COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT,update

 

Press material Friday, 09 January 2026

● European Council   09/01/2026 15:25 | Statements and remarks | Opening remarks by President António Costa at the meeting with President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun   It is a true pleasure to be here with you in Beirut with President von der Leyen under the great hospitality of President Aoun.  Today marks a significant moment — exactly one year since President Aoun was elected by the Lebanese Parliament, ending over two years of political instability. This election, followed by the swift appointment of a new government, has been a real turning point for Lebanon, and we recognise the ambitious goals the President has set out.  Despite the many challenges, important progress has been made. The European Union has consistently supported Lebanon through crises, providing humanitarian aid, technical support, and a commitment to help ensure the stability and prosperity of Lebanon in the long term.  Lebanon’s stability is not only essential for its citizens but for the entire region. Regional cooperation is key to peace and security for all. We are committed to Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. There is no space for armed militias. They undermine the country’s security and stability.  I welcome President Aoun leadership in working to establish the State monopoly on arms. This is a critical step toward ensuring Lebanon's full control over its territory. In that context, I welcome the announcement that the Lebanese army has completed the first phase of Hezbollah’s disarmament.  I also welcome the involvement of civilian representatives from both Lebanon and Israel at this week’s meeting of the Ceasefire Monitoring Mechanism - this a significant step forward. Permanent stability in the region cannot be achieved through military means alone. We have just arrived from Damascus where we were this morning. And let me recognise the constructive relations that the Lebanese and the Syrian leaderships are building together.  The EU is ready to support Lebanon as it navigates this rapidly changing landscape. Lebanon can count on the EU. Our proximity — geographically, historically, and culturally — forms a powerful bond between our people and guides our partnership. Thank you.   Visit the website

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09/01/2026 15:01 | Statements and remarks | Opening remarks by President António Costa at the meeting with President of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa   It is a great pleasure to be with you here in Damascus today. Following up on our meetings in Cairo and New York last year, we come here to send a clear sign of our support for the democratic and inclusive transition, and our clear support to the Syrian people. After the many years of war and suffering for your people, the fall of the Assad regime opened a new era of hope for your people, and you can count on the European Union to support the efforts towards a peaceful and inclusive Syria.  We are standing by you, supporting the independence, the territorial integrity and the sovereignty of Syria. You have taken important steps to rebuild the country, and we are commending you for what you have done over the last months.   We support you, just as we did when we eased the sanctions against the country. We encourage you to continue in the same direction, to go further and faster.   And it’s also important for you to keep good relations with your neighbours. We are very encouraged by the recent talks in Paris with Israel. We are also very encouraged about what we heard in Jordan about the relationship with Syria. We are aware of the very difficult challenges that you need to face. We encourage you to pursue on the path towards inclusivity and to implement the 10th March agreement and the roadmap of Sweida. But we are here with confidence and trust to work with you together and to open this door of a new partnership between the European Union and Syria. Thank you.   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   09/01/2026 10:43 | Press release | Guatemala: Council prolongs restrictive measures by a year   The Council today renewed the targeted restrictive measures imposed by the EU against those responsible for actions undermining democracy, the rule of law and the peaceful transfer of power in Guatemala for one year, until 13 January 2027. Currently, these EU restrictive measures apply to eight individuals and one entity. The listed individuals are subject to travel restrictions preventing them from entering or transiting through EU member states. Both the individuals and the listed entity are subject to an asset freeze, and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to them both directly and indirectly. These targeted sanctions are designed to strictly affect only those responsible for, engaging in, providing support for, or benefitting from actions that undermine democracy, the rule of law or the peaceful transfer of power in Guatemala. They are in no way sanctions against Guatemala, its population or its economy. The EU and Guatemala have a long-standing partnership, and the EU remains committed to supporting democracy and human rights in the country. The deployment of an  EU Election Observation Mission in 2023, the EU’s clear position in defence of the election results, its support for good governance, and these targeted sanctions are all part of this effort. The EU will continue to work with the Guatemalan government and all sectors of society to support a positive national agenda and to invest in inclusive and sustainable development for the benefit of all. As part of its commitment, the EU mobilised an Ad Hoc Mission to accompany in 2026 the selection and appointment processes for three important institutions (Supreme Electoral Tribunal, Constitutional Court and Attorney General), which all play a key role in upholding the rule of law and democracy in the country. Background On 12 January 2024, the EU adopted a dedicated framework for restrictive measures in view of the situation in Guatemala to support the democratic transition and the will of the Guatemalan people as expressed in their choice of the democratically elected government, and to target those undermining democracy and the rule of law or obstructing the democratic transition following the 2023 general election. The first set of five listings was agreed in February 2024, followed by the listing of three additional individuals and one entity for undermining democracy, the rule of law and the peaceful transfer of power in Guatemala in June 2025. Consolidated text: Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/254 of 12 January 2024 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Guatemala (12 June 2025) Consolidated text: Council Regulation (EU) 2024/287 of 12 January 2024 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Guatemala (12 June 2025) Guatemala: Council sanctions three individuals and one entity for undermining democracy and the rule of law (press release, 12 June 2025) EU Delegation to Guatemala (EEAS)   Visit the website   Press service European Parliament   Available in       Agenda The Week Ahead 12 – 18 January 2026       Committee and political groups meetings, Brussels Air passenger rights. Transport and Tourism Committee MEPs will adopt their amendments to the position agreed by EU governments on an update of EU air passenger rights in cases of cancelled or delayed flights and denied boarding. Among the measures to be voted: a single deadline for compensation after a three-hour delay, the right to carry one personal item and a small trolley on board free of charge, as well as enhanced rights for vulnerable travellers (Monday). EU strategic defence partnerships. The Security and Defence Committee will take stock of the EU’s defence partnerships, including with the UK, Canada, Norway, South Korea, Japan, Moldova, Albania, North Macedonia, the US and Ukraine. It will adopt recommendations on how to align these relationships with the broader objectives of building a strong EU defence policy. MEPs are also expected to address relations with NATO (Thursday). Affordable Housing Plan. The Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the EU will discuss the Commission’s affordable housing plan, adopted on 16 December 2025, for the first time with Commissioner Dan Jørgensen. MEPs will quiz the Commissioner on the plan’s key measures to address the EU’s housing crisis ahead of the adoption by the committee of its own recommendations (Monday). Foreign Affairs/High Representative Kallas. President Metsola and political group leaders (the Conference of Presidents) will discuss the state of international affairs and EU role in the current geopolitical challenges with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas (Wednesday). Plenary preparations. Political groups will be preparing for the 19 - 22 January plenary session, where MEPs will discuss the results of the December EU summit, hold a formal sitting with the King of Spain and the President of Portugal celebrating 40 years of EU membership of Spain and Portugal and debate the programme of the Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council which started on 1 January. MEPs will also debate and vote on the EU’s foreign, security and defence policy, on the need to adapt to new security challenges like drones and new systems of warfare, on air passenger rights and on strengthening the availability and security of supply of critical medicines. Plenary will also vote on a report assessing EU-US relations and on European technological sovereignty and digital infrastructure. Pre-session press briefing. Parliament’s Press Service will hold a press briefing with the political group spokespersons at 11.00 on Friday (Anna Politkovskaya room, press centre, Brussels). President’s diary. On Tuesday, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola will have an audience with His Majesty King Philippe of the Belgians. On Wednesday, President Metsola will preside over the Conference of Presidents. On Friday in Vienna, Austria, the president will participate in a townhall discussion with students, and meet Bundesrat President Markus Stotter, Nationalrat President Walter Rosenkranz, and Chancellor Christian Stocker. A full list of parliamentary committees' meetings is available here. EP Press Service contacts Further information  The full agenda     This message was sent to v.ch.maria@gmail.com