think tank,COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Press material Saturday, 13 December 2025

● Council of the EU   13/12/2025 04:09 | Press release | Fishing opportunities for 2026 in EU and non-EU waters: Council secures agreement   Fisheries ministers have reached a political agreement on fishing opportunities in the Atlantic, the North Sea, the Mediterranean, the Black Sea and other waters for 2026 and for certain stocks for 2027 and 2028. The deal, reached following two days of negotiations, sets out fishing catch limits, known as ‘total allowable catches’ (TACs), and fishing effort limits for the most important commercial fish stocks. Fishing effort refers to the size and engine power of a vessel combined with the number of days spent fishing. “We have reached a compromise with broad support among the member states, providing fishers with certainty about their fishing opportunities for 2026. The compromise strikes a balance between the scientific advice and protecting vulnerable fish stocks, while also ensuring the best possible conditions for a sustainable fisheries sector in the future.” — Jacob Jensen, Danish Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries The political agreement in detail The stocks covered by the two proposals are those the EU manages either on its own, jointly with neighbouring non-EU countries, or via agreements reached in regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs). 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. In line with the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, the parties hold annual talks to agree on catch limits and other measures for shared stocks. These talks were successfully concluded, and the outcome of the EU-UK deal was approved prior to the Agriculture and Fisheries Council. Today's political agreement integrates the outcome of the EU-UK deal into the main regulation for the Atlantic and North Sea. Trilateral consultations on shared stocks between the EU, the UK and Norway were also successfully concluded ahead of the Council meeting. The catch limits and other measures agreed for those stocks also form part of the overall political agreement reached by the Council. Atlantic and the North Sea For the Atlantic and the North Sea, the agreement covers 24 TACs managed autonomously by the EU. Following positive scientific advice and the improved state of the stocks, ministers agreed to increase the catch limits for the following stocks: megrims (+12%) in the Bay of Biscay south, Portuguese waters and the Azores, waters around Madeira and the Canary Islands Norway lobster in the Bay of Biscay, except south (+54%) To safeguard stocks, in line with scientific advice, while looking for a balance with socioeconomic considerations, ministers agreed to reduce catch limits for: common sole in the Kattegat and the eastern and western Baltic Sea (-45%) and in the Bay of Biscay, north and central (-1%) horse mackerel in Portuguese waters (-5%) pollack in the Bay of Biscay, Portuguese waters and the Azores, waters around Madeira and the Canary Islands (-13%) Norway lobster in Portuguese waters and the Azores, waters around Madeira and the Canary Islands (-23%) anglerfish in the Bay of Biscay south, Portuguese waters and the Azores, waters around Madeira and the Canary Islands (-1%) As consultations on mackerel amongst northeast Atlantic coastal states are still ongoing, ministers agreed on provisional catch limits for the first six months of 2026, in accordance with scientific advice (-70%) and pending agreement on a TAC. Given the seasonality of the mackerel fishery, it set the provisional catch limits at 90% of the level advised. As regards the stocks concerned by the annual bilateral EU-Norway consultations, EU ministers also agreed on provisional catch limits for 2026, pending the signing of an agreed record. Mediterranean and Black Sea As far as the western Mediterranean is concerned, ministers agreed to maintain the 2025 level of fishing effort for trawlers in Spanish, French and Italian waters. To mitigate short-term socioeconomic impact and reward more selective practices, ministers agreed to continue, in a slightly adjusted form, the use of the compensation mechanism. It was established for the first time for 2022 in order to allocate additional days to operators that opt for more selective gear or that are covered by a national conservation measure, as an incentive to increase the protection of the stock. The measures agreed by the Council will help to reduce fishing mortality, while also minimising the socioeconomic impact on the sector. The Council also agreed to maintain the 2025 catch limits for blue and red shrimp both in Spanish and French waters, and in Italian and French waters. The same was decided for giant red shrimp, in Italian and French waters. In the Black Sea, the Council agreed on a slightly lower TAC compared to 2025 in the case of turbot, which includes a carry-over of the unused EU turbot quota from 2024. It also agreed to maintain the closure period for turbot fishing from 15 April to 15 June. For sprat, there has been a rollover compared to last year. Next steps Following legal and linguistic revision of the texts, the Council will adopt the regulations at an upcoming meeting. They will then be published in the Official Journal and will apply as of 1 January 2026. Background The setting of TACs and quotas is an annual exercise undertaken by the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in December. Ministers seek a political agreement on catch limits and fishing effort for commercial fish stocks for the following years, along with member state quotas for each species. The political agreement is based on proposals drawn up by the Commission and takes into account the best available scientific advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) and the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF). It also respects the aims of the common fisheries policy (CFP), namely ensuring that EU fisheries are ecologically, economically and socially sustainable. Furthermore, it takes into account the EU's multiannual plans for various sea basins, and implements decisions taken within regional fisheries management organisations. Fishing opportunities for 2026 (table) Fishing opportunities in the Atlantic and North Sea (Commission proposal) Fishing opportunities in the Mediterranean and Black Seas (Commission proposal) Annexes to the Mediterranean and Black Seas fisheries proposal EU rules for sustainably managing fish stocks and preventing overfishing   Visit the website

● Council of the EU

12/12/2025 20:37 | Meetings | Foreign Affairs Council, 15 December 2025   Background brief - Foreign Affairs Council of 15 December 2025   View meeting page

● Council of the EU

12/12/2025 19:39 | Press release | Council decides to prohibit transfers of immobilised Central Bank of Russia assets back to Russia   The Council today decided to prohibit, on a temporary basis, any transfers of Central Bank of Russia assets immobilised in the EU back to Russia. This decision was taken as a matter of urgency to limit damage to the Union’s economy. In the absence of such a prohibition, any additional resources would be directly used by Russia to finance its war of aggression against Ukraine with serious consequences for the economy of the European Union and its member states. It would exacerbate the risk of an escalation of hybrid belligerent activities targeted against the member states and in the territory of the EU, thereby deepening economic difficulties in the Union. It would also risk prolonging and aggravating economic uncertainty and require a greater fiscal response from the member states. Concretely, the regulation agreed today prohibits, on a temporary basis, any direct or indirect transfer of assets or reserves of the Central Bank of Russia, or of any legal person, entity or body acting on behalf of, or at the direction of, the Central Bank of Russia, such as the Russian National Wealth Fund. The measures are temporary and should be maintained as long as the making available of significant financial and other resources to Russia to continue its actions in the context of its war of aggression against Ukraine poses, or threatens to pose, serious economic difficulties within the Union and the member states and the risk of causing further serious deterioration of the economic situation in the Union and in the member states persists.   Visit the website ● General Secretariat of the Council   12/12/2025 19:21 | Press release | Forward look: 15 – 28 December 2025   Overview of the main topics and events at the Council of EU and European Council for the coming fortnight. The next issue of the Forward Look will be published on 9 January 2026. Foreign Affairs Council, 15 December 2025 The Council will exchange views on the Russian aggression against Ukraine, after a short intervention of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha via videoconference. They will then hold discussions on the situation in the Middle East, including Syria, and China. Read more Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy), 15 December 2025 EU energy ministers will seek to reach a partial general approach on the Connecting Europe Facility covering the period 2028-2034. Ministers will also hold a policy debate on the European grids package and exchange views on the energy-security nexus with the NATO Secretary General. Read more 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. Read more General Affairs Council, 16 December 2025 Ministers for EU affairs will continue preparations for the December European Council meeting, and hold a policy debate on the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034. In addition, the Council will be invited to approve conclusions on EU enlargement. The Commission will also present its annual progress reports on simplification, implementation and enforcement. The Council is expected to approve a joint declaration on EU legislative priorities for 2026. Finally, the Danish presidency together with the incoming Cyprus presidency will present the roadmap for the 2026 European Semester. Read more EU-Western Balkans summit, 17 December 2025 The summit between EU and Western Balkans leaders will provide an opportunity to reaffirm the EU membership perspective of the Western Balkans and to reconfirm the strategic partnership’s key importance for both regions. Read more European Council, 18-19 December 2025 EU leaders will discuss Ukraine, Middle East, European defence and security, the next Multiannual Financial Framework, enlargement and reforms, migration, geoeconomy and competitiveness and other items. Read more Other meetings EU-Angola ministerial meeting, 15 December 2025 EU-Lebanon Association Council, 15 December 2025   Indicative calendar of meetings under the Danish presidency (1 July - 31 December 2025) Danish presidency   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   12/12/2025 18:48 | Press release | Steel overcapacity: Council adopts mandate on new rules to protect EU steel industry from global overcapacity   The Council today adopted its mandate to negotiate with the European Parliament on the regulation addressing the negative trade-related effects of global overcapacity on the EU steel market. The new regulation is designed to replace the existing steel safeguard measure, which is due to expire on 30 June 2026. The Council’s mandate strikes a balance that aims to maintain the necessary high level of protection for the European steel industry, which is vital to the EU’s economy and security, while introducing key flexibility and consideration for downstream steel users. “The mandate agreed today sends a clear signal: the European steel industry is vital and must be protected against the severe negative effects of global overcapacity. Together we found a balanced compromise that maintains a high level of protection for our producers while introducing crucial flexibility and consideration for the EU's downstream industries. We are now ready to start negotiations with the European Parliament to swiftly deliver this essential protective framework as quickly as possible, before the expiry of the current safeguards.” — Morten Bødskov, Denmark’s minister for industry, business and financial affairs Main changes agreed by the Council The Council's mandate maintains the core protective elements of the Commission’s proposal, notably the substantial reduction in import quotas (limiting tariff-free import volumes to 18.3 million tonnes a year, a reduction of 47% compared to 2024 steel quotas) and the doubling of the out-of-quota duty to 50% compared to 25% under the current steel safeguard. At the same time, it incorporates several amendments to increase flexibility, legal clarity and consideration for the economic interests of downstream users. Downstream industries The Council has placed a greater focus on balancing the protection of steel producers with the economic interests of steel-using downstream industries, incorporating Union interest as a guiding principle to ensure explicit consideration for all economic operators and final consumers when the Commission allocates tariffs quotas, applies bilateral safeguard measures or amends the volumes of tariff quotas. The rules on the administration of tariff quotas have been adjusted to ensure greater flexibility. Specifically, the Council allowed for unused tariff quota volumes in one quarter to be carried over to the next quarter within the same yearly period of application of the tariff rate quota. Council has also added a new element for consideration when quotas are amended ensuring attention on the potential substantial price increases seriously undermining the competitiveness of downstream industries. Quota flexibility The framework set out under this regulation establishes tariff quotas and an out-of-quota duty that apply to all third countries, with the exception of EEA countries. The Commission can, via a delegated act, adjust tariff quota volumes, taking into account the EU interest and a series of elements. The Council clarified that the total value of these adjusted quotas must be capped to remain between 15.2 and 22.2 million tonnes. Melt and pour requirements To avoid circumvention and increase supply chain transparency, the regulation requires importers to provide evidence of the country of melt and pour. The Council introduced significant clarifications regarding its implementation: the requirement for importers to provide evidence on the country of melt and pour will apply from 1 October 2026; this transition period allows economic operators and customs agencies time to adjust to the new rule within 2 years, the Commission will have to assess whether to designate the country of melt-and-pour as the basis for country-specific tariff quota allocations. If the Commission concludes that it is necessary to do so, it will present a new legislative proposal to that effect Council also underlined the necessity for the Commission to carry out consultations with relevant stakeholders before introducing any requirements to carefully assess the potential administrative burdens for importers and government agencies and ensure an effective requirement. Review and transparency Compared to the Commission’s proposal, the Council mandate brings forward the date for the Commission to assess the possibility to expand the scope of the regulation, from 2 years to 18 months. It also ensures the Commission will launch process consultation process to this end with relevant stakeholder by 1 October 2026. The period for the first overall review of the regulation’s effects on the steel market and the EU interest has been shortened to 4 years from the date of entry into force, with subsequent evaluations every two years thereafter. Council also added further attention in the review for the impacts on downstream industries. A new provision also requires the Commission to make an online contact point available for EU economic operators to request relevant information concerning the implementation of this regulation. Next steps Once the European Parliament adopts its position, the co-legislators will start negotiations with a view to finalising the work on the text. The regulation will enter into force once adopted by both institutions and published in the official journal. Background Steel is a material essential for the EU economy, including for its green transition and strategically important sectors such as defence. The EU steelmaking industry is the world's third largest producer, directly employing around 300,000 people and sustaining regional economies across member states. This key industry is currently facing significant pressure from unsustainable levels of global overcapacity, which is projected to grow to 721 million tonnes by 2027, more than five times the EU's annual consumption. This overcapacity, combined with trade-restrictive measures from third countries that limit imports into their markets, has made the EU market the primary recipient of global excess steel. This has led to increasing imports, low capacity utilisation (67% in 2024), high EU manufacturing costs, and ultimately threatens the industry's long-term ability to invest in decarbonisation. To address these critical challenges, including the loss of some 65 million tonnes of capacity and up to 100,000 jobs since 2007, the Commission announced its intention to prepare a new steel measure in March 2025. Commission's proposal on the regulation European steel and metals action plan (European Commission)   Visit the website ● International ministerial meetings   12/12/2025 18:34 | Meetings | Agenda highlights - 24th Accession Conference with Montenegro, 16 December 2025   The twenty-fourth meeting of the Accession Conference with Montenegro will take place on 16 December 2025 in Brussels.   View meeting page ● Council of the EU   12/12/2025 18:19 | Media advisory | Press briefing - Environment Council of 16 December 2025   The press briefing ahead of the Environment Council will take place on Monday, 15 December 2025 at 13.45. This briefing will be "off the record". The press briefing will take place in a hybrid format: EU accredited journalists will be able to participate and ask questions either remotely or in person at the Europa building main 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 Environment Council do not need to do it again. Deadline for registration: Monday, 15 December 2025 at 12.45 Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants after the deadline. Registration page Media accreditation for journalists   Visit the website ● International ministerial meetings   12/12/2025 17:33 | Meetings | Agenda highlights - EU-Lebanon Association Council, 15 December 2025   The Association Council between the European Union and Lebanon will hold its 9th meeting on Monday 15 December in Brussels.   View meeting page

● International ministerial meetings

12/12/2025 16:51 | Meetings | Agenda highlights - EU-Angola ministerial meeting, 15 December 2025   The European Union and Angola will hold their 7th ‘Joint way forward’ ministerial meeting on Monday 15 December in Brussels.   View meeting page ● Council of the EU   12/12/2025 16:07 | Meetings | Main results - Economic and Financial Affairs Council, 12 December 2025   Ministers agreed on a temporary measure to apply customs duty to the influx of small parcels entering the EU. The Council also took stock of progress made on the single currency package, which includes the digital euro initiative and measures to strengthen the legal tender of euro cash in the EU.   View meeting page ● Council of the EU   12/12/2025 15:09 | Media advisory | Press briefing - General Affairs Council of 16 December 2025   The press briefing ahead of the General Affairs Council will take place on Monday, 15 December 2025 at 14.30 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 General Affairs Council do not need to do it again. Deadline for registration: Monday, 15 December 2025 at 13.30 Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants shortly after the deadline. Registration page Media accreditation for journalists   Visit the website

● Council of the EU

12/12/2025 13:29 | Press release | Customs: Council agrees to levy customs duty on small parcels as of 1 July 2026   The Council today agreed to apply a fixed customs duty of €3 on small parcels valued at less than €150 entering the EU, largely via e-commerce, from 1 July 2026. This temporary measure responds to the fact that such parcels currently enter the EU duty free, leading to unfair competition for EU sellers, health and safety risks for consumers, high levels of fraud and environmental concerns. The measure will stay in place until the permanent arrangement for such parcels, agreed in November 2025, enters into force. As of 1 July 2026, goods entering the EU in small consignments and valued at less than €150 will be subject to a fixed €3 customs duty. The rate will be applied to all goods entering the EU for which non-EU sellers are registered in the EU’s import one-stop shop (IOSS) for value-added tax purposes. This encompasses 93% of all e-commerce flows to the EU. The measure is distinct from the proposed so-called ‘handling fee’ which is currently under discussion in the context of the customs reform package and the multiannual financial framework. A temporary solution to an urgent problem Today’s move follows the Council’s commitment in November 2025 to work towards a simple, temporary solution to levy customs duties on such goods as soon as possible in 2026. The measure will stay in place until the agreement for a permanent solution to eliminate the customs duty relief threshold altogether comes into application. At that point, all goods under €150 will be eligible for customs duty at the normal EU tariffs for individual products. The Commission will regularly assess whether the rate should be extended to goods arriving in the EU sold by traders not registered in the IOSS. Customs: Council takes action to tackle the influx of small parcels (press release, 13 November 2025) EU customs: Council agrees position on key features for a more modern, efficient and secure framework (press release, 27 June 2025) Modernising the EU customs union (background information) The EU customs union (background information)   Visit the website   ● Council of the EU   12/12/2025 10:05 | Meetings | Agenda highlights - Foreign Affairs Council, 15 December 2025   The Foreign Affairs Council will exchange views on the Russian aggression against Ukraine, as well as the situation in the Middle East and relations with China.   View meeting page ● Council of the EU   12/12/2025 05:46 | Press release | Circular economy: Council and Parliament strike deal on rules for vehicle circularity and management of end-of-life vehicles   The Council presidency and the European Parliament’s representatives today reached a provisional agreement on the regulation concerning circularity requirements for vehicle design and the management of end-of-life vehicles (ELVs). The new rules will replace the two existing directives and set requirements to ensure that new vehicles are designed in a way that supports their re-use, recycling and recovery. The new regulation is a cornerstone of the European Green Deal and the circular economy action plan, aiming to transition the automotive sector to a more circular model. It introduces measures across the entire life cycle of vehicles, from design and production to their end-of-life treatment, with the twofold goal of enhancing environmental protection and ensuring the proper functioning of the single market. A key focus is tackling the persistent problem of 'missing vehicles' through enhanced traceability and control measures. “This provisional agreement marks a significant step towards a circular economy for the European automotive sector. We have succeeded in agreeing on a robust framework that closes loopholes, ensures valuable materials are kept within the EU economy, and curbs the export of polluting, non-roadworthy vehicles to third countries. The new regulation will drive forward innovation in sustainable design and create a stronger, cleaner market for materials and components.” — Magnus Heunicke, Minister for Environment of Denmark Main elements of the agreement Scope of the regulation The new regulation significantly expands the scope of the previous directives to cover more vehicle categories, thereby capturing a larger share of the EU's vehicle fleet and components for circular economy requirements. It continues to fully apply to passenger cars and light commercial vans, but the agreement extends the treatment requirements (collection, depollution, mandatory removal of parts) to include all regular heavy-duty vehicles (e.g. trucks), motorcycles and special purpose vehicles (both small and heavy-duty). The co-legislators agreed to exemptsmall volume manufacturers of heavy-duty special purpose vehicles. Circular design and recycled content The co-legislators set out requirements to ensure that new vehicles are designed to facilitate the recycling, re-use and remanufacturing of parts and components. A core element of the agreement is the introduction of mandatory targets for recycled content, notably plastics, in new vehicles. These targets of recycled plastics will be phased in over ten years: 15% in 6 years 25% in 10 years A minimum of 20% of this recycled plastic must come from closed-loop recycling (that is, material recovered from end-of-life vehicles) to ensure valuable materials are retained within the EU's circular economy. Based on a feasibility study to be finalised within one year after the entry into force of the regulation, the Commission must introduce future targets for other materials such as recycled steel, aluminium, magnesium, and critical raw materials by a delegated act. The focus remains on ensuring that these targets are met through the use of post-consumer waste. End-of-life vehicle status and traceability Around 3.5 million vehicles disappear without a trace from EU roads each year – and are exported, dismantled or disposed of illegally.To tackle the issue of 'missing vehicles' and illegal dismantling, the agreement introduces clearer rules on the distinction between a used vehicle and an end-of-life vehicle (ELV). A clear set of criteria is established to definitively determine when a vehicle is considered waste (i.e. an ELV). Once a vehicle meets these criteria, it must be treated by an authorised treatment facility (ATF) and cannot be legally exported or resold as a used vehicle. The agreement also establishes a strict framework for transfers of ownership by economic operators. For transfers by private persons, a risk-based approach is adopted, requiring documentation in situations most likely to lead to vehicles going missing, such as when: the vehicle is declared an economic total loss by an insurance company the sale is concluded via an online platform, exclusively conducted without physical handover of the vehicle between the seller and buyer Extended produced responsibility The agreement significantly strengthens the principle of extended producer responsibility (EPR), making producers financially and organisationally responsible for the entire lifecycle of their vehicles. This responsibility covers promoting design for circularity and ensuring the free take-back and proper treatment of all end-of-life vehicles. To ensure the system functions across the EU single market, the regulation establishes a cross-border EPR mechanism, making sure that producers remain financially responsible for the treatment of their vehicles regardless of the member state where the vehicle reaches its end of life. Exports The regulation bans the export of used vehicles that are no longer roadworthy, ensuring the EU complies with its commitments to not contribute to pollution in third countries and to retain valuable materials within its territory. The co-legislators agreed that the ban would start applying after 5 years following the entry into force of the regulation. Next steps The provisional agreement must now be endorsed by the Council and the Parliament before being formally adopted. The regulation will start applying 2 years after its entry into force. Background Over 6 million ELVs (vehicles that reach the end of their life and are treated as waste) are generate in the EU every year. Inadequate management of ELVs creates pollution and loss of tonnes of materials. The automotive manufacturing industry is one of the most resource-intensive sectors in the EU and among the largest consumers of primary raw materials such as steel (over 7 million tonnes/year), aluminium (around 2 million tonnes/year), copper (6% of overall EU consumption, used for automotive parts) and plastics (6 million tonnes/year), but makes little use of recycled materials. Existing rules have resulted in improved collection of ELVs and increased recycling of ELVs to around 85% of the materials that they contain. However, most of these materials are metal waste which is shredded and not sufficiently sorted and valorised and only 19% of plastics from ELVs is recycled. Plus, lorries, buses and motorbikes are not covered by existing legislation. Council general approach on the end-of-life vehicles regulation Circular economy: Council adopts position on the recycling of vehicles at the end of their life (press release, 17 June 2025) Circular economy (background information)   Visit the website ● General Secretariat of the Council   Think Tank reports on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine   The bluff behind Russia’s ‘peace plan’ and how the Kremlin sets its sights on Kyiv; if Trump’s Ukraine peace deal is a Faustian bargain;  how Ukrainian cities became actors in international politics during the war; an emerging model of European security with Ukraine and without Russia; improving Ukraine's awareness of future technologies; and the case for a transport ban on Russian oil are some of the topics featured in the present update.   Read full post ● 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

● 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