COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Press material Tuesday, 16 December 2025

● Council of the EU   16/12/2025 10:06 | Press release | EU and Montenegro provisionally close another five chapters in accession negotiations   Today, the 24th meeting of the Accession Conference with Montenegro provisionally closed accession negotiations on chapters 3 (right of establishment and freedom to provide services), 4 (free movement of capital), 6 (company law), 11 (agriculture and rural development) and 13 (fisheries). “The EU welcomes Montenegro’s progress in closing five additional chapters today. This means that in total twelve negotiating chapters have already been closed - a significant step forward on the country’s path towards European integration.” — Marie Bjerre, Minister for European affairs of Denmark, on behalf of the Danish presidency of the Council of the EU The EU may, if necessary, return to these chapters at an appropriate moment. Chapter 5 on public procurement had already been provisionally closed at a previous Accession Conference on 27 June 2025. Monitoring of progress in the alignment with and implementation of the EU acquis will continue throughout the negotiations. Montenegro has opened all 33 negotiating chapters in its EU accession negotiations. With the provisional closure agreed today, a total of twelve of these chapters have now been provisionally closed. According to the negotiating principles endorsed by the Accession Conference, agreements reached in the course of negotiations on specific chapters, even partial ones, may not be considered as final until an overall agreement has been reached for all chapters. Background The European Union delegation was led by Ms Marie Bjerre, Minister for European affairs of Denmark, on behalf of the Danish presidency of the Council of the EU, with the participation of Commissioner for Enlargement, Ms Marta Kos. The Montenegrin delegation was led by Mr Milojko Spajić, Prime Minister of Montenegro. Twenty-third meeting of the Accession Conference with Montenegro, 27 June 2025 Council conclusions on enlargement, 17 December 2024 Enlargement: new enlargement methodology will be applied to Montenegro and Serbia (press release, 11 May 2021) Montenegro (background information) How EU enlargement works (background information)   Visit the website

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15/12/2025 22:32 | Meetings | Main results - Foreign Affairs Council, 15 December 2025   The Foreign Affairs Council discussed the situation in the Middle East, the Russian aggression against Ukraine and exchanged views on EU-China relations.   View meeting page ● European Council   15/12/2025 21:16 | Press release | Leaders’ statement on Ukraine   This statement was adopted by President Costa, President von der Leyen, Prime Minister Frederiksen, President Stubb, President Macron, Chancellor Merz, Prime Minister Meloni, Prime Minister Schoof, Prime Minister Støre, Prime Minister Tusk, Prime Minister Kristersson, and Prime Minister Starmer. The Leaders welcomed significant progress on President Trump’s efforts to secure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. They also welcomed the close work between President Zelenskyy’s and President Trump’s teams as well as European teams over the recent days and weeks. They agreed to work together with President Trump and President Zelenskyy to get to a lasting peace which preserves Ukrainian sovereignty and European security. Leaders appreciated the strong convergence between the United States, Ukraine and Europe. Leaders agreed that ensuring the security, sovereignty, and prosperity of Ukraine was integral for wider Euro-Atlantic security. They were clear that Ukraine and its people deserved a prosperous, independent, and sovereign future, free from fear of future Russian aggression.  Both the US and European leaders committed to work together to provide robust security guarantees and economic recovery support measures for Ukraine in the context of an agreement on ending the war. This would include commitments to:  provide sustained and significant support to Ukraine to build its armed forces, which should remain at a peacetime level of 800,000 to be able to deter conflict and defend Ukraine’s territory; a European-led ‘multinational force Ukraine’ made up from contributions from willing nations within the framework of the Coalition of the Willing and supported by the US. It will assist in the regeneration of Ukraine’s forces, in securing Ukraine’s skies, and in supporting safer seas, including through operating inside Ukraine; a US led ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism with international participation to provide early warning of any future attack and attribute and respond to any breaches along with a deconfliction mechanism to work on mutual deescalatory actions that can be taken to benefit all parties; a legally binding commitment, subject to national procedures, to take measures to restore peace and security in the case of a future armed attack. These measures may include armed force, intelligence and logistical assistance, economic and diplomatic actions;  invest in the future prosperity of Ukraine, including making major resources available for recovery and reconstruction, mutually beneficial trade agreements, and taking into account the need for Russia to compensate Ukraine for the damage caused. In this vein, Russian sovereign assets in the European Union have been immobilised; strongly support Ukraine’s accession to the European Union.  The leaders expressed their support for President Zelenskyy and agreed to support whatever decisions he ultimately makes on specific Ukrainian issues. They reaffirmed that international borders must not be changed by force. Decisions on territory are for the people of Ukraine, once robust security guarantees are effectively in place. They agreed that some issues would need to be resolved in the final stages of negotiations. They underlined that they would support President Zelenskyy to consult his people if needed. They were clear that as in any deal, nothing is agreed until everything is agreed and that all parties must work intensively towards a solution that could assure a lasting end to the fighting.  They were also clear that any deal should protect the long-term security and unity of the Euro-Atlantic and the role of NATO in providing robust deterrence. They stated that any elements affecting the EU and NATO will be discussed among EU and NATO members respectively. It is now incumbent upon Russia to show willingness to work towards a lasting peace by agreeing to President Trump’s peace plan and to demonstrate their commitment to end the fighting by agreeing to a ceasefire. Leaders agreed to continue to increase pressure on Russia to bring Moscow to negotiate in earnest. They all committed to work on rapid further progress in the coming days and weeks to jointly conclude and endorse an agreement for a lasting peace. They reaffirmed their strong support for President Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine in their fight against Russia’s illegal invasion and in delivering a just and lasting peace. This statement remains open for other countries to join.   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   15/12/2025 19:34 | Meetings | Main results - Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy), 15 December 2025   Energy ministers reached a partial agreement on the Connecting Europe Facility, covering the period 2028-2034. They also held a policy debate on the European grids package and exchanged views on the energy-security nexus with the NATO deputy Secretary-General, Radmila Šekerinska.   View meeting page ● Council of the EU   15/12/2025 12:04 | Press release | Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine: Council sanctions 9 shadow fleet enablers   The Council today sanctioned additional five individuals and four entities responsible for supporting Russia’s shadow fleet and its value chain, with a view to further curb Russia’s revenue generating abilities. The listed individuals are businessmen linked - directly or indirectly - to major Russian state-owned oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil. They are all involved in an economic sector providing a substantial source of revenue to the Government of the Russian Federation. Additionally, they control vessels transporting crude oil or petroleum products, originating in Russia or being exported from Russia, concealing the actual origin of the oil, while practicing irregular and high-risk shipping practices. The entities targeted today are shipping companies based in the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam and Russia which own or manage tankers that are subject to restrictive measures imposed by the EU or by other countries for being part of Russia’s shadow fleet, and that transport crude oil or petroleum products while practicing irregular and high-risk shipping practices. Those designated are subject to an asset freeze and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to them. Individuals are additionally subject to a travel ban, which prevents them from entering or transiting through EU member states. Sanctions apply to over 2 600 individuals and entities targeted in response to Russia’s ongoing unjustified and unprovoked military aggression against Ukraine. The relevant legal acts have been published in the Official Journal of the EU. Background In response to Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine in February 2022, the EU has massively expanded sanctions against Russia with the aim of significantly weakening Russia's economic base, depriving it of critical technologies and markets, and significantly curtailing its ability to wage war. In its conclusions of 19 December 2024, the European Council reiterated its resolute condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, reaffirmed its continued support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, and stated that efforts to further limit Russia’s ability to wage war must continue, including by adopting further sanctions. Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/2594 of 15 December 2025 amending Decision 2014/145/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine (including the names of persons and entities sanctioned today) Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2588 of 15 December 2025 implementing Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine (including the names of persons and entities sanctioned today) Consolidated text: Council Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 of 17 March 2014 concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine (23 October 2025) EU26 Conclusions on Ukraine, 23 October 2025 European Council conclusions, 19 December 2024 EU sanctions against Russia explained (background information)   Visit the website

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15/12/2025 12:26 | Press release | Haiti: Council lists three individuals and one entity over gang violence and related human rights abuses   Today the Council adopted additional restrictive measures against three Haitian individuals as well as one entity in view of the escalating gang violence, unremitting serious human rights abuses committed by the gangs in the country, and the continuing impunity for the perpetrators. Today’s listings include Michel Martelly, the former President of the Republic of Haiti, and Youri Latortue, his former political advisor and the founder of the political party L’Ayiti An Aksyon (AAA). They both armed and financed several gangs to promote their political agenda, defend their personal and economic interests, and control the territory. The Council also listed Rony Celestin, a former senator of Haiti, who is involved in violence linked to armed groups and smuggling and is responsible for orchestrating the murder of the journalist Néhémie Joseph, who exposed his illegal activities and corruption. Lastly, the listed entity is Gang 5 Segond, a powerful gang based in the Village-de-Dieu neighbourhood in Port-au-Prince. The 5 Segond gang is responsible for committing theft, rape, kidnapping, murder, piracy, extorsion, obstruction of humanitarian aid, arms and drugs trafficking. Those designated are subject to an asset freeze and EU persons and entities are forbidden from making funds, financial assets or economic resources available to them, both directly and indirectly. In addition, individuals are subject to a travel ban to the EU. The relevant legal acts have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Background On 28 July 2023, the Council amended its sanctions regime in view of the situation in Haiti, allowing the EU to autonomously impose restrictive measures on individuals and entities responsible for threatening the peace, security or stability of Haiti, or for undermining democracy or the rule of law in Haiti. This framework complements the sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council in October 2022. On 17 October 2024, the European Council stated in its conclusions that it remained extremely concerned about the situation in Haiti and called for new targeted sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for violence, with the objective of helping to restore peace, security, stability, democracy and the rule of law in the country. Haiti remains firmly on the agenda of the EU. The EU’s support is aimed to both strengthen Haiti’s institutional capacity and facilitate the access to basic public services to the population in the very insecure and volatile context. The EU support entails macroeconomic assistance as well as assistance to education, food security and nutrition, disaster preparedness, protection and stability, including to the Haitian National Police. The European Union is a long-standing political and development partner of Haiti and will continue to play its part alongside other regional partners, to help face the dire situation, including humanitarian crisis in the country. Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/2561 of 15 December 2025 amending Decision (CFSP) 2022/2319 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Haiti (including the names of persons and entities sanctioned today) Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2567 of 15 December 2025 implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2309 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Haiti (including the names of persons and entities sanctioned today) Consolidated text: Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/2319 of 25 November 2022 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Haiti (29 July 2025) Haiti: EU sets up autonomous framework for restrictive measures (press release, 28 July 2023) European Council conclusions, 17 October 2024 Relations between the EU and Haiti (EEAS)   Visit the website

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15/12/2025 12:08 | Meetings | Environment Council, 16 December 2025   Background brief - Environment Council of 16 December 2025   View meeting page ● Council of the EU   15/12/2025 12:21 | Meetings | General Affairs Council, 16 December 2025   Background brief - General Affairs Council of 16 December 2025   View meeting page ● European Council   15/12/2025 11:56 | Media advisory | Press briefing - European Council meeting of 18-19 December 2025   The press briefing ahead of the European Council meeting of 18-19 December 2025 will take place on Tuesday, 16 December 2025 at 14.00 in the Justus Lipsius building press room. It will also touch upon the upcoming EU-Western Balkans Summit taking place on 17 December 2025. This briefing will be "off the record". The press briefing will take place in a hybrid format: EU accredited journalists or journalists accredited for the summit will be able to participate and ask questions either in person at the Justus Lipsius press room or remotely. To attend the event remotely, please use the link below to register and have the possibility to ask questions. Deadline for registration: Tuesday, 16 December 2025 at 13.00 Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants shortly after the deadline. Registration page Media accreditation for journalists   Visit the website

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15/12/2025 12:18 | Press release | Russian hybrid threats: Council sanctions twelve individuals and two entities over information manipulation and cyber attacks   The Council today decided to adopt restrictive measures against an additional twelve individuals and two entities, in light of Russia’s continued hybrid activities, including Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) and malicious cyber activities against the EU and its member states and partners. The Council is listing today notable foreign-policy analysts embedded in institutions, think-tanks and universities closely linked to or affiliated with the Kremlin’s policy and messaging apparatus, and influencers promoting pro-Russian propaganda and conspiracy theories on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as well as anti-Ukraine and anti-NATO narratives. Some of these are Western European former military or police officers. The Council is also sanctioning the International Russophile Movement for amplifying destabilising narratives globally on behalf of the Russian government, and the 142nd Separate Electronic Warfare Battalion. The latter is based in Kaliningrad and is responsible for using technology to disorganise any system of shortwave communication, conducting electronic warfare exercises, linked to the recent cases of GPS signal failures experienced by several EU member states. Lastly, today’s listings include members of the Russian Military Intelligence Agency GRU, unit 29155, as well as of cyber threat group Cadet Blizzard. They took part in cyber-attacks against government organisations in Ukraine and targeted EU member states and NATO Allies to gain sensitive information and aiming to destabilise their political situation. With today’s decision, restrictive measures in view of Russia’s destabilising activities now apply to total 59 individuals and 17 entities. Those listed are subject to an asset freeze, and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds, financial assets or economic resources available to them. Natural persons also face a travel ban that prohibits them from entering or transiting through EU territories. The relevant legal acts have been published in the Official Journal of the EU. Background On 8 October 2024, the Council adopted a framework of restrictive measures in response to Russia’s destabilising actions. The sanctions regime targets those engaged in actions and policies by the government of the Russian Federation, which undermine the fundamental values of the EU and its member states, their security, stability, independence and integrity. The sanctions regime targets also those responsible for hybrid activities against third countries and international organisations. The current sanctions regime is in place until 9 October 2026 and it is reviewed on a yearly basis. In May 2025, the EU broadened the scope of the restrictive measures framework to allow the targeting of tangible assets linked to Russia’s destabilising activities, financial backers of destabilising activities, and to allow for the suspension of the broadcasting licences of Russian media outlets involved in disinformation. On 18 July 2025, a statement of the High Representative on behalf of the EU strongly condemned persistent malicious activities posed by Russia, which form part of broader, coordinated, and long-standing hybrid campaigns aimed at threatening and undermining the security, resilience and democratic foundations of the EU, its member states and its partners. The High Representative stressed that Russian malicious activities have further escalated since the beginning of the war of aggression against Ukraine and are highly likely to persist in the foreseeable future. The EU and its member states will continue to draw on the full range of tools available to protect, prevent, deter from and respond to such malicious behaviour. Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/2572 of 15 December 2025 amending Decision (CFSP) 2024/2643 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s destabilising activities (including the names of persons and entities sanctioned today) Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2568 of 15 December 2025 implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2642 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s destabilising activities (including the names of persons and entities sanctioned today) Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/2643 of 8 October 2024 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s destabilising activities (consolidated text dated 7 October 2025) Hybrid threats / Russia: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU condemning Russia’s persistent hybrid campaigns against the EU, its Member States and partners (press release, 18 July 2025) EU sanctions against Russia (background information)   Visit the website

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15/12/2025 11:13 | Press release | Belarus: Council broadens scope of sanctions regime to cover hybrid activities against EU member states   Today, the Council introduced a new criterion for the listing of individuals, entities and bodies benefiting from, involved in or facilitating actions or policies attributable to the Republic of Belarus, which undermine or threaten democracy, the rule of law, stability or security in the EU and its member states. Today’s decision follows the recent meteorological balloon incursions into Lithuania’s airspace. The new criterion will allow the EU to impose restrictive measures against those who plan, direct, engage in support or facilitate foreign information manipulation and interference. Moreover, the EU will be able to sanction individuals and entities engaged in actions targeted at the functioning of democratic institutions, economic activities or services of public interest of the EU and its member states. The EU will also be able to target the unauthorised entry into the territory of a member state Finally, the new criterion also covers actions aimed at interfering with, damaging or destroying critical infrastructure, as well as widespread or systematic actions resulting in the disruption of such infrastructure. Background In its conclusions of 23 October 2025, the European Council condemned Russia’s and Belarus’ intensified hybrid attacks and the recent violations of EU airspace. On 29 October 2025, the High Representative issued a statement on behalf of the EU condemning Belarus’ persistent, provocative and unacceptable actions against the EU and its member states. Since 1 January 2025, Lithuania has recorded a growing number of airspace violations, which increased sharply since October 2025. These incidents involve both drones and the misuse of meteorological balloons for contraband purposes. Launched from Belarus, each balloon carries up to 50 kg of payload, can fly at altitudes of up to 8-15km, and at speeds of up to 100-200km/h, thus posing serious security and safety risks, primarily to civil aviation. These incursions into Lithuania’s airspace have disrupted hundreds of flights and inflicted substantial losses to airlines, thousands of travellers, and state authorities. They aim to destabilise an EU member state and to intimidate European citizens through direct threats posed to civilian aviation. The use of these balloons occurs in the context of a broader targeted hybrid campaign, along with other actions that also include state-sponsored migrant smuggling. The statement of 29 October called on the Belarusian regime to immediately stop all these actions, and to adopt without further delay effective measures to control its airspace, state border and territory, and fight and prevent organised criminal activities originating within it. Consolidated text: Council Decision 2012/642/CFSP of 15 October 2012 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Belarus and the involvement of Belarus in the Russian aggression against Ukraine (20 July 2025) Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on Belarus’ hybrid actions at the EU external border (29 October 2025) European Council conclusions (23 October 2025) EU restrictive measures against Belarus (background information) Belarus (background information)   Visit the website

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15/12/2025 11:05 | Press release | MFF: Council adopts partial mandate on the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF III)   The Council today reached an agreement on the operational provisions of the proposed regulation establishing the Connecting Europe Facility for the period 2028–2034 (CEF-III). The proposal is part of the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) and consists of two portfolios, CEF transport and CEF energy. It is the first agreement on a proposal of the next MFF. The updated CEF will continue to play a central role in strengthening investments in Europe’s strategic infrastructure. It will support cross-border connections in both transport and energy, including dual-use transport infrastructure for military mobility, improve security of supply and accelerate the clean energy transition. The Council’s position builds on CEF’s current structure while providing a flexible and agile investment framework to reflect Europe’s new geopolitical context, the need to reinforce critical networks and to integrate growing shares of renewable energy. The negotiating position is partial because it excludes financial and horizontal issues. These are currently being discussed as part of the negotiations on the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) covering the period 2028 to 2034. “Energy infrastructure is what links us together. Today’s agreement provides the framework for new investments in Europe’s energy infrastructure, strengthens support for cross-border projects and ensures that no member state is left isolated. A more connected EU will bring energy prices down, strengthen competitiveness and improve energy security.” — Lars Aagaard, Denmark’s minister for energy, climate and utilities “Over the years, the Connecting Europe Facility has been vital to developing Europe’s transport infrastructure by creating a strong TEN-T network. Today, the challenges before us are significant. Our Council compromise supports the creation of a smart, safe, resilient, interoperable, and sustainable transport network, with particular emphasis on dual-use military mobility and cross-border connections.” — Thomas Danielsen, Denmark‘s minister for transport Main changes in the Council mandate In its position, the Council aims at ensuring a stronger involvement of member states in the adoption of work programmes and the selection of projects that will receive funding from CEF. The Council also further framed the eligibility and award criteria applicable to receive funding, as a part of the regulation. The Council’s position also reflects that the geographical specificity of each member state, in particular island member states, should be taken into account when considering the cross-border dimension of projects eligible for funding under the CEF. Main transport provisions Main changes with regards to the transport provisions in the CEF proposal relate to the annex, where member states have broadened the indicative list of projects of common interest with a cross-border dimension. In the field of military mobility, the Council streamlined certain provisions of the original proposal, confirming the importance of CEF focusing on the four EU priority military mobility corridors, identified in the document on ‘military requirements for military mobility within and beyond the EU’. At the same time, the Council stresses the need to fully respect member states’ sovereignty over their national territory and national decision-making processes regarding military mobility, as well as to ensure that due consideration is paid to security and public order.   Main energy provisions The Council introduced a number of targeted amendments to the CEF energy to clarify objectives, strengthen consideration to resilience and ensure flexibility of the investment framework with evolving EU energy policy. The text now explicitly emphasises the importance of completing the Energy Union, through the development of projects of common interest (PCIs) and mutual interest (PMIs) as a central objective of the programme. It reinforces the focus on eliminating interconnection bottlenecks, ending energy isolation and integrating the internal market. It also stresses the protection and resilience of critical energy infrastructure, including against cyber and hybrid threats, reflecting the geopolitical context and the arising challenges to European security. The Council position reaffirms the key role of renewable energy in driving the energy transition and securing the EU’s energy supply. The text further frames the conditions for CEF support to cross-border renewables projects, emphasising cost-effectiveness, system integration and decarbonisation. Next steps The partial negotiating position approved today is the Council's mandate to start negotiations with the European Parliament on CEF III. The decision on the programme’s budget for 2028-2034 will depend on the final agreement on the next MFF. Background The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) is a key EU funding tool supporting the EU’s green transition and decarbonisation objectives, with the goal of developing a high-performing, sustainable trans-European networks for transport and energy. The Commission presented the proposal for the 2028–2034 CEF on 16 July 2025 as part of the wider package for the next MFF. Council partial negotiating position on the 2028-2034 CEF Watch the public session Commission's proposal for a regulation establishing the Connecting Europe Facility for the period 2028-2034 Connecting Europe Facility (CINEA) EU budget 2028-2034 (European Commission)   Visit the website

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15/12/2025 10:24 | Press release | Venezuela: Council renews restrictive measures by one year   Today, the Council decided to prolong the duration of the existing restrictive measures in view of the situation in Venezuela for a further year, until 10 January 2027. This decision was taken in light of the persistent actions undermining democracy and the rule of law, as well as continued human rights violations and the repression of civil society and democratic opposition, including in relation to the conduct of and developments following the Presidential Elections of 28 July 2024. Currently sixty-nine individuals are listed and therefore subject to an asset freeze and a prohibition on the provision of funds or economic resources both directly and indirectly. Additionally, they are subject to travel bans in the European Union. Background The EU introduced restrictive measures on Venezuela in November 2017. The measures include an embargo on arms and on equipment for internal repression, and the imposition of travel bans and asset freezes on listed individuals. As set out in an EU statement dated 10 January 2025, the aim of the EU’s targeted restrictive measures is to support a negotiated and democratic solution to the crisis in Venezuela. The EU has not adopted any measure that could inflict harm on the Venezuelan people or on the economy. The responsibility for ending the crisis in Venezuela lies with its authorities. The reversal of EU sanctions will depend on tangible progress in human rights and the rule of law in Venezuela, along with meaningful steps towards genuine dialogue and a democratic transition. Consolidated text: Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074 of 13 November 2017 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Venezuela (dated 11 January 2025) Venezuela: statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the events of 10 January 2025 (press release, 10 January 2025) European Council conclusions, 19 December 2024 EU response to the crisis in Venezuela (background information)   Visit the website ● International ministerial meetings   16/12/2025 15:48 | Meetings | Main results - 24th Accession Conference with Montenegro, 16 December 2025   The twenty-fourth meeting of the Accession Conference with Montenegro took place on 16 December 2025 in Brussels. The meeting served to provisionally close negotiations on Chapters 3 ‘Right of establishment and freedom to provide services’, 4 ‘Free movement of capital’, 6 ‘Company law’, 11 ‘Agriculture and rural development and 13 ‘Fisheries’.   View meeting page ● European Council   16/12/2025 13:39 | Media advisory | CHANGE OF TIME: Press briefing - European Council meeting of 18-19 December 2025   The press briefing ahead of the European Council meeting of 18-19 December 2025 will take place on Tuesday, 16 December 2025 at 14.30 in the Justus Lipsius building press room. It will also touch upon the upcoming EU-Western Balkans Summit taking place on 17 December 2025. This briefing will be "off the record". The press briefing will take place in a hybrid format: EU accredited journalists or journalists accredited for the summit will be able to participate and ask questions either in person at the Justus Lipsius press room or remotely. To attend the event remotely, please use the link below to register and have the possibility to ask questions. Deadline for registration: Tuesday, 16 December 2025 at 13.00 Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants shortly after the deadline. Registration page Media accreditation for journalists   Visit the website ● General Secretariat of the Council   Think Tank Review - December 2025   The paths the EU will choose to take in 2026, the deployment of the digital euro by 2027, the second emissions trading system and the future of the European Green Deal, AI factories and gigafactories across Europe, EU cybersecurity, a European pillar within NATO, possible cooperation between the US and Russia in Eurasia, and the fallout from the G20 summit in Johannesburg are some of the topics featured in this Think Tank Review.   Read full post