COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Press material Thursday, 04 December 2025

● Council of the EU   04/12/2025 01:41 | Press release | New genomic techniques: Council and Parliament strike deal to boost the competitiveness and sustainability of our food systems   Today the Council has reached a provisional agreement with the European Parliament on a set of rules that establish a legal framework for new genomic techniques (NGTs). The regulation aims to improve the competitiveness of the agrifood sector and ensure a level playing field for European operators, while boosting food security and reducing external dependencies. The regulation ensures robust protection for human and animal health, as well as the environment, while contributing to EU sustainability goals. The provisional agreement guarantees a simplified process for NGT plants equivalent to conventional plants and addresses concerns regarding intellectual property and access to seeds. “New genomic techniques can help us do more with less. The regulation will allow us to develop new plant varieties that are more resilient to climate change and require less fertilisers or pesticides. Our farmers and agri-food sector will be better equipped to innovate and continue to produce healthy and safe food for our citizens.” — Jacob Jensen, Danish Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries The term NGTs covers a variety of techniques that adapt seeds in a way that can also occur in nature or through conventional breeding techniques. By using those techniques, improved plant varieties can be developed faster and with specific features that can respond to the challenges the agrifood sector is facing. For instance, those new varieties may be more resilient to the effects of climate change, such as drought or floods and require less use of fertilisers and pesticides. Category 1 NGT plants The provisional agreement maintains the principle that NGT-1 plants are equivalent to conventional plants, in line with the Council's negotiating mandate and the Commission proposal. National authorities must verify that NGT plants belong to category 1, but their offspring do not need to be subsequently verified. NGT-1 plants and products will not be labelled, keeping in mind the principle of equivalence. The only exception to this are seeds and other plant reproductive material of NGT-1 plants, which should be labelled. This would not entail a disproportionate burden for plant breeders, but it would allow operators to ensure a NGT-free chain, if they wish to do so. Furthermore, Parliament and Council agreed on an exclusion list of intended traits that shall be excluded from the NGT-1 category. Both the Council and Parliament concurred that tolerance to herbicides and ‘production of a known insecticidal substance’ will be on the exclusion list and cannot be one of the intended traits for category 1 NGT plants. This change to the Commission proposal will ensure that such plants are classed as NGT-2 and therefore remain subject to authorisation, traceability and monitoring. Category 2 NGT plants Plants with more complex or less “natural-equivalent” genomic modifications are classified under category 2. For NGT-2 plants, both the Council and the Parliament agreed with the Commission's proposal to maintain the existing GMO legislation requirements, including mandatory labelling of products. If the label includes information on the traits that were modified, it must cover all the relevant traits. This was introduced by the Council, to ensure that consumers have access to accurate and comprehensive information. The Council and Parliament agreed to allow member states to opt out from the cultivation of NGT-2 plants on their territory. The agreement also includes optional coexistence measures. This means that member states can take measures to avoid the unintended presence of NGT-2 plants and other products, if they wish to do so. Protection of intellectual property Patent rules are governed by the EU's Biotech Directive. Nonetheless, the NGTs regulation addresses concerns voiced by plant breeders and farmers on patenting. In particular, when applying to register a category 1 NGT plant or product, companies or breeders must submit information on all existing or pending patents. The patenting information must be included in a publicly available database. Furthermore, on a voluntary basis, companies or breeders can also provide information on the patent holder's intention to licence the use of a patented NGT 1 plant or product, under equitable conditions. The Council and the Parliament agreed on the creation of a patenting expert group, focusing on the effect of patents on NGT plants, composed of experts from all member states, the European Patent Office and the Community Plant Variety Office. One year after the entry into force of the regulation, the Commission will publish a study on the impact of patenting on innovation, on the availability of seeds to farmers and on the competitiveness of the EU plant breeding sector. The Commission will then indicate what follow-up measures are needed or publish a legislative proposal to address any issues found in the study. Next steps The provisional agreement will now have to be endorsed by the Council and the Parliament before it can be formally adopted. Background  In the last decade, a variety of NGTs have been developed based on advances in biotechnology. Those new technologies did not exist in 2001, when the EU legislation on GMOs was adopted. That is why plants obtained through NGTs are currently subject to the same rules as GMOs. The new rules would ensure that NGT plants available on the EU market are as safe as conventionally bred varieties. The agreement covers plants that contain small modifications to their genetic material (targeted mutagenesis) or insertions of genetic material from the same plant or from crossable plants (cisgenesis, including intragenesis). GMOs continue to be regulated by the EU legislation on GMOs, which remains unchanged. Council negotiating mandate Commission proposal New genomic techniques: Council agrees negotiating mandate (press release, 14 March 2025)   Visit the website

● Council of the EU

03/12/2025 23:38 | Press release | Joint press statement following the 6th meeting of the EU-Armenia Partnership Council   The Partnership Council highlighted the strong momentum in the EU-Armenia relations, reaffirmed their shared values and adopted the new “Strategic Agenda for the EU-Armenia Partnership”, setting ambitious cooperation priorities and marking a major step in deepening and advancing bilateral ties. The two sides noted the importance of the upcoming EU-Armenia Summit in May 2025 as yet another milestone for further enhancing their partnership. The EU welcomed the historic milestone reached between Armenia and Azerbaijan at the Washington Peace Summit last August, including the initialling of the Armenia-Azerbaijan “Agreement on Establishment of Peace and Inter-State Relations.” The EU reiterated its strong support for the further consolidation and institutionalisation of the peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The two sides highlighted the humanitarian dimension of reconciliation efforts and Armenia expressed its appreciation for increased EU support for demining. Armenia welcomed the EU’s readiness to advance regional connectivity. Both sides agreed to deepen their cooperation through the EU’s Global Gateway initiative and cross-regional connectivity agenda, in line with Armenia’s ‘Crossroads of Peace’ initiative. The EU and Armenia welcomed the ratification of the CSDP framework participation agreement, which opens new opportunities for deeper and more active cooperation in the field of international crisis management missions. The two sides welcomed the progress in the visa-liberalisation dialogue. They also welcomed the official handover on 5 November 2025 of the Visa Liberalisation Action Plan as a key milestone on the road toward visa-free travel. Both the EU and Armenia reiterated their commitment to human rights, the rule of law, and democratic values. The EU reaffirmed its steadfast support for Armenia’s comprehensive political and economic reform agenda and Armenia’s efforts to counter hybrid threats. The Partnership Council reviewed the implementation of the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA), noting Armenia’s continued commitment and the progress achieved, and encouraging the pursuit of the ambitious reform agenda. The newly adopted Strategic Agenda will serve as a catalyst for unlocking the full potential of CEPA. The EU and Armenia welcomed progress on the €270 million Resilience and Growth Plan and discussed further opportunities available through Global Gateway investments. They also welcomed the launch of the High-Level Policy Dialogue. The two sides also discussed ways to scale up the investments in key strategic areas of the partnership, advance inclusive regional connectivity, economic diversification and trade, digital and green transitions, energy security, and climate cooperation. They agreed to work together to significantly increase and facilitate the diversification of Armenia’s export structure, including the export of new products to the EU market and to intensify cooperation between the Energy Community and Armenia. The EU also took good note of the adoption by Armenia’s parliament of the law on “launching the accession process of the Republic of Armenia to the European Union” on 26 March 2025 underlining that this step demonstrates Armenia’s continued commitment to shared European values and its ambition to deepen integration with the Union. The EU reiterated its principled position on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Both sides welcomed the current efforts to cease the hostilities in Ukraine and work towards just and lasting peace. The Partnership Council was chaired by the Foreign Minister of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan. The EU delegation was led by High Representative Kaja Kallas, joined by Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos. Strategic Agenda for the EU-Armenia Partnership, background information   Visit the website

● Council of the EU

03/12/2025 16:07 | Media advisory | Press briefing - Justice and Home Affairs Council of 8 and 9 December 2025   The press briefing ahead of the Justice and Home Affairs Council will take place on Thursday, 4 December 2025 at 13.30. This "off the record" 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 Justice and Home Affairs Council do not need to do it again. Deadline for registration: Thursday, 4 December 2025 at 12.30. Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants shortly after the deadline. Justice and Home Affairs Council (Home Affairs), 8 December 2025 Justice and Home Affairs Council (Justice), 9 December 2025 Registration page   Visit the website ● European Council   04/12/2025 14:43 | Statements and remarks | Press statement by President António Costa following his meeting with President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Astana   I want to start by thanking President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for his warm welcome and kind hospitality here in Astana. It is a real honour to visit your country. My presence here reflects our intensified engagement with Kazakhstan, and our shared ambition to bring this partnership to an even higher level. The cooperation between the European Union and Central Asia is entering a new phase of deepening our engagement. Today, together with President Tokayev, we are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the signature of our Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with Kazakhstan. It was the first agreement of its kind with a Central Asian country, and it remains the solid foundation of our growing cooperation. The EU is the first trade partner for Kazakhstan, and also its first foreign investor. Kazakhstan, as third largest oil and uranium supplier for the European Union, is a key partner for our energy security. Our partnership is delivering concrete results.  This week in Brussels, we just launched negotiations on a Visa Facilitation Agreement. I know very well how these talks matter deeply to both Kazakh and European citizens. When concluded, this Agreement will make it easier for our people to meet, study, work and invest, a real sign of the friendship between our peoples. Back in April, we held the first ever EU–Central Asia Summit in Samark and where we agreed to elevate our regional partnership to a strategic level and to focus our cooperation on a few key areas of shared interest, with concrete deliverables: Transport, with the modernisation of the ports in the Transcaspian corridor; Energy, climate and water, expanding the EU investments in hydropower infrastructures; Critical raw materials, with the establishment of a new laboratory to analyse the materials in the country, instead of sending them abroad. A first step to develop and keep the added value here in your country; Digitalisation, by connecting remote schools to internet and improving satellite connections; And, deepening our people-to-people contacts.  Since the Summit, our cooperation in all these areas has gained real traction. And we are happy to see the work you are doing to improve the investment climate. You can count on us to promote among European companies the huge potential of our economic cooperation.  Kazakhstan is an important regional transport connectivity hub and has an essential role in ensuring the completion of the Trans-Caspian Corridor. My message is clear: There is a strong opportunity to take our cooperation much further, and -as I reaffirmed to President Tokayev – the EU stands ready to help unlock this potential, for the benefit of both sides. Our meeting comes at a time of rising global tensions, with conflicts putting the international rules-based order under strain. As you know, the EU has worked firmly with Ukraine to stop the war. And we are working closely with our partners and remain committed to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine.  In this context, I want to stress my deep appreciation for Kazakhstan’s consistent defence of the UN Charter and the rules-based order. We also welcome Kazakhstan’s active and constructive role in regional stability, in particular your support to the Armenia–Azerbaijan settlement. A peaceful and prosperous South Caucasus is vital for stronger links between Europe and Central Asia.  The dynamism of Kazakhstan’s society together with the economic, political, economic and social reforms launched by President Tokayev are an excellent basis for the progress of our close cooperation to the next level. I am convinced that, together, we can turn common challenges into shared opportunities for the future for our people and our society. Thank you very much.   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   04/12/2025 14:12 | Press release | EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime: listings prolonged for a year   The Council today prolonged the list of individuals, entities and bodies subject to restrictive measures for actions against serious human rights violations and abuses, for another year until 8 December 2026. These restrictive measures currently apply to 135 persons and 37 entities. They are subject to an asset freeze and EU persons and entities are forbidden from making funds, financial assets or economic resources available to them. In addition, a travel ban to the EU applies to the natural persons listed. Today's decision confirms the EU's commitment to take action against human rights violations and abuses wherever they occur, making use of all instruments while reasserting that human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated. Background The EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, established on 7 December 2020, enables the EU to target individuals, entities and bodies – including state and non-state actors – responsible for, involved in or associated with serious human rights violations and abuses worldwide. On 4 December 2023, the Council prolonged the framework for restrictive measures under the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime for three years, until 8 December 2026. The listings under the regime expire and are reviewed every 12 months. The EU closely monitors developments in this field and ensures that the listings are kept under constant review. Consolidated text dated 5 September 2025: Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999 of 7 December 2020 concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses Sanctions against human rights violations (background information) Timeline – Human rights (background information) Further information on the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime (EEAS page)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   04/12/2025 11:52 | Press release | Council sets position on updated EU rules on inspections of vehicles and their registration   Today, transport ministers set the Council’s position on the roadworthiness package, which puts forward an update of EU standards with regards to periodic roadworthiness tests, technical roadside inspections and registration of vehicle data. “I am pleased that we have reached a positive outcome and that we now have a general approach on both proposals in the package. With this agreement we are securing a modernisation of the rules for roadside and periodic testing and registration of vehicle data while minimising administrative burden.” — Thomas Danielsen, Minister for Transport The package consists of two proposals focusing on the update of three directives: one on the periodic roadworthiness testing for motor vehicles, one on roadside inspections of commercial vehicles and one on registration documents for vehicles and one on roadside inspections of commercial vehicles. Both proposals have the objective to further improve road safety in the EU by: ensuring the consistency, objectivity and quality of roadworthiness testing the deployment of new test methods for gaseous emissions namely nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particle number reducing tampering and improving the detection of defective vehicles, as well as tampered odometers improving the electronic storage and exchanging relevant vehicle identification and status data, to increase data availability and facilitate mutual recognition by enforcement authorities. Council position In the Council’s position changes have been made to reflect concerns regarding additional costs for vehicle owners as well as taking into account that new test methods for nitrogen oxides (NOx) were not yet fully developed or not widely deployed. Therefore, the main elements of the Council’s position are: Technical inspections: In the Council position the scope of tests and minimum frequencies are maintained as currently is the case. This means that the proposed switch to annual instead of biannual testing after 10 years is not followed. The current exception to exclude motor bikes from the scope of tests is also maintained. Emission testing: The position doesn’t include more frequent emission testing for vans but incorporates light-duty commercial vehicles to the roadside inspection system, which is currently focused on vehicles above 3,5 tonnes. A major step forward in the efficiency of regular emission testing is expected from the introduction of new emission measuring methods for NOx and particle number emissions, which can be supplemented by remote sensing of emissions in the wider road network. Temporary certificate issued in another member state than where the vehicle is registered: The Council follows the Commission’s proposal of offering the possibility to drivers to get a temporary roadworthiness certificate in another member state than the member state where the vehicle is registered, while also expanding the scope to light commercial vehicles. This temporary certificate will allow further circulation for another 6 months. Next, drivers will need to ensure testing in the six months after the issuing of the temporary certificate in the member state of registration. Next steps Following today’s approval of the Council position, the Council can start negotiations with the European Parliament to reach a final agreement, as soon as the latter adopts its final position. Background The roadworthiness package represents a comprehensive overhaul of the current EU rules on technical and emission testing of vehicles and their registration. The current framework, dating back to 2014, lays down EU rules on periodic technical inspections (PTI), roadside inspections (RSI) for commercial vehicles, and vehicle registration. Based on technological innovations and a growing presence of electrical vehicles, the Commission proposed the current update in April 2025. Proposal for a directive on the registration documents for vehicles and vehicle registration data recorded in national vehicle registers and repealing Council Directive 1999/37/EC - General approach Road transport (background information) Safer transport (background information)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   04/12/2025 11:04 | Press release | Council sets position on maximum weights and dimensions for road vehicles   Today, transport ministers adopted a Council position that amends the directive laying down maximum authorised dimensions and weights for certain road vehicles. The amendment of the current directive on weights and dimensions aims at ensuring the free and efficient movement of goods and fair competition across the EU, providing sufficient incentives to encourage investment in zero-emission technologies and strengthening enforcement of both new and existing rules for better consistency and efficiency. “I am happy to announce that we have landed an agreement in the Council on a revision of the directive on weights and dimensions. It will help progress the uptake of the green transition of road transport while future-proofing the transport sector.” — Thomas Danielsen, Danish Minister for Transport The proposed amendment includes incentives for the road transport sector to invest in zero-emission technologies, particularly allowing compensation for the added weight because of these technologies. The changes would also allow the use of European Modular Systems (EMS) between the different member states that allow the use of such systems. Council position In the Council’s position, changes have been made to support the transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) while addressing concerns regarding the extra weight these vehicles might impose on road infrastructure: Weight: the Council agrees that ZEV’s should be able to benefit from a weight bonus beyond the weight of the technology. At the same time, it is also important to avoid damaging the infrastructure. That is why the Council differentiates the weight allowance between 5-axle and 6 axle ZEV’s. Length: An extra 0.9m in length will be permitted for ZEVs, so to allow more space to install zero-emission technology The Council also wants to maintain the possibilities to deviate from weights and dimensions set in the directive: for vehicles covered by special permits intended to carry indivisible loads for vehicles that carry out operations that don’t significantly affect international competition in the transport sector for European Modular Systems The Council would also allow extra length for shuttle services, as to make this service more efficient. Finally, the Council’s position allows zero-emission motor vehicles or vehicle combinations involved in intermodal transport operations to cross borders even if they exceed the maximum weights defined in the directive and if the weight does not exceed what is allowed on either side of the border. Next steps Following today’s approval by the Council, the presidency can start negotiations with the European Parliament to reach a final agreement. Background The directive on weights and dimensions sets the rules for the maximum allowable weight and dimensions of vehicles used in road transport in the EU. It ensures that vehicles are safe, do not damage infrastructure and have a smaller impact on the environment by not polluting more than they should due to extensive weight. The proposed amendment of the directive, put forward by the Commission in July 2023, aims at modernising the current rules, reflecting technological advancements, including the uptake of cleaner zero-emission vehicles. The overall goal of the directive is to create a more efficient, sustainable and competitive transport system in the EU, as part of the so-called smart mobility strategy. Road transport (background information) Safer transport (background information)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   04/12/2025 10:55 | Media advisory | Press briefing - Competitiveness Council (Internal market, industry, research and space) of 8 and 9 December 2025   The press briefing ahead of the Competitiveness Council will take place on Friday, 5 December 2025 at 14.45 in the Europa building press room. 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. 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 Competitiveness Council do not need to do it again. Deadline for registration: Friday, 5 September 2025 at 13.45 Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants shortly after the deadline. Registration page Media accreditation for journalists   Visit the website

04/12/2025 13:57 | Press release |

Council and Parliament strike agreement to strengthen and future-proof the EU wine sector

The Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on a modernised policy framework to support a competitive, resilient and future-orientated EU wine sector. The updated measures are designed to better balance supply and demand, reinforce climate adaptation, simplify and harmonise labelling practices, encourage innovation, expand planting flexibility, and stimulate rural economies through wine tourism. They will also strengthen the sector’s capacity to respond to evolving consumer preferences and seize emerging market opportunities. “Europe’s wine sector embodies centuries of skill, culture and regional identity. This agreement ensures that the producers can adapt, innovate and compete globally, while safeguarding rural livelihoods and preserving the quality and diversity that consumers expect from European wine.” — Jacob Jensen, Danish Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Key elements of the agreement Better alignment of production and demand Member states may support measures such as grubbing-up of excess vines to prevent oversupply and maintain market stability supporting innovation and adapting to new market conditions. The end date for planting rights scheme is removed and instead a 10 year revision period is introduced. Stronger climate resilience Member states may increase EU support for climate-related investments, including mitigation and adaptation - up to 80% of eligible costs, enabling a faster shift towards sustainable production. Simplified and harmonised labelling Labelling rules will become more simplified across the EU, cutting administrative costs and facilitating cross-border trade for the benefit of the consumers and producers. Consumers will gain clearer access to information, including through digital labels and pictograms. Boosting rural economies through wine tourism Wine producers can l receive targeted support to develop wine tourism initiatives, driving economic growth in rural regions. Reduced or no-alcohol wines The term ‘alcohol-free’ will apply to products below 0.5% alcohol, with ‘0.0%’ used for those below 0.05%. For reduced-alcohol wines (above 0.5% but at least 30% lower than the standard strength), there will be the clearer designation ‘reduced-alcohol’, replacing the previously suggested ‘alcohol-light’. Export flexibility Wines destined for export will be exempt from the requirement to list ingredients and provide a nutrition declaration for the internal EU market, reducing unnecessary administrative burden. Combating plant diseases Focused actions to combat plant diseases such as flavescence dorée — including monitoring, diagnostics, training and research — will receive additional support, addressing this major threat to vineyards. Aromatised wine products — expanding innovation The agreement clarifies that rosé wine may be used as a base for additional regional aromatised wine products, widening the scope for product development. This will encourage innovation in emerging product styles and support producers responding to new consumer tastes. Next steps The provisional agreement will be endorsed by both the Council and the European Parliament before being formally adopted and entering into force. Background The EU wine sector is a cornerstone of Europe's cultural and economic fabric. It represents 60% of global wine production and is the third-largest EU agrifood sector in terms of exports. The wine sector also helps counter rural depopulation by creating stable jobs and sustaining local economies. Furthermore, it contributes to the conservation of European cultural heritage, with 88% of EU vineyards dedicated to geographical indications. The sector is currently facing a number of challenges, including ongoing demographic shifts, changing consumption patterns, climate challenges and market uncertainties. To address these challenges, the high-level group on wine policy (HLG) was established to discuss the sector's needs and propose solutions. The European Commission's proposal, published on 28 March 2025, took into account a number of key recommendations made by the HLG. Council negotiating mandate Commission proposal EU wine sector (Commission website) High-level group on wine policy (Commission website)   Visit the website