EUROGROUP,COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Press material Thursday, 11 December 2025

● Eurogroup   11/12/2025 20:00 | Statements and remarks | Remarks by Makis Keravnos, acting President of the Eurogroup, following the Eurogroup meeting of 11 December 2025   I chaired today’s Eurogroup meeting in an acting capacity, following the departure of Paschal Donohoe, who as you know has taken up a new role at the World Bank. I take this opportunity to recognise – as many have already done – his years of dedicated service to the Eurogroup. Paschal’s drive, energy and contribution to the Eurogroup’s collegial spirit took us through the end of the pandemic, the energy crisis caused by Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine and the new challenges from across the Atlantic. I will be chairing the Ecofin for six months, starting in January, but chairing this Eurogroup was just a one-off. Let me briefly report on the Eurogroup meeting today. We started our agenda with a discussion of the euro area economy, together with the IMF’s Europe Director, Alfred Kammer. The euro area has shown remarkable resilience, considering the specific shocks it has faced in recent years. We have managed to sustain positive growth, have kept unemployment at record lows and kept inflation on target. Nevertheless, the security situation remains the most serious challenge, also for the economy. There are well-known barriers for us to overcome if we are to rekindle economic dynamism while putting our budgets on a sound footing. Colleagues reacted on certain elements – among others the issue of centralized supervision, our fiscal rules and the difficulties of addressing needs for investments in defence with a tight budgetary context. We took good note of all these interventions today and I am sure that these topics will be discussed within the appropriate preparatory bodies. There is consensus that we need to effectively implement the new Economic Governance Framework which ensures fiscal sustainability, while at the same time promoting the investments and reforms necessary to address our common challenges. Today was a valuable opportunity to exchange with the IMF on the priorities for the euro area ahead of their formal consultation and recommendations in June. We moved on to budgetary coordination, with our regular exercise to discuss draft budgetary plans, the budgetary situation and prospects in the euro area as a whole. The draft budgetary plans are a cornerstone of fiscal policy coordination within the Eurogroup. As customary, we adopted a statement, which has been published. We agreed with the Commission that a broadly neutral fiscal stance for 2026 in the euro area is appropriate, with restraint in current expenditure in some high debt countries, offset by an increase in investment spending, including for defence. We also discussed the country-specific assessments, based on the net expenditure growth indicator. We welcomed the draft budgetary plans considered compliant with the net expenditure path recommended by the Council. We also reaffirmed our strong commitment to sound public finances, while supporting sustainable economic growth. Based on the Commission’s assessment, three draft budgetary plans are at risk of non-compliance and two at risk of material non-compliance. While noting different risks in terms of fiscal sustainability, the Eurogroup invites these member states to ensure, within their budgetary process, compliance with the requirements of the Stability and Growth Pact. Two member states, Spain and Belgium, have not yet submitted a draft budgetary plan and are invited to do so as soon as possible. The Eurogroup stands ready to assess these plans on the basis of Commission Opinions once they are available. Today, the Eurogroup also launched the process for selecting a successor to the ECB Vice President Luis de Guindos whose mandate will expire at the end of May 2026. The ECB Vice President is appointed by the European Council, acting on a recommendation from the Council, and after it has consulted the ECB and the European Parliament. The selection of the candidate recommended by the Council takes place at the Eurogroup. Today we have set the deadline for candidacies in early January which would allow the Eurogroup to deal with the matter at its meeting in January. Today, we also elected Paschal’s successor as President of the Eurogroup. I am very pleased to announce that the Eurogroup has a new President - the term of Kyriakos Pierrakakis - which is 2.5 years - will begin tomorrow, in other words 12 December 2025. I will invite Kyriakos to say a few words at the end of the press conference. But first, let me just say that we had 2 excellent candidates - both very competent, experienced ministers and highly regarded members of the Eurogroup. I would like to thank Vincent Van Peteghem for his interest in and commitment to the work of the Eurogroup.  I am sure I do not have to introduce Kyriakos to you. Let me just say that his constructive contributions to our work have been highly valued by colleagues. I have no doubt that he will make an excellent President of the Eurogroup and wholeheartedly wish him every success in this post. Now that we have debriefed you on the Eurogroup meeting, it is time for me to hand over to the new Eurogroup President who would like to say a few words. So, Kyriakos, congratulations again.   Visit the website

● Council of the EU

11/12/2025 18:34 | Press release | Ukraine Facility: Council approves sixth payment of around €2.3 billion to Kyiv   Ukraine will soon receive around €2.3 billion in funding after the Council adopted a decision on the sixth regular disbursement of support under the EU's Ukraine Facility. This amount reflects Ukraine’s successful completion of eight steps required for the sixth disbursement, as well as the completion of an outstanding step from the fourth disbursement. This funding aims primarily to bolster Ukraine’s macro-financial stability and support the functioning of its public administration. Payments under the Ukraine Facility are closely linked to the Ukraine Plan, which outlines Ukraine’s strategy for recovery, reconstruction and modernisation, along with a timetable for the implementation of reforms aligned with the country’s EU accession goals over the coming years. Following the completion of the most recent steps, Ukraine has now successfully adopted 63 out of the 68 steps required so far under the Ukraine Facility. The current sixth disbursement of EU support follows the recent fifth disbursement on 5 November 2025. This quick consecutive provision of funds mirrors Ukraine’s speed and commitment to implement reforms aligned with the country’s EU accession goals. Background The Ukraine Facility, which entered into force on 1 March 2024, provides up to €50 billion of stable financing, in grants and loans, to support Ukraine's recovery, reconstruction, and modernisation for the period from 2024 to 2027. Of this €50 billion, up to €32 billion is indicatively earmarked to support the reforms and investments set out in the Ukraine Plan. Disbursements are conditional on the fulfilment of indicators set out in the Plan. Since its entry into force, the Ukraine Facility has already disbursed €6 billion by way of bridge financing, €1.89 billion in pre-financing, and five instalments of approximately €4.2, €4.1, €3.5, €3.2 and €1.8 billion respectively. Following the Commission’s assessment of Ukraine’s payment request on 11 November 2025, the Council concluded that Ukraine had satisfactorily fulfilled a number of reforms set out in the Ukraine Plan. The areas covered by these reforms include the management of public finances, the judicial system, financial markets, human capital, the business environment, decentralisation and regional policy, and the management of critical raw materials. There are also measures related to the green transition and environmental protection, including the adoption of the second Nationally Determined Contribution of Ukraine to the Paris Agreement adopted under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the adoption of the National Waste Management Plan until 2033. A digital management tool for the reconstruction of Ukraine has been developed and is now being implemented. EU solidarity with Ukraine (background information) The Ukraine Facility (background information) Ukraine Facility: Council approves fifth payment of over €1.8 billion to Kyiv   Visit the website

● Council of the EU

11/12/2025 18:09 | Meetings | Main results - Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 11-12 December 2025   During the first day of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council of 11 December, ministers discussed the post-2027 common agricultural policy, focusing on innovation and simplification. They also exchanged views on the proposals on fishing opportunities in the Atlantic and the North Sea for 2026, 2027 and 2028, and on fishing opportunities in the Mediterranean and Black Seas for 2026.   View meeting page ● Eurogroup   11/12/2025 17:40 | Press release | Eurogroup statement on the draft budgetary plans for 2026   The euro area economy has shown significant resilience despite a challenging external environment. Economic growth in 2025 has outperformed expectations, supported by increasing investment and consumption, the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) and other EU funds. Growth is set to continue at a moderate pace in 2026, with key conditions for an expansion of the economic activity remaining in place, notably robust labour markets and favourable financing conditions. Inflation has decelerated and is set to stabilize around the 2% target. The euro area economy is still facing high uncertainty, with geopolitical and global trade risks remaining key external factors that could weigh on growth prospects. According to the Commission Autumn Forecast, public deficit and debt ratios are expected to increase slightly in the euro area, although significant differences across countries remain. The aggregate deficit ratio in the euro area is expected to increase to 3.2% of GDP in 2025 and 3.3% of GDP in 2026, inter alia as rising defence spending pushes up government expenditure. Public debt is forecast to rise to 88.8% of GDP in 2025 and 89.8% of GDP in 2026. We welcome the submission of the draft budgetary plans for 2026, as well as the Commission’s Opinions and its Communication, published on 25 November. With the revised economic governance framework now firmly in place, draft budgetary plans remain a cornerstone of fiscal policy coordination in the euro area, enhancing transparency, strengthening accountability and supporting the credibility of fiscal policies and of the governance framework. Within the flexibilities provided by the new framework,  the Council has activated  national escape clauses for 2025 to 2028 for 12 euro area member states which have applied so far, to help facilitate their transition to higher defence spending at national level,  while safeguarding fiscal sustainability. The euro area fiscal stance in 2025 is expected to be broadly neutral, consistent with our July statement. We concur with the Commission’s assessment that the broadly neutral fiscal stance expected in 2026 is appropriate in view of the economic situation and largely consistent with the implementation of the fiscal framework. We welcome and stress the importance of  the stance being underpinned by restraint in current expenditure, in particular in some high-debt countries, expected increased absorption of the RRF and growing investment expenditure that supports potential growth. On the basis of the Commission’s Opinions on the draft budgetary plans, we discussed the different degrees of risk regarding compliance with the maximum growth of net expenditure recommended by the Council, based on the Commission’s forecast for 2026. The Eurogroup welcomes the draft budgetary plans which are considered compliant in 2026. This concerns Austria, Italy, Slovakia and France, which are subject to the excessive deficit procedure, as well as Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Luxembourg and Portugal. The Eurogroup invites these member states to implement their fiscal policies in 2026 in line with the requirements of the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP). Based on the Commission assessment, three draft budgetary plans (Croatia, Lithuania and Slovenia) are at risk of non-compliance and two at risk of material non-compliance with the net expenditure growth rates recommended by the Council (the Netherlands, which is under the preventive arm, and Malta, which is subject to the excessive deficit procedure, though in both cases debt is well below the 60% reference value). While noting differences in terms of deficit and debt levels, the Eurogroup invites these member states to ensure, within their budgetary process, compliance with the requirements of the SGP. Two member states, Spain and Belgium, have not yet submitted a draft budgetary plan and are invited to do so as soon as possible. The Eurogroup stands ready to assess these plans on the basis of Commission Opinions once they are available.   We are committed to the effective implementation of the fiscal framework and to sound public finances, which support sustainable growth. We underline the importance of reviewing the quality of both government revenue and expenditure, in light of the multiple demands on public finances. The Eurogroup will continue to closely monitor economic and fiscal developments, also in light of the temporary nature of the national escape clause, and continue its strong policy coordination. We will also continue tackling the long-term structural challenges in view of ensuring competitiveness of the euro area economy.   Visit the website

● Συμβούλιο της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης

11/12/2025 12:54 | Συνεδριάσεις | Κύρια σημεία της ημερήσιας διάταξης - Συμβούλιο Μεταφορών, Τηλεπικοινωνιών και Ενέργειας (Ενέργεια), 15 December 2025   Οι υπουργοί Ενέργειας της ΕΕ θα επιδιώξουν να καταλήξουν σε μερική γενική προσέγγιση σχετικά με τον μηχανισμό «Συνδέοντας την Ευρώπη» για την περίοδο 2028-2034. Οι υπουργοί θα πραγματοποιήσουν επίσης συζήτηση προσανατολισμού σχετικά με την επικείμενη δέσμη μέτρων για τα ευρωπαϊκά δίκτυα και θα ανταλλάξουν απόψεις για τη σχέση μεταξύ ενέργειας και ασφάλειας με τον Γενικό Γραμματέα του ΝΑΤΟ.    Ειδική σελίδα συνεδρίασης ● Council of the EU   11/12/2025 12:12 | Meetings | Agenda highlights - Environment Council, 16 December 2025   EU environment ministers are expected to approve conclusions on ‘Europe’s environment – Building a more circular and resilient Europe’. They will also exchange views on the recently adopted EU bioeconomy strategy.   View meeting page ● Council of the EU   11/12/2025 11:12 | Press release | Council signs off simplification of InvestEU programme to boost EU competitiveness   Today, the Council gave its final green light to a revised regulation simplifying the InvestEU programme, as part of the ‘Omnibus II’ package aiming to simplify legislation in the field of EU investment programmes. The new rules will further boost EU competitiveness by increasing the EU's investment capacity to mobilise additional public and private investments. This simplified InvestEU programme will further support certain EU policies, notably related to the Competitiveness Compass, the Clean Industrial Deal, defence industrial policy and military mobility. The revised law will also make it easier for member states to contribute to the programme and simplify administrative requirements. “Today is a good day for European businesses – and for the EU as a whole. Across the Union, companies are facing mounting regulatory burdens and limited access to financing. This law is a first step to reverse that course. If Europe is to stay competitive, we need less complexity, smarter rules, and stronger investments. And we must follow up with further action.” — Marie Bjerre, Minister for European affairs of Denmark “The Draghi report left no doubt that Europe desperately needs more investments. We live in a world, where countries such as China and the US are racing ahead. Today, we deliver just that. With this law, we will mobilise at least further €50 billion in investments via the InvestEU programme. At the same time, we are cutting red tape for companies applying for the funds and for the implementing partners. All in all, this is a good day for European competitiveness.” — Morten Bødskov, Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs of Denmark The revised regulation improves and reinforces the existing ‘Invest EU’ programme by: increasing the size of the EU guarantee by €2.9 billion (from €26.2 billion to €29.1 billion), and facilitating the combined use of the ‘Invest EU’ guarantee with existing capacity available under three legacy programmes: the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI), the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) debt instrument and the so-called ‘InnovFin debt facility’, an initiative launched by the EIB group in support of research and innovation The revised regulation will also reduce the administrative burden of implementing partners, financial intermediaries and final recipients, with an estimated cost saving of €350 million. In particular, the regulation includes a revised definition of SMEs and reduces the number of indicators on which implementing partners will need to report for small-size operations not exceeding €300,000. Finally, the revised law reduces the frequency and scope of reporting obligations from implementing partners, going from semi-annual to annual reporting. Next steps The legislative act will be published in the EU’s official journal in the coming days and will enter into force the day after its publication. Background In October 2024, the European Council called on all EU institutions, member states and stakeholders, as a matter of priority, to take work forward, notably in response to the challenges identified in the reports by Enrico Letta (‘Much more than a market’) and Mario Draghi (‘The future of European competitiveness’). The Budapest declaration of 8 November 2024 subsequently called for ‘launching a simplification revolution’, by ensuring a clear, simple and smart regulatory framework for businesses and drastically reducing administrative, regulatory and reporting burdens, in particular for SMEs. On 26 February 2025, as a follow-up to EU leaders’ call, the Commission put forward the proposal in question, as part of its ‘Omnibus II’ package. On 20 March 2025, EU leaders urged the co-legislators to take work forward on the first two Omnibus packages as a matter of priority and with a high level of ambition, with a view to finalising them as soon as possible in 2025. Regulation as regards increasing the efficiency of the EU guarantee under regulation (EU) 2021/523 and simplifying reporting requirements, 11 December 2025 InvestEU: Council and Parliament agree to make the programme easier and more efficient, Council press release, 23 September 2025 Regulation as regards increasing the efficiency of the EU guarantee under Regulation (EU) 2021/523 and simplifying reporting requirements, Commission proposal, 26 February 2025 Invest EU programme (Commission background information) Simplification of EU rules Competitiveness compass   Visit the website

● Council of the EU

11/12/2025 10:57 | Press release | Foreign direct investment: Council and Parliament reached political agreement to improve FDI screening   The Council’s presidency and the European Parliament’s representatives reached today a provisional political agreement on the revision of the foreign direct investment (FDI) screening regulation. The updated framework aims to strengthen the EU’s ability to identify, assess and address risks posed by certain foreign investments, while preserving the openness to global trade and investment. The revised regulation builds on the functioning of the current FDI screening framework, which is key to safeguarding public order and security across the EU. The agreement strengthens the current system, mandating screening mechanisms with a common minimum scope to be carried out by all Member States, and foreign investments through EU subsidiaries covered as well. The agreement also increases consistency across national mechanisms, reducing administrative burden for investors, and ensuring that the potential cross-border security implications of foreign investments will be screened. “Today’s agreement strengthens the EU’s capacity to protect its security and public order, while ensuring Europe remains an attractive destination for investors. We achieved a balanced and proportionate framework, focused on the most sensitive technologies and infrastructures, respectful of national prerogatives and efficient for authorities and businesses alike.” — Morten Bødskov, Denmark’s minister for industry, business and financial affairs Main elements of the agreement A common minimum scope of screenings To ensure a higher degree of harmonisation across the EU, the co-legislators agreed that all member states would establish screening mechanisms covering a targeted and clearly defined set of sensitive areas where they must screen foreign investments. The minimum scope includes: dual-use items and military equipment hyper-critical technologies, such as artificial intelligence (aligned with the EU AI Act definitions and focused on general-purpose AI with relevance to space or defence), quantum technologies and semiconductors critical raw materials critical entities in energy, transport and digital infrastructure, based on a risk-based assessment by the member state where the EU target is established electoral infrastructures (e.g. voter databases, voting systems, electoral management systems) A limited list of financial system entities, narrowed to include only central counterparties, central securities depositories, operators of regulated markets, operators of payment systems (excluding central banks) and systemically important institutions. A strengthened but proportionate cooperation and accountability mechanism The agreement confirms that screening decisions remain the exclusive responsibility of the member state in which the investment is being made. Member states retain full discretion in deciding whether to authorise, condition or prohibit an investment. The final text preserved this principle while improving transparency and coordination among national authorities and the Commission. In cases where comments from other member states or an opinion from the Commission have been issued, the screening member state will explain how these were considered, including reasons for any disagreement, without prejudice to sensitive national security considerations. According to the agreement, the Commission may assist the host member state in gathering information. Streamlining processes and interoperability The agreement also clarified and streamlined several operational aspects of the framework, including: a new shared database to prevent circumvention and make exchange of relevant experience easier between authorities an optional single portal for the electronic filing of foreign investments, to be set up if at least nine member states request it clarification of risk factors for assessing foreign investments. Next steps The provisional agreement will now be endorsed by the Council and the Parliament before being formally adopted. The new rules will start applying 18 months after the entry into force of the regulation. Background The current FDI screening regulation has been in force since October 2020 and created, for the first time, an EU-wide framework enabling member states and the Commission to cooperate on the screening of foreign direct investments likely to affect security or public order. Since its introduction, the number of member states with a national screening mechanism has grown significantly. However, divergences in scope, thresholds, timelines and procedures persist, creating uncertainty for investors and potential risks for the internal market. Moreover, evolving geopolitical and technological challenges, including threats to critical infrastructure, supply chain dependencies and the rapid development of dual-use technologies, highlighted the need to update the EU’s approach. The revision of the regulation was one of the initiatives announced in the Commission’s 2024 package on strengthening the EU’s economic security. Council's negotiating mandate Commission’s proposal European economic security (background information)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   11/12/2025 05:21 | Press release | ‘Pharma package’: Council and Parliament reach a deal on new rules for a fairer and more competitive EU pharmaceutical sector   The Council and the European Parliament have reached an agreement on the ‘pharma package’, a new set of rules that will increase patients' access to medicine and make the EU’s pharmaceutical sector fairer and more competitive. The package represents a far-reaching reform of the EU’s pharmaceutical legislation and will help ensure fair access to safe, effective and affordable medicines across the EU. It also seeks to boost the competitiveness of the pharmaceutical industry by cutting regulatory burdens and strengthening security of supply to prevent and manage shortages. “I am pleased we have reached an agreement with the European Parliament on a new legislative framework for pharmaceuticals. The deal demonstrates the EU’s commitment to both innovation and to ensuring that patients in Europe have access to the medicines they need. We are strengthening incentives for priority antibiotics, reducing red tape for the life science industry, and safeguarding the availability of essential medicines. The package marks a crucial step towards making a more resilient and dynamic life science sector in Europe, and it shows that Europe is able to make the necessary decision to protect European interests.” — Sophie Løhde, Danish Minister for the Interior and for Health Regulatory protection Under the text agreed by the co-legislators, companies placing a new medicine on the market benefit from an eight-year data protection period, meaning they have exclusive rights to data from pre-clinical tests and clinical trials. They will also benefit from one year of market protection (the exclusive right to sell a product without immediate competition from generic medicines or biosimilars), which may be extended by an additional year for innovative medicines that satisfy two out of three conditions. Availability of medicines To ensure the availability of key medicines, the co-legislators have kept a provision introduced by the Council (article 56a) giving EU countries the power to require companies to supply medicines benefiting from regulatory protection in sufficient quantities to meet patient needs. Following negotiations, safeguards have been added to the text clarifying obligations for companies and member states, and preventing the use of article 56a as an opportunity for parallel trade. The ‘Bolar exemption’ The pharma package includes an intellectual property exemption allowing manufacturers to take the necessary steps (such as studies or trials) to ensure that generic versions of a medicine can be made available on day one after the intellectual property rights have expired. The co-legislators have clarified the wording of this provision, and have maintained the Council’s extension of the scope to include submissions for procurement tenders. Antimicrobial resistance The pharma package introduces a new transferrable exclusivity voucher incentivising pharmaceutical companies to help combat antimicrobial resistance by developing priority antibiotics. Under the agreement reached between the Council and the Parliament, this voucher will grant companies one additional year of market protection for a pharmaceutical product of their choice. The Parliament has also agreed to maintain the Council’s proposed ‘blockbuster clause’, which limits the potential impact on national healthcare budgets by stipulating that the transferrable voucher cannot be used on products with annual gross sales of more than €490 million in the preceding four years. Next steps The provisional agreement now needs to be endorsed by both the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament, before being formally adopted and entering into force upon publication in the EU’s Official Journal. ‘Pharma package’: Council agrees its position on new rules for a fairer and more competitive EU pharmaceutical sector (press release, 4 June 2025) The ‘pharma package’: new EU rules on medicines explained (background information)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   10/12/2025 22:21 | Press release | The EU strengthens the protection and support of victims of crime   The Council and the European Parliament provisionally agreed on an update to the 2012 EU law on the rights of, support for and protection of victims of a crime. The new law will make it easier for a victim to report a crime, obtain support via helplines, receive help from support services and access information about their rights. Victims' helplines Member states will be required to put in place victims' helplines where victims can obtain information about their rights and receive emotional support, as well as advice about support services. Throughout the EU, the helpline will be accessible through the same telephone number: 116 006. National numbers, however, may continue to exist. The helpline will be available in the official language(s) of each country. National governments are also encouraged to provide services in additional languages. Some of the helpline services will also be provided by means of IT tools. These services should be provided in a language that a victim can understand – for instance, through the use of translation and interpretation technologies. Crime reporting In order to facilitate access to justice, member states will have to ensure that victims – if this is in their best interests – can report criminal offences through easily accessible, user-friendly information and communication technologies. This possibility should include the submission of evidence. Member states will also have to facilitate third-party reporting, for instance through cooperation between competent authorities and those civil society organisations which are likely to receive information from victims with regard to criminal offences. Legal aid Victims who have the status of parties in criminal proceedings and who do not have sufficient means to pay for a lawyer will receive access to legal aid. This should also help them to claim compensation. Member states may apply a means and/or merit test to determine whether legal aid is to be granted. Certain categories of victims, as defined by member states, will always be entitled to legal aid, if they do not have sufficient means and if they have the status of parties in the criminal proceedings concerned. Compensation In order to make it easier for victims of a crime to obtain compensation, member states will have to put execution or enforcement measures in place to facilitate the securing of compensation from the offender. Execution and enforcement measures are procedures to expedite the implementation of a court decision. If the victims of violent intentional crimes have not been compensated by the convicted offender within a reasonable time, member states may advance the awarded compensation to the victim. Governments maintain the right to recover from the convicted perpetrator any compensation paid in advance. Support for children The updated victims' rights directive pays special attention to the needs of children as victims of crime. Member states will have to ensure the availability of child-friendly services that offer age‑appropriate support and protection. Under the new rules, child victims will benefit from medical examinations, emotional and psychological support, the possibility of crime reporting, an individual assessment of their protection and support needs and the possibility of their testimonies being recorded on video. Protection of a victim's personal data In order to better protect victims, member states will also have to ensure that, in the context of a court case, the offender will not have access to the victim's personal data (such as their address), unless this is necessary for their right of defence or other legitimate interests. This should lower the barrier for a victim to report a crime and obtain access to justice. Next steps The provisional agreement reached today will now have to be formally adopted by the Council and the European Parliament. Background In 2012 the EU adopted a directive to establish minimum standards on the rights of, support for and protection of victims of crime. While a recent evaluation report came to the conclusion that the directive broadly delivered the anticipated benefits for victims of crime, it also identified a number of shortcomings. In responding to those shortcomings, the revision – which the European Commission presented on 12 July 2023 – aims to improve among other things victims' access to information and to enhance safety measures tailored to the specific needs of vulnerable victims. Fighting crime (background information)   Visit the website

● Council of the EU

10/12/2025 18:17 | Press release | Council approves EU-UK fishing deal for 2026   The Council has approved an agreement reached with the United Kingdom on fishing opportunities for 95 total allowable catches (TACs) for stocks jointly managed by the EU and the UK under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). The agreement secures the fishing rights of EU fishers in the Atlantic and the North Sea for 2026 and its timely conclusion will ensure stability and certainty for EU fishers and the industry. “The EU remains committed to sustainable cooperation, ensuring that our shared resources continue to be managed responsibly, while safeguarding the livelihoods of our fishers and preserving our seas for future generations.” — Jacob Jensen, Danish Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Main elements of the agreement The EU and the UK based their agreement on the best scientific advice available, provided in particular by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). The deal reached by the two parties contributes to achieving the objectives of the EU's common fisheries policy, namely ensuring that fisheries are ecologically, economically and socially sustainable. The deal is in line with the Trade and Cooperation Agreement concluded with the UK. For stocks with no ICES advice, the EU and the UK agreed to continue working together to improve the availability of data to inform future scientific advice, while also noting progress made so far. Delegations in most cases agreed that it would be appropriate to establish specific TACs for by-catches (species that are caught unintentionally, while fishing for other specific species) to avoid choke situations that would lead to the premature closure of healthy fisheries. These TACs have been set at levels aiming to prevent increases in the fishing mortality while allowing the stocks to be rebuilt. For stocks which are seeing a decline below certain biomass levels, the parties agreed to combine the TACs with additional technical measures to speed up the return of these stocks to safe biological levels as soon as possible. Next steps During the Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting, taking place on 11 and 12 December, ministers will seek to reach a political agreement on the overall fishing opportunities in the Atlantic and the North Sea for fish stocks managed independently by the EU. The figures for the EU-UK shared stocks will be incorporated into that overarching political agreement. The new quotas will apply from 1 January 2026. In the case of three other jointly managed stocks, for which the scientific advice does not align with the calendar year, i.e. sandeel (North Sea), sprat (North Sea and the English Channel) and Norway pout, the EU and UK will hold consultations in the course of 2026. Background Following the UK's withdrawal from the EU, fish stocks jointly managed by the EU and the UK are considered shared resources under international law. The Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) between the two parties sets out the terms under which the EU and the UK determine their respective fishing rights in the Atlantic and North Sea. The TCA includes rules on licensing for fishing vessels and on mutual access to each other's waters. Under the TCA, both parties hold annual consultations to determine overall catch limits for the following year. The quotas of each party are then established in line with the TCA. Consultations are led by the Commission and take into account a number of factors, including: international obligations ensuring the long-term sustainability of marine resources, in line with the EU's common fisheries policy the best available scientific advice the need to protect the livelihoods of fishers The Council receives regular updates on the progress of the negotiations and its role is to provide guidance to the Commission on the EU's position and approve the final agreement on the annual catch limits and quotas. Management of the EU's fish stocks (background information) Fish stocks shared between the EU and the UK (background information)   Visit the website

● Council of the EU

10/12/2025 15:36 | Press release | Council agrees negotiating position on new rules for plant reproductive material   The Council agrees on a mandate to begin negotiations with the European Parliament on a major overhaul of EU rules governing the production and marketing of plant reproductive material (PRM). This marks an important step towards modernising a legislative framework that, in some cases, has not been significantly changed since the 1960s. The new rules aim to increase agrobiodiversity, support niche and locally adapted varieties, and provide greater flexibility for different purposes of use for breeders, other professional operators and non-professional operators. It also seeks to ensure that plant reproductive material placed on the EU market is of high and reliable quality, adapted to the environmental and climate challenges Europe faces. “Today’s agreement allows us to move forward with a modern, coherent and future-proof framework for plant reproductive material. With this mandate, we are ready to engage constructively with the European Parliament to deliver rules that support innovation, strengthen biodiversity and provide farmers across Europe with the high-quality material they need for the challenges ahead.” — Jacob Jensen, Danish Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries The proposal replaces ten existing sector-specific directives with a single, harmonised regulation to create a more flexible, innovation-friendly and environmentally resilient system. The new rules seek to: create a simpler and clearer set of rules across the Union, reducing divergences in implementation and ensuring a level playing field; support scientific and technological progress, enabling the use of digital tools, biomolecular techniques and modern breeding techniques that were not envisaged in the original 1960s legislation; reduce administrative burden for competent authorities and operators through harmonised procedures, clearer responsibilities and digital documentation; ensure the availability of high-quality PRM adapted to evolving agricultural and environmental conditions, allowing quicker uptake of varieties suited to climate change, pests and diseases; promote food and feed security, safeguard plant genetic resources and protect biodiversity, including through lighter rules for conservation varieties and material intended for organic production; and improve coherence with the EU’s plant health and official controls legislation, integrating PRM more closely into the EU’s horizontal control framework and strengthening traceability. The draft regulation covers seed and all other forms of material used for the vegetative propagation of plants. It does not cover, inter alia, forest reproductive material, PRM intended for ornamental purposes, PRM exported to third countries, organic heterogenous material, PRM used by gene banks for the conservation of plant genetic resources and PRM used for official testing, breeding or scientific purposes. Main changes introduced by the Council While the two main pillars of the current legislation, the registration of varieties and the certification of PRM were left unchanged, the Council adjusted the proposal to ensure it is more practical and less burdensome both for competent authorities and professional operators. In particular, it agreed that the examination of new varieties for their value for sustainable cultivation and use (VSCU) will be mandatory for agricultural species (except for turf grasses), potatoes and vine. The Council also agreed on a balanced solution on official controls by excluding variety registration from the scope of the regulation on official controls and granting other more specific horizontal exemptions to avoid unnecessary red tape. Furthermore, it refined the rules on the derogations, including for non-professional use, and seed exchanges, keeping these areas within the scope of the regulation but adding stronger safeguards and a review clause to assess their application after five years. Next steps Negotiations between the Council presidency and the European Parliament are expected to start at the beginning of next year to agree on a final text. Background The European Commission presented its proposal for a new PRM regulation in July 2023 as part of a package revising long-standing legislation on plant and forest reproductive material.   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   10/12/2025 11:36 | Media advisory | Press briefing - Foreign Affairs Council of 15 December 2025   The press briefing ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council will take place on Friday, 12 December 2025 at 14.30. This press briefing will be 'off the record' and will be given by a senior EEAS official 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 Foreign Affairs Council do not need to do it again. Deadline for registration: Friday, 12 December 2025, 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   10/12/2025 11:33 | Press release | Global Gateway: Council endorses flagship project list for 2026   Today, the Council endorsed the Global Gateway list of flagship projects for 2026, which now comprises 256 initiatives. These flagship projects represent the most prominent examples of Global Gateway deliverables in the areas of digital, climate and energy, transport, health, education and research. Unlike previous years, the 2026 list does not introduce new flagship projects. Instead, it consolidates, focuses and streamlines the existing portfolio of flagships projects to better showcase the impact of the Global Gateway, and to facilitate a more effective monitoring of its progress. This set of key initiatives highlights the comprehensive support that the EU and its member states provide to partners worldwide, both in terms of sectors covered and countries and regions involved. The flagship projects contribute to strengthening the EU’s strategic partnerships and advancing shared interests. Background The EU's Global Gateway strategy promotes public and private investment in infrastructure, green energy, education and research for sustainable development. Through the Global Gateway, the EU and its member states develop and invest in sustainable and quality projects within the digital, climate and energy, transport, health, and education and research sectors around the world and in close cooperation with partner countries. The original aim of the initiative was to mobilise up to €300 billion in investments worldwide between 2021 and 2027. In October 2025, the Commission announced that this target had been met, and set a new objective of mobilising €400 billion in investments by 2027. In October 2025, the European Commission also launched the Global Gateway Investment Hub, a platform that provides European companies with tailored guidance on accessing EU support for their investment plans under the Global Gateway framework. The flagship list is not intended to be exhaustive of all Global Gateway projects and activities. Flagship projects showcase concrete transformative projects and emphasise their tangible benefits for local communities. The inclusion of projects from member states in the list does not guarantee EU financing for those projects. Global Gateway governance Global Gateway list of projects Global Gateway Investment Hub (European Commission) Information on the roll out of the Global Gateway strategy, partnerships, projects and funding opportunities (European Commission) Global Gateway figures (background information) Global Gateway (background information European Commission) Global Gateway (background information EEAS)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   08/12/2025 20:19 | Meetings | Main results - Justice and Home Affairs Council, 8 December 2025   Ministers of home affairs reached agreement on the Annual Solidarity Pool, the new mechanism that will lead to a fairer sharing of responsibility in the asylum area. Still in the area of asylum they agreed their position on a proposal for a return regulation and on two regulations about an EU list of safe third countries and safe countries of origin. Ministers furthermore discussed the state of the Schengen area, security issues as well as EU drugs policy and the fight against organised crime.   View meeting page ● Council of the EU   08/12/2025 19:30 | Meetings | Main results - Competitiveness Council (Internal market and industry), 8 December 2025   Ministers for the internal market and industry met in Brussels and held three debates: on the 2025 simplification report; on surveillance of e-commerce products; and on market barriers.   View meeting page

● Council of the EU

09/12/2025 03:02 | Press release | Council and Parliament strike a deal to simplify sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements and boost EU competitiveness   Today, the Council’s presidency and European Parliament’s negotiators reached a provisional agreement to simplify sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements to boost EU competitiveness. The agreement simplifies the directives on corporate sustainability reporting (CSRD) and corporate sustainability due diligence (CS3D) by reducing the reporting burden and limiting the trickle-down effect of obligations on smaller companies. “Today we delivered on our promise to remove burdens and rules and boost EU’s competitiveness. This is an important step towards our common goal to create a more favourable business environment to help our companies grow and innovate.” — Marie Bjerre, Minister for European affairs of Denmark “For years, European businesses have faced wave after wave of red tape. This has slowed green investments and weakened our competitiveness. Now we are taking a big and important step in the right direction. With clear and simple rules, companies can focus on their core business, so we achieve better value for money in the green transition, create European jobs and strengthen companies' ability to grow and invest. The Danish Presidency has pushed for this outcome, and we are keeping up the pace.” — Morten Bødskov, Minister for industry, business and financial affairs of Denmark Corporate sustainability reporting directive On the CSRD, the Commission proposed to increase the employee threshold to 1000 employees and to remove listed SMEs from the scope of the directive. In the provisional agreement, the co-legislators added a net turnover threshold of over €450 million to further alleviate the reporting burden on undertakings. The co-legislators also agreed to exempt financial holding undertakings from the CSRD’s scope and agreed on a transition exemption for companies that had to start reporting from financial year 2024 (the so-called “wave one” companies) falling out of scope for 2025 and 2026. Finally, the provisional agreement introduces a review clause concerning a possible extension of the scope for both CSRD and CSDDD. Corporate sustainability due diligence directive While the CS3D’s scope was not covered by the Commission’s proposal, the provisional agreement increases the thresholds to 5,000 employees and €1.5 billion net turnover. The co-legislators considered that such large companies have the biggest influence on their value chain and are best equipped to make a positive impact and absorb the costs and burdens of due diligence processes. Identification and assessment of adverse impacts The Commission’s proposal limits the further assessment of the identification phase to the company’s own operations, those of its subsidiaries, and those of its direct business partners. The provisional agreement removes this limitation. Instead, companies can focus on the areas of their chains of activities where actual and potential adverse impacts are most likely to occur. To provide companies with flexibility, when a company has identified adverse impacts equally likely or equally severe in several areas, they are given the ability to prioritise assessing adverse impacts which involve direct business partners. Furthermore, companies should no longer be required to carry out a comprehensive mapping exercise but instead conduct a more general scoping exercise. Companies are supposed to base their efforts on reasonably available information, which will reduce the trickle-down effect of information requests on smaller business partners. Climate transition plans To provide for a significant burden relief, the obligation for companies to adopt a transition plan for climate change mitigation has been removed. Civil liability, penalties and transposition The provisional agreement removes the EU harmonised liability regime and the requirement for member states to ensure that the liability rules are of overriding mandatory application in cases where the applicable law is not the national law of the member state. A review clause on the need for an EU harmonised liability regime has been inserted. When it comes to penalties, the co-legislators agreed on a maximum cap of 3% of the company’s net worldwide turnover with the Commission issuing the necessary guidelines in this regard. Finally, the provisional agreement postpones the CS3D’s transposition deadline by another year, to 26 July 2028. Companies will have to comply with the new measures by July 2029. Next steps The provisional agreement must be now endorsed by the Council and the European Parliament. before it is formally adopted by the two institutions. Background In October 2024, the European Council called on all EU institutions, member states and stakeholders, as a matter of priority, to take work forward, notably in response to the challenges identified in the reports by Enrico Letta (‘Much more than a market’) and Mario Draghi (‘The future of European competitiveness’). The Budapest declaration of 8 November 2024 subsequently called for ‘launching a simplification revolution’, by ensuring a clear, simple and smart regulatory framework for businesses and drastically reducing administrative, regulatory and reporting burdens, in particular for SMEs. On 26 February 2025, as a follow-up to EU leaders’ call, the Commission put forward two ‘Omnibus’ packages, aiming to simplify existing legislation in the fields of sustainability and investment, respectively. On 20 March 2025, leaders urged the co-legislators to take work forward on these Omnibus simplification packages as a matter of priority and with a high level of ambition, with a view to finalising them as soon as possible in 2025. On this occasion, the European Council specifically called on co-legislators to adopt the ‘Stop-the-clock’ mechanism without delay and at the latest by June 2025. On 14 April 2025, the Council adopted the mechanism and postponed by two years the entry into application of the CSRD requirements for large companies that have not yet started reporting, as well as listed SMEs, and by one year the transposition deadline and the first phase of the application (covering the largest companies) of the CS3D. Simplification: Council agrees position on sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements to boost EU competitiveness (press release, 23 June 2025) Directive on certain corporate sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements, Commission proposal, 26 February 2025   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   09/12/2025 11:02 | Press release | AI: Council adopts position on the updated regulation to create AI gigafactories   The Council has agreed on an amendment to the regulation that sets the framework for the activities of the European High-Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU). The amendment aims to establish Artificial Intelligence (AI) gigafactories in Europe and create a dedicated quantum pillar in the activities of the EuroHPC JU. AI gigafactories will benefit from public and private support through public-private partnerships, involving, among others, member states and industry stakeholders. The proposed Council regulation outlines the framework for establishing and operating AI gigafactories, while allowing flexibility for partners to achieve their best possible results. It sets clear rules for funding and procurement and includes protection measures for start-ups and scale-ups. “Today, we have taken very important steps towards establishing up to five new AI Gigafactories in Europe. AI is in my opinion one of the most important critical technologies of tomorrow and key for European resilience, competitiveness and security. We owe Europeans a strong response to American and Chinese strengths in this field.” — Christina Egelund, Danish Minister for Higher Education and Science The amended regulation also allows for unused EU funds to be redirected to AI Gigafactory projects and facilitates, and for the creation of multi-site gigafactories across multiple countries. The Council also introduced in the text safeguards for third-country participation and updates to the governance structure of the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking to reflect its expanded role. Additionally, the agreement transfers quantum research and innovation activities from the Horizon Europe research and innovation framework programme to EuroHPC JU activities to strengthen efforts in this critical technology. AI gigafactories are large-scale facilities combining high-performance computing, energy-efficient data centres, and AI-driven automation. These centres will provide world-class AI computing infrastructure to support European researchers, entrepreneurs, and industries, boosting Europe's industrial strength, fostering new AI solutions, and enhancing EU's technological autonomy. Next steps The agreement reached today signals the Council’s wish to proceed with adopting this legislation. This regulation is not negotiated under the ordinary legislative procedure. Therefore, the European Parliament is only to give its opinion on the text. It is expected to adopt its opinion on 17 December. Thereafter, the regulation will be up for final adoption by the Council, once legal-linguistic revision is completed. Background The main objectives of EuroHPC are to develop, deploy, extend and maintain in the EU supercomputing, quantum computing and a data infrastructure ecosystem; support the development of supercomputing systems components, technologies, knowledge; widen the use of that supercomputing infrastructure; and support the development of key HPC skills for European science and industry. The 2021 EuroHPC regulation was amended in 2024 to introduce, as additional objective, of the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking the development and operation of AI Factories. AI Factories are dynamic ecosystems that foster innovation, collaboration, and development in the field of artificial intelligence. They bring together computing power, data, and talent to create cutting-edge AI models and applications. The current second amendment, proposed by the Commission on 15 July 2025, takes this concept to the next level, by supporting the creation of AI gigafactories. Commission proposal Amending Council Regulation establishing the European High Performance Computing Joint Council adopts regulation on use of supercomputing in AI development (press release, 17 June 2024) EU plans to boost AI with supercomputers (background information) Artificial intelligence (background information)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   08/12/2025 18:48 | Press release | Council and Parliament reach provisional deal to boost the quality of forest reproductive material and support EU seed sector innovation   The Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional deal to improve the quality and availability of forest reproductive material. The regulation seeks to support innovation and competitiveness of the EU seed sector, while addressing sustainability, biodiversity and climate-related challenges. Forest reproductive material (FRM) refers to seeds, plants and parts of plants, and it is used for the establishment of new forests, for reforestation, and for other types of tree planting, contributing to different objectives, including biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, climate mitigation and the conservation of forest genetic resources. “Today's agreement marks an important step towards enhancing the sustainability and resilience of Europe's forests. This deal not only supports the competitiveness of the EU seed sector but also provides member states with tools for better forest management, stronger yields and long‑term economic sustainability. We are aligning science-based practices with robust regulations.” — Jacob Jensen, Danish Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Main elements of the agreement The FRM provisional agreement maintains the existing principles of approval of 'basic material' and certification of harvested FRM before it is placed on the market. Under the proposed framework, member states would be required to include the basic material approved on their territory in the national registers, with the Commission publishing an EU-wide list to ensure full traceability. Furthermore, the regulation introduces the possibility for member states to authorise professional operators to approve basic material under official supervision of the competent authorities. However, the inclusion of that basic material in the national register is still left at the discretion of competent authorities.  In line with the proposal, there would be a stronger focus on assessing the sustainability features of basic material. In practice, basic material would undergo an assessment to evaluate traits that contribute to forest resilience, such as tolerance to pests or better adaptation to local climate conditions. The agreement places a stronger emphasis on innovative production processes, digital tools and biomolecular techniques. It also includes: A harmonised and efficient control system The new regulation will include its own tailor-made control framework - ensuring consistent, reliable oversight while reducing administrative and financial burdens. This includes rules on designated authorities, their powers, financial resources, and select elements from the official controls regulation (2017/625) such as: transparency, delegated tasks, certification, confidentiality, and staff training - to ensure consistency across member states. National contingency plans To strengthen Europe’s capacity to respond to crises such as storms, fires, or pest outbreaks, the Commission proposed national contingency plans to help secure the supply of FRM. In the negotiated agreement, these plans will be voluntary and follow simplified requirements - lightening the administrative load while still ensuring preparedness and capacity where member states deem it necessary. Extended list of tree species To further strengthen the quality of forest reproductive material in the Union, the list of tree species covered under the regulation has been extended. Member states may apply stricter or lighter measures to species not listed in Annex I of the regulation, allowing for flexibility to reflect national forestry realities. Obligations for operators Professional operators must be registered, maintain proper records of suppliers and buyers, ensure full FRM traceability and identification throughout production and marketing, and provide users with relevant information regarding the specific material. Next steps The provisional agreement will now be endorsed by the Council and the Parliament, before being formally adopted and entering into force. Background The Commission submitted a proposal in July 2023 which aims to ensure that high-quality FRM is available and that the sector maintains its competitiveness. The FRM regulation will also contribute to the EU target of planting at least three billion additional trees by 2030 under the biodiversity strategy, as well as to the development of the bioeconomy. In parallel, the Commission also proposed new rules for the production and marketing of plant reproductive material. Council negotiating mandate Commission proposal   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   09/12/2025 14:08 | Statements and remarks | Human Rights Day: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union   Every morning across the world, millions of small, unseen acts quietly uphold human dignity. A girl walking to school with confidence because her community protects her safety; a student pursuing their education even when doing so is discouraged or forbidden; a survivor speaking out against violence and finding support; a journalist risking their life to report the truth. These are not grand gestures - they are everyday choices, often made in the face of fear or uncertainty. Together, these everyday choices strengthen our shared commitment to human rights. Human rights are not only legal commitments set out in international conventions. Human rights are lived, experienced, and often challenged in the routines of daily life: in classrooms, workplaces, public services, and online spaces. They protect how we express, worship, organise, love, and participate in our communities every single day. They belong to everyone, everywhere. Together, we face rising pressures - from disinformation and democratic erosion to discrimination, inequality, and the horrendous consequences of war. In many parts of the world, not least in Ukraine and elsewhere in the EU’s neighbourhood, millions of civilians strive to survive in the face of aggression. In these moments, the promise of “everyday human rights” becomes even more vital. It reminds us that rights are not self-sustaining; they require constant attention, courage, solidarity and support. Upholding human rights is a duty borne by all states, allowing each of us to exercise them through the actions we take, the decisions we make and the respect we show to others. On this Human Rights Day, the EU remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguard human rights at home and abroad, and to ensure peace, truth, justice and accountability. It recalls its unwavering support to the United Nations, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and all its partners across the globe in urging all states to uphold and fulfil their human rights obligations. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Today, we celebrate the countless individuals whose daily actions make these rights real. Their stories remind us that progress does not happen only in courtrooms or parliaments - it happens when ordinary people choose empathy over indifference, fairness over convenience, courage over silence, and dignity over division. Let us value the universal rights that protect us and defend the rights that protect others. And let us continue building a world where human rights are lived - every day, by everyone.   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   09/12/2025 12:13 | Meetings | Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy), 15 December 2025   Background brief - Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy) of 15 December 2025   View meeting page

● European Council

09/12/2025 11:05 | Press release | European Council of 18 and 19 December - Invitation letter by President António Costa to the members of the European Council   Dear colleagues, I would like to invite you to our December European Council. We will hold crucial discussions, with a priority focus on two issues: Ukraine and security on our continent; and the European Union’s multiannual financial framework for 2028-2034. I look forward to seeing you already the day before, on Wednesday 17 December, for the EU - Western Balkans Summit, starting at 18h00. We will start the meeting of the European Council with a discussion about Ukraine. Recent developments highlight the need for urgent EU action. At the October European Council we committed to addressing Ukraine’s pressing financial needs for 2026-2027, including for its military and defence efforts. At our next meeting we have to decide, based on the ongoing preparatory work, how to implement that commitment. As I write this letter, diplomatic efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine are ongoing. In this context, we will discuss how best to continue defending Europe’s interests and how to strengthen Ukraine’s negotiating position. An important part of that equation needs to be increased pressure on Russia. Secondly, I would like us to focus on the next Multiannual Financial Framework. The Danish Presidency has considerably advanced preparatory work. Our discussions will be an occasion to take stock of progress so far and provide guidance for the next phase of negotiations. Intense work will be necessary to reach an agreement, by the end of 2026, on the next MFF and its financing. Keeping to this timetable is important. It will allow the Union to have the new funding programmes in place right from the start of 2028. It will also demonstrate that, in a world marked by unpredictability, the European Union is able to decide in a timely and prudent way when defining the budgetary foundations for its action. The current geopolitical context highlights the importance of enlargement as the EU’s most important geostrategic investment in peace, security, stability and prosperity. Through the merit-based approach, reform processes have a profoundly transformative effect in the candidate countries. Given the progress some candidate countries have made in their accession paths, some may meet the necessary conditions to join the European Union in the not-too-distant future. The December European Council meeting will be a timely occasion for us to hold a discussion on the way forward. I would also like us to exchange views on the geoeconomic situation and its implications for EU competitiveness. European competitiveness does not exist in a vacuum. It is important that we discuss the pressures, but also the opportunities, that arise in a world marked by rising geoeconomic competition and in which rules-based economic relations and traditional partnerships can no longer be taken for granted. How can the EU best defend itself from external economic and political pressures? How do we accelerate our agenda of trade diversification? How does the EU acquire the necessary degree of strategic autonomy for our economies to remain competitive? These are some of the questions that I would like to address at our December meeting, in the context of our ongoing discussions about the EU’s competitiveness agenda. The situation in the Middle East requires our continued attention. The adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2803 offers an opportunity to advance towards peace. The European Union has a role to play in contributing to the full implementation of the ceasefire in Gaza, and in ensuring that this process remains on a path to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution. We will also take stock of the implementation of our previous decisions on European Defence and Security, aimed at decisively ramping up Europe’s defence readiness by 2030. Recent events show that Russia and Belarus have intensified their hybrid campaign in Europe. This reminds us that we need to accelerate efforts on all strands towards our defence readiness. Continuing our usual practice, we will also take stock of progress in the implementation of previous conclusions on migration. We expect the Commission President’s letter to inform our discussion, as the European Union continues to deliver in this area. As ever, I will endeavour to keep our meeting to one day. But my main priority is to deliver on the important decisions that must be taken, namely on Ukraine financing. We will start on Thursday 18 December at 10h00 with our traditional exchange of views with the President of the European Parliament. After that, we will hear from President Zelenskyy. We will then continue our work at 27. I look forward to seeing you in Brussels. Invitation letter   Visit the website ● European Council   09/12/2025 16:22 | Statements and remarks | Press remarks by President António Costa following the meeting with Taoiseach of Ireland, Micheál Martin   Dear Micheál, it’s a pleasure to be here in Dublin, as part of my round of visits to European capitals It is so valuable to talk to European leaders face to face and to listen to their priorities for the months to come. And for the upcoming European Council meeting. It is particularly important for me to be here today as we look ahead to Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2026. We will have many important issues on our common European agenda and our good collaboration will be key to ensuring that we make swift effective progress. Ireland is seen by other member states – and rightly so – as a pro-European country and an honest broker. And that will be very useful for the success of your Presidency. Our political priorities are and will continue to be centred around two core and very much interlinked priorities: Europe’s competitiveness and security. At a time of rising global tensions, it has never been more crucial to guarantee Europe’s security and to strengthen our defence readiness. Protecting our continent means supporting Ukraine. We are working on all fronts to stop Russia’s war of aggression, to stop the killing and to achieve a just and lasting peace for the people of Ukraine. Our commitment to supporting Ukraine in building a prosperous future as a member state of the European Union is unwavering. We continue to do this through diplomatic efforts, through sanctions, through security guarantees, and through financial support to Ukraine. Whether at war or in peace, Ukraine will require substantial support. At the October European Council, we committed to deliver it. And in the December European Council next week, we will decide on it. The Commission has now presented concrete proposals to put this commitment into practice – and provide the necessary support over the next two years.  After considering several options, we are now focussed on designing a Reparation Loan to Ukraine based on Russian immobilised assets. Work is now ongoing to define a solution that can bring every member state on board, or at least that gathers the broadest possible support. Europe will remain Ukraine’s strongest and most reliable partner. And that is why the European Council will deliver next week. As we work on reinforcing the security of our continent, we need to push our efforts on making our Union more competitive. We share the need to focus our efforts on digital sovereignty, deepening the single market and reducing red tape for citizens and companies. It is about fostering innovation, growth and better jobs for our citizens. I have invited Leaders to an informal “brainstorming” on 12 February which will be centred around these issues. The focus will be strongly on developing our single market – because the single market, together with the euro, is Europe’s main economic superpower The European Council needs to address the real concerns of Europeans from Dublin to Warsaw and from Athens to Helsinki. The lack of affordable and sustainable housing – of housing in general – is exactly one such issue. And I know how urgent it is here also, in Ireland. All levels have a role to play, including the European Union. That’s why I put this issue on the agenda of the last European Council. And the discussion we had showed that the European Union can play a crucial role in supporting housing policy at national, regional and local level. I will keep this issue on the European agenda, because housing is essential for social cohesion – and social cohesion is essential for the health of European democracies, and both for our competitiveness. Before concluding, a final point on my side. Next week, we will have the first discussion at leaders’ level on the next EU’s long-term budget. This is a fundamental instrument, because it defines the priorities and the means for EU action from 2028 to 2034.  We know it will be a difficult negotiation. We are all conscious that the EU needs to adapt to a new geopolitical reality and our budget has to reflect that. We need to reach an agreement by the end of next year and the Irish Presidency will play a crucial role in making it happen. I am very encouraged by my exchanges with you today, dear Micheál, and our joint commitment to deliver on this ambitious objective. Once again, thank you Micheál, for welcoming me here today.   Visit the website