF’s commitments, allowing the EU to react to unforeseen circumstances. Commitments are legally-binding promises to spend money on activities that are implemented over several financial years. Payments cover expenditure arising from commitments entered into the EU budget during the current or preceding financial years. Next steps The budget will be finally approved once adopted also by the European Parliament. This adoption is expected to take place on 26 November. Background This is the sixth annual budget under the EU’s long-term budget, the multiannual financial framework (MFF) for 2021-2027. The 2025 budget is complemented by actions to support the COVID-19 recovery under NextGenerationEU, the EU's plan to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Consolidated document showing the figures and final text of all lines amended during the conciliation: Section III (pdf) Consolidated document showing the figures and final text of all lines amended during the conciliation: Other Sections (pdf) Figures by budget line - Section III (pdf) Figures by budget line - Other Sections (pdf) Figures by programme - Authorised establishment plans by Section (pdf) EU budget for 2026: Council and Parliament reach agreement (press release, 14 November 2025) EU budget for 2026 (background information) The EU’s annual budget (background information)   Visit the website ● European Council   24/11/2025 16:27 | Statements and remarks | Intervenção do presidente António Costa na sessão de abertura da Cimeira União Europeia-União Africana, 24 e 25 de novembro de 2025   Senhor Presidente João Lourenço, Presidente da República de Angola e Presidente em exercício da União Africana, Chefes de Estado e de Governo, caro Presidente da Comissão da União Africana, cara Ursula von der Leyen, senhor Secretário-Geral das Nações Unidas. É uma honra abrir esta sétima Cimeira União Africana-União Europeia, juntamente com o Presidente João Lourenço, a Presidente Ursula von der Leyen, o Presidente Mahamoud Ali Youssouf. Permitam-me começar por agradecer ao Presidente João Lourenço e ao povo de Angola por nos acolherem com tanta generosidade e calor. Para mim, não é uma surpresa. Conheço bem o Presidente João Lourenço e o povo angolano há muitos anos e somos ambos testemunhas de que quando a fraternidade entre os povos é forte, as nossas nações e os nossos continentes prosperam em conjunto. Quero também felicitar calorosamente Angola pelos 50 anos da sua independência e pela sua Presidência, altamente bem-sucedida, da União Africana. Permitam-me que felicite também Cabo Verde, Guiné-Bissau, Moçambique, São Tomé e Príncipe, que também este ano assinalaram 50 anos da sua independência. Podem imaginar, tendo em conta a minha nacionalidade, como este momento é para mim particularmente simbólico. Há 50 anos terminaram as colónias europeias em África.  Pôs-se assim fim a um ciclo de 500 anos de colonialismo, cujo momento seguramente mais dramático foi o que foi marcado pelo comércio de escravos. As colónias europeias terminaram, mas infelizmente os efeitos do colonialismo não terminaram nessa altura e isso deve-nos inspirar a trabalhar em conjunto, porque só em conjunto podemos trabalhar para uma paz e uma prosperidade através do multilateralismo.  Se hoje estou aqui, foi porque precisamente a luta de libertação dos povos africanos acelerou a queda da ditadura no meu país e a queda da ditadura no meu país acelerou os processos de independência. Sem a queda da ditadura nunca o meu país seria membro da União Europeia e eu hoje não poderia estar aqui lado a lado com o Presidente da República de Angola. Foi este processo gémeo de libertação que nos aproximou e é essa experiência viva que nos deve inspirar e levar a União Europeia e a União Africana a um futuro partilhado de sucessos e intensa cooperação. Esta cimeira é particularmente importante e simbólica, pois celebramos o 25.º aniversário da parceria estratégica entre a África e a Europa, lançada na nossa primeira cimeira no Cairo. Precisamente, por coincidência, quando o atual Secretário-Geral das Nações Unidas assumia a presidência rotativa da União Europeia. A Cimeira do Cairo visou conferir uma nova dimensão estratégica à parceria global entre África e Europa para o século XXI, num espírito de igualdade, respeito, aliança e cooperação. Hoje podemos afirmar com orgulho que juntos concretizámos essa ambição. Temos agora uma verdadeira parceria de continente para continente, de povos para povos. Uma parceria que vai muito além das nossas duas Uniões, envolvendo também a sociedade civil, os parlamentos, o setor privado e, especialmente, a nossa juventude.  A jovem geração africana, criativa, dinâmica e em rápido crescimento, é um dos maiores trunfos para o nosso futuro partilhado. A sua energia, inovação e ambição são essenciais para construir um mundo mais próspero, mais estável, mais sustentável, como todos desejamos. Investir na juventude africana não é apenas investir em África, é investir no futuro dos nossos dois continentes. Mas África e Europa não estão apenas ligadas pela geografia e pela história comum. Somos parceiros por escolha mútua, unidos por interesses comuns, prioridades e valores partilhados.  No entanto, como o presidente Mahamoud Ali Youssouf já bem recordou, esta nossa cimeira ocorre num momento crítico para o mundo. A guerra regressou à Europa e persiste em vários locais de África e no Médio Oriente. A desinformação e a interferência externa estão a aumentar, minando as nossas democracias. Os mercados globais enfrentam turbulência sem precedentes. A dívida global atingiu níveis política e socialmente incomportáveis.  E o multilateralismo e a ordem internacional baseada em regras estão sob forte pressão. A história de Angola, depois da independência, demonstra bem como um mundo onde os blocos se confrontam não é um mundo de paz, mas um mundo de dificuldades. E é por isso que neste mundo multipolar em que vivemos, mais do que nunca, a cooperação multilateral é essencial. É por isso que a nossa visão conjunta para 2030 é hoje mais relevante do que nunca. Porque assenta num compromisso para construirmos um futuro pacífico, próspero e sustentável, defendendo e melhorando o multilateralismo, orientando as nossas ações. Juntos, África e Europa representam 40% dos membros das Nações Unidas. Partilhamos a responsabilidade de fazer ouvir as nossas vozes e de moldar uma governação global mais justa. Temos estado lado a lado na defesa de uma representação mais forte de África nas instituições internacionais. Juntos, garantimos a adesão da União Africana ao G20 e, pela primeira vez este ano, houve uma reunião do G20 organizada em África, pela África do Sul. Juntos, garantimos a criação de um novo lugar no Board do Fundo Monetário Internacional. Juntos, fomos essenciais para, no ano passado, a Assembleia Geral das Nações Unidas poder ter aprovado a Agenda para o Futuro. Isto mostra bem que a nossa voz unida é fundamental para podermos progredir. Continuemos, portanto, a reforçar a nossa coordenação em todas as grandes discussões multilaterais que se avizinham. A paz sustentável e a boa governação são essenciais para a segurança e prosperidade de ambos os continentes. A União Europeia é o principal parceiro de segurança de África e este é também um investimento na nossa própria segurança. Estamos empenhados em mobilizar todo o leque das nossas ferramentas de segurança e defesa, desde missões civis e militares até à consolidação da paz, estabilização, combate a ameaças híbridas, ciberataques, desinformação, terrorismo. Acima de tudo, os nossos esforços apoiam a estabilidade africana, a integração regional e as respostas abrangentes aos desafios de segurança. A nossa parceria baseia-se em interesses partilhados, e num benefício mútuo genuíno. Existe também um enorme potencial para aprofundarmos a cooperação no comércio, na integração regional, nas cadeias de abastecimento resilientes e nas matérias-primas críticas. Esses são pilares da nossa prosperidade comum e das nossas transições verdes e digital, como bem assinalou a presidente Ursula von der Leyen. Ora, isto não é uma abordagem transacional.  É uma parceria que cria valor para ambos os continentes, reforçando a autonomia estratégica de África e não criando novas dependências. Aguardo, por isso, com interesse, as intervenções de Vossas Excelências sobre como podemos continuar a avançar, incluindo com os nossos setores privados e da sociedade civil. Porque, como disse no início, os nossos povos continuam a ser a nossa maior força.  Juntos, África e Europa representam quase 2 mil milhões de cidadãos e só teremos sucesso se respondermos às suas aspirações de estabilidade, dignidade, oportunidade e com um futuro sustentável. Mais uma vez, a jovem geração africana está no centro desta promessa, porque o futuro que estamos a construir será vivido, construído e liderado pelas novas gerações. Excelências, mais do que nunca, neste mundo incerto e contestado, a União Europeia é e continuará a ser um parceiro credível, fiável, atento e sólido para África. Só podemos construir um futuro próspero e seguro, se o fizermos juntos. E como aqui se diz, em Angola, estamos juntos.  Muito obrigado.   Visit the website ● European Council   24/11/2025 13:22 | Statements and remarks | Remarks by President António Costa following the informal EU Leaders’ meeting of 24 November 2025 in Luanda   We just concluded a meeting of the 27 EU leaders with the President of the European Commission. We took stock of the latest developments regarding efforts to achieve peace for Ukraine.   There is a new momentum in peace negotiations. Yesterday’s meeting in Geneva between the United States, Ukraine, EU institutions and European representatives marked significant progress. The US and Ukraine informed us that the discussions were constructive, and that progress was achieved on several issues. We welcome this step forward. Some issues remain to be resolved, but the direction is positive. We commend the efforts of Presidents Zelenskyy and Trump and their teams. It is also clear that the issues that concern directly the EU, such as sanctions, enlargement or immobilised assets, require the full involvement and decision by the EU. We stand ready to continue supporting this process, by working closely together within the European Union and in close coordination with Ukraine, the United States and NATO. What matters now is that we move forward as partners, united by our shared goal: to stop this war, stop killing people, and stop this war of aggression against Ukraine, and ensure a just and lasting peace for Ukrainian people. The EU is committed to continue providing President Zelenskyy with all the support he needs – diplomatic, military, economic. This concerns in particular financial support to Ukraine. As you remember, we committed to deliver on it in October. And we will, at the December European Council. In conclusion, let me stress: peace cannot be a temporary truce, it must be a lasting solution. Ukraine has chosen Europe, and Europe will stand by Ukraine. Thank you.   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   24/11/2025 10:38 | Press release | European Peace Facility: Council adopts assistance measures in support of the armed forces of Jordan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Chad   The Council adopted today a set of decisions establishing three assistance measures under the European Peace Facility (EPF) in support of Jordan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Chad. Jordan The Council adopted the third bilateral assistance measure under the EPF worth €35 million to strengthen defence capacities and capabilities of the Jordanian Armed Forces. This measure brings the total amount of EPF support to Jordan to €55.25 million to date. Today’s decision signals the EU’s growing engagement with Jordan, marked by the recent signature of the EU-Jordan Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership (SCP). The new EPF assistance measure will contribute to strengthening security and defence cooperation, one of the five key areas identified by the SCP and demonstrates the EU’s continued commitment to supporting Jordan’s stability and resilience. The objective is to enhance the air defence capabilities, and therefore also to strengthen Jordan’s contribution to regional security. Through the European Peace Facility measure, the EU will provide to the Jordanian Armed Forces short-range radars and a local command and control system and, where needed, related supplies and services, including operational and maintenance training. Democratic Republic of the Congo The Council also adopted an EPF assistance measure amounting to €10 million to provide the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Forces Armées de la République Démocratique du Congo - FARDC) with military equipment meeting their operational needs. This is the second assistance measure in support of the FARDC. The first one was adopted in 2023 and aimed at supporting the 31st Rapid Reaction Brigade based in Kindu. In total, the European Peace Facility's support to the FARDC now amounts to €30 million. The support foreseen under this second assistance measure will strengthen the FARDC's capacity to carry out their core tasks of protecting civilians and restoring state authority. It consists of the provision of non-lethal equipment to facilitate command and control, improve deployment conditions and medical support, and enable the conduct of surveillance patrols along river borders. Deliveries are expected to begin before the end of 2026. The continued support provided under the EPF demonstrates the EU's ongoing commitment to security sector reform in the DRC, and the EU's commitment to the FARDC in the context of the peace process. It is part of a broader package of measures combining various instruments, including development aid. Chad The third EPF assistance measure adopted by the Council amounts to €14,5 million in support of the Armed Forces of Chad. Under the EPF, Chad already benefits of EU support in the context of its participation in the Multi-National Task Force against Boko Haram and G5 Sahel Joint Force. In addition, this assistance measure marks the first bilateral support by the EU to Chad under the EPF. The aim of the assistance measure is to strengthen the capacities of the Chadian National Army (“Armée nationale tchadienne”, ANT) with a view to protecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Chad and its civilian population against internal and external aggression. Under EPF support, the EU will contribute to the professionalisation of the ANT through the renovation and refurbishment of the Koundoul National Academy for non-commissioned officers (École nationale des sous-officiers d’active de Koundoul- ENSOA-K). The support foreseen consists of infrastructure works, provision of educational equipment, and the redesign of the ENSOA-K’s curricula, including on compliance with International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law), to adequately respond to the request by Chad. Background The European Peace Facility was established in March 2021 for the financing of actions under the common foreign and security policy to prevent conflicts, preserve peace and strengthen international security and stability. In particular, the European Peace Facility allows the EU to finance actions designed to strengthen the capacities of third States and regional and international organisations relating to military and defence matters. European Peace Facility (background information) EU cooperation on security and defence (background information)   Visit the website