COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Library blog Thursday, 29 January 2026

● General Secretariat of the Council   New books added to the Council Library's collection - January 2026   Discover our selection of books recently added to the Council Library collection.   Read full pos ● Council of the EU   26/01/2026 18:14 | Press release | EU and Montenegro provisionally close another chapter in accession negotiations   Today, the 25th meeting of the Accession Conference with Montenegro provisionally closed accession negotiations on chapter 32 (financial control). “I am pleased to see Montenegro closing another negotiating chapter today.With this achievement, a total of 13 chapters have now been provisionally closed, marking significant and tangible progress on the country’s path toward European integration. Enlargement remains a strategic geopolitical priority for the EU and a key focus of the Cyprus presidency. I hope we will be therefore able to hold many more accession conferences in the months ahead, not only with Montenegro, but also with other candidates as we continue to advance a credible and merit-based enlargement process.” — Marilena Raouna, Deputy Minister for European affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, on behalf of the Cyprus presidency of the Council of the EU The EU may, if necessary, return to this chapter at an appropriate moment. Chapters 3 on the right of establishment and freedom to provide services, 4 on the free movement of capital, 6 on company law, 11 on agriculture and rural development, and 13 on fisheries had already been provisionally closed at the previous Accession Conference on 16 December 2025. Monitoring of progress in the alignment with and implementation of the EU acquis will continue throughout the negotiations. Montenegro has opened all 33 negotiating chapters in its EU accession negotiations. With the provisional closure agreed today, a total of thirteen of these chapters have now been provisionally closed. According to the negotiating principles endorsed by the Accession Conference, agreements reached in the course of negotiations on specific chapters, even partial ones, may not be considered as final until an overall agreement has been reached for all chapters. Background The European Union delegation was led by Ms Marilena Raouna, Deputy Minister for European affairs of Cyprus, on behalf of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, with the participation of Commissioner for Enlargement, Ms Marta Kos. The Montenegrin delegation was led by Mr Milojko Spajić, Prime Minister of Montenegro. EU common position regarding chapter 32 Twenty-fourth meeting of the Accession Conference with Montenegro, 16 December 2025 Council conclusions on enlargement, 17 December 2024 Enlargement: new enlargement methodology will be applied to Montenegro and Serbia (press release, 11 May 2021) Montenegro (background information) How EU enlargement works (background information)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   26/01/2026 18:14 | Press release | NDICI-Global Europe: Council and Parliament strike a deal to strengthen the External Action Guarantee   The Council Presidency and the European Parliament reached today a provisional political agreement on targeted amendments to the regulation establishing the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe (NDICI), aimed at increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the External Action Guarantee (EAG). The EAG is the EU’s key instrument for supporting investments outside the Union by reducing financial risks and mobilising public and private financing. The agreement will enable the EU to use existing resources more effectively and strategically in support of its external action priorities, including the mobilisation of sustainable investment through the European fund for sustainable development plus (EFSD+). It preserves the objectives, principles and safeguards of the NDICI-Global Europe framework, while introducing practical improvements that will allow the EU to respond more rapidly and coherently to global challenges. By simplifying certain procedures and allowing a more flexible use of guarantee resources, the amendments strengthen the EU’s ability to deliver development cooperation and external action, manage risks responsibly, and act as a credible and strategic partner in an increasingly competitive global environment. “This agreement enhances the efficiency of the EU’s external investment tools without changing their mandate and objectives. It allows us to mobilise more investment where it is most needed, while fully respecting the EU’s values, policy objectives and budgetary safeguards. In today’s challenging geopolitical and geoeconomic context, this is a concrete, timely and necessary step that strengthens the ability of the EU to deliver, and reinforces our global engagement and our role as a reliable and strategic partner.” — Constantinos Kombos, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus Main elements of the agreement The agreement includes the following key elements: more efficient use of guarantee resources, as it allows surpluses from the old EFSD guarantee to be used for the provisioning of the EFSD+ budgetary guarantee, increasing the overall guarantee capacity within the current multiannual financial framework (MFF) optimisation of risk coverage, with a more efficient use of the EU guarantee under the EIB’s dedicated investment window, allowing the guarantee to support more projects simplification for implementing partners, streamlining the framework for blending and guarantee operations, including lighter reporting requirements, in order to facilitate faster and more predictable project implementation and to mobilise private investment at scale safeguards and alignment with NDICI principles and objectives, including differentiated approaches for fragile contexts and least developed countries and consistency with the EU’s external action objectives under the treaties Next steps The provisional agreement will now be endorsed by the Council and the Parliament before being formally adopted. Background The External Action Guarantee (EAG) is a central component of the NDICI-Global Europe instrument and the broader Global Gateway strategy, underpinning the EFSD+ and enabling the EU to support investment in partner countries through budgetary guarantees. Backed by substantial EU funds (up to €53.4 billion), it acts as a financial cushion, leveraging private funds for investments in areas such as climate, infrastructure and reconstruction, with the EIB playing a key role in operations. Through the EAG, the EU supports a wide range of initiatives, including green hydrogen projects in Namibia, submarine cable links connecting Europe with Africa and Asia, vaccine production in Africa and efforts to enhance carbon absorption in Amazonian forests. In light of strong demand for EFSD+ operations and evolving geopolitical priorities, in May 2025 the Commission proposed targeted amendments to the regulation establishing the NDICI-Global Europe instrument to improve the efficiency and flexibility of the EAG within the existing budgetary framework. Council negotiating mandate Commission proposal NDICI - Global Europe (European Commission) European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (European Commission) Global Gateway (background information)   Visit the website

● International ministerial meetings

26/01/2026 18:16 | Meetings | Main results - 25th Accession Conference with Montenegro, 26 January 2026   The twenty-fifth meeting of the Accession Conference with Montenegro served to provisionally close negotiations with Montenegro on Chapter 32 ‘Financial control’.   View meeting page ● Council of the EU   26/01/2026 16:19 | Meetings | Main results - General Affairs Council, 26 January 2026   Ministers heard a presentation on the Cyprus presidency priorities for this semester. The Council held country-specific discussions on the rule of law situation in Estonia, Denmark, Greece and Spain and an exchange of views on the European Democracy Shield.   View meeting page ● European Council   21/01/2026 10:49 | Media advisory | Press briefing - Informal meeting of the members of the European Council of 22 January 2026   The press briefing ahead of the informal meeting of the members of the European Council of 22 January 2026 will take place on Thursday, 22 January 2026 at 14.00 in the Justus Lipsius building press room. This briefing will be "off the record". The press briefing will take place in a hybrid format: EU accredited journalists or journalists accredited for the meeting will be able to participate and ask questions either in person at the Justus Lipsius press room or remotely. To attend the event remotely, please use the link below to register and have the possibility to ask questions. Deadline for registration: Thursday, 22 January 2026 at 13.00 Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants shortly after the deadline. Registration page Media accreditation   Visit the website

● European Council

29/01/2026 05:44 | Statements and remarks | Press statement by President Costa following the meeting with Viet Nam’s President Lương Cường   It is a great honour to be here in Hanoi and thank you, dear President, for your warm welcome. Let me start by congratulating you for a successful 14th National Party Congress earlier this week. The European Union is committed to strengthening and deepening our partnership, building on mutual respect and shared goals. For 35 years, our partnership has grown in depth and ambition. And today, we reach a significant new milestone. We are elevating our relationship to the highest level, a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership”. This upgrade fully captures the depth and breadth of our collaboration to date, and our expectations for its future evolution – on trade, on green and digital transition, on security, on people-to-people ties. This decision reflects not only how far we have come, but how closely our future is now linked. This upgrade recognises the reality of that partnership as resilient, dynamic, and increasingly strategic. With this upgrade, we also adopt a joint statement which will be our roadmap for the work ahead. This is the EU’s first Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in Southeast Asia. It underlines the importance we attach to the region and to Vietnam’s growing role within it. It also reflects our determination to be a credible, long-term partner in the Indo-Pacific; one that is engaged, principled, and present. We do not see eye to eye on all issues. As real partners, we discuss openly and frankly the issues where we have different views, including on human rights or Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. But we both fully support multilateralism and the United Nations Charter, namely the principles of independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty. Principles that I know have particular resonance in the history of Viet Nam. Today, when I visited the Ho Chi Minh memorial, I read inscribed on the wall a very important message: “Nothing more important than independence and freedom”. And that’s why in our joint statement, we emphasise the importance of achieving a comprehensive, just and sustainable peace in Ukraine. Our economic ties already demonstrate what this partnership can achieve. The EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement has deepened integration and created growth on both sides. It will be good to see a first-hand example of how we can deliver real benefits through our partnership. This afternoon, I will visit the Hanoi Metro, which was developed with co-investment from the European Union. The result of the technologies and expertise of leading European industrial companies, working closely with Vietnamese partners. And we can do much more. In trade, in clean energy, in the blue economy, in security and defence and so many other sectors. At a moment when international rules-based order is under threat from multiple sides, we need to stand side by side as reliable and predictable partners. It is about developing spheres of shared prosperity. But it is also about the credibility of international rules. That is why our partnership matters beyond our own regions. In the same way, a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific is indispensable for global security and sustainable trade. The EU-Vietnam partnership also strengthens our ability to act together on issues that matter to us all. From resilient and sustainable supply chains to the green and digital transitions; from maritime security and regional stability to cooperation in global institutions. Above all, today’s decision is about the future. It is about investing in a relationship that is open, balanced, and built to last. We look ahead with confidence, ambition, and a clear sense of purpose. On behalf of the European Union, I welcome this new chapter in our relationship with Vietnam. Thank you.   Joint statement on upgrading relations between the European Union and Viet Nam to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership   Visit the website

● European Council

29/01/2026 05:37 | Press release | Joint statement on upgrading relations between the European Union and Viet Nam to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership   In the context of the official visit of the President of the European Council António Costa to Viet Nam, the EU and Viet Nam agreed on a joint statement on upgrading their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Joint statement EU-Viet Nam   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   28/01/2026 11:43 | Media advisory | Media advisory - Foreign Affairs Council of 29 January 2026   Indicative programme All times are approximate and subject to change Place: Europa building, Brussels Chair: Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy From 07.30 Arrivals (live streaming) 07.30 Doorstep by Kaja Kallas (live streaming) 08.30 Informal discussion on the outlook for 2026 10.30 Beginning of the Foreign Affairs Council (roundtable) Adoption of the agenda Approval of "A" items - Non-legislative list Russian aggression against Ukraine Working lunch with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Situation in the Middle East Situation in the Great Lakes Region Any other business At the end of the meeting (+/- 17.00), press conference in live streaming. In the margins of the Council EU-Morocco Association Council of 29 January 2026 From 17.15 Arrivals (live streaming) +/- 17.40 Roundtable Videos and photos from the Foreign Affairs Council     Visit the website • Council of the EU ­ 28/01/2026 | Media advisory | Presidency event: Informal meeting of the COMPET (Internal market and industry) ministers in Nicosia on 3 February 2026 The Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026 has organized in Lefkosia (Nicosia) the Informal meeting of ministers responsible for competitiveness (Internal market and industry), which will take place on 3 February 2026 at the Filoxenia Conference Centre.  The main topics of discussion will be the European defence, technological and industrial base, the competitiveness compass (one year after its adoption) and the agenda of the single market for 2030. Accreditation: It can be obtained via the accreditation platform of the Cyprus Presidency. Read the full text of the media guide. Place: Filoxenia Conference Centre 17 Thrakis street, Aglantzia, 2112 Nicosia Chair:  Michael Damianos, Cyprus minister for energy commerce and industry Indicative programme: (All times are approximate and subject to change) 9.00 – 9.30 Doorsteps and welcome pictures with Michael Damianos, Cyprus minister for energy, commerce and industry (live streaming). 9.30 – 11.15 First session: Strengthening the European defence technological and industrial base 11.15 – 11.45 Family photo 11.45 – 13.30 Second session: Competitiveness Compass – A year after 13.30 – 15.30 Lunch debate: Towards 2030: a stronger fairer and safer single market for European consumer 15.30 – 16.00 Press conference (live streaming) Contacts Ferran Tarradellas Espuny, ferran.tarradellas-espuny@consilium.europa.eu, +32 473 95 45 74 / +32 2 281 6291 Press officer for competitiveness councils George Arotis, GArotis@pio.moi.gov.cy, +357 22 86 71 61, Head of Communication, Cyprus ministry of energy, commerce and industry ● Council of the EU   27/01/2026 17:09 | Meetings | Foreign Affairs Council, 29 January 2026   Background brief - Foreign Affairs Council of 29 January 2026   View meeting page ● European Council   27/01/2026 09:45 | Statements and remarks | Press statement by President António Costa following the EU-India summit   Thank you dear Prime Minister Modi, for welcoming us on this special occasion. We were privileged yesterday to be your Chief Guests for the Republic Day celebrations, such an impressive display of India’s capabilities and diversity. Today is a historic moment. We are opening a new chapter in our relations – on trade, on security, on people to people ties. I am the President of the European Council but I am also an overseas Indian citizen. Then, as you can imagine, for me, it has a special meaning. I am very proud of my roots in Goa, where my father’s family came from. The connection between Europe and India is something personal to me. Also because we conclude today our trade negotiations we relaunched at the Leaders’ meeting that I had the pleasure to host, in May 2021, in my previous capacity. Our summit sends a clear message to the world: at a time when the global order is being fundamentally reshaped, the European Union and India stand together as strategic and reliable partners. Today, we are taking our partnership to the next level. As the two largest democracies in the world, we are working hand in hand: to deliver concrete benefits for our citizens; and to shape a resilient global order that underpins peace and stability, economic growth, and sustainable development. I would like to share three messages. First: the European Union and India must work together towards our shared prosperity and security. India is the world's fastest-growing major economy. Trade has flowed between our two continents for centuries. Trade is a crucial geopolitical stabiliser. And a fundamental source of economic growth. Trade agreements reinforce rules-based economic order and promote shared prosperity. That’s why today’s Free Trade Agreement is of historic importance. One of the most ambitious agreements ever concluded. Creating a market of two billion people. In a multipolar world, the European Union and India are working together to grow spheres of shared prosperity. But prosperity does not exist without security: strengthening our cooperation to better protect our citizens and our shared interests; working together to counter the full range of security threats we face, in the Indo-Pacific, in Europe and around the world; reaching a new level of strategic trust between us. That is the significance of our agreement on a Security and Defence Partnership. The first such overarching defence and security framework between India and the European Union. And the first step towards even more ambitious cooperation in the future. This brings me to my second message: as the world's largest democracies and champions of multilateralism, the European Union and India share the responsibility of upholding international law, with the United Nations Charter at its core. Earlier this morning, we had the opportunity to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. And I reflected upon his words which still hold true today: “Peace will not come out of a clash of arms but out of justice lived and done by unarmed nations in the face of odds.” Our summit reaffirmed our commitment to supporting efforts towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine. One that fully respects Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. This is a key moment. We are supporting all efforts to reach a just and sustainable peace. Ukraine has shown its readiness, including at the cost of difficult compromises. I know, dear Prime Minister, that we can count on you to help create the conditions for peace, through dialogue and diplomacy. And this is my final message: together we must show leadership on global issues. Cooperation between the European Union and India will help shape a more balanced, resilient, and inclusive global order. Just two examples: I am proud of the commitments we are making for greater cooperation on clean energy, green transition, and climate resilience. And our collaboration through the Global Gateway and on the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor is decisive for global connectivity. By implementing the ambitious Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda towards 2030, we will align our priorities with concrete actions for the next five years: delivering real benefits to our citizens. Today, we have tangible progress and set an example of cooperative leadership on global issues. With: our Free Trade Agreement; our Security and Defence Partnership; and our Joint Strategic Agenda for 2030. These outcomes are a crucial milestone on a longer path. We look forward to continuing the journey. Together, as always. Thank you very much.   Visit the website ● European Council   27/01/2026 09:06 | Statements and remarks | Joint statement EU-India summit, 27 January 2026   President of the European Council, António Costa, President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, met in New Delhi (India) on 27 January 2026 for the 16th summit between the European Union and India. During the summit, the leaders agreed on a joint statement. Joint statement of the EU-India summit 2026   Visit the website ● General Secretariat of the Council   Navigating the Cyprus presidency of the Council with our Library guide     Read full post ● Council of the EU   26/01/2026 21:52 | Meetings | Main results - Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 26 January 2026   After the presentation of the Cyprus Presidency programme, the Council discussed the EU updated Bioeconomy Strategy and the proposal to amend the Organic farming Regulation.   View meeting page ● Council of the EU   29/01/2026 18:19 | Press release | Russian hybrid threats: Council sanctions six individuals over information manipulation activities   The Council today decided to adopt restrictive measures against an additional six individuals, in light of Russia’s continued hybrid activities, in particular Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) against the EU and its member states and partners. The Council is listing today television presenters Dmitry Guberniev, Ekaterina Andreeva and Maria Sittel, as well as propagandist Pavel Zarubin. They have been working for or supporting Russian propaganda TV channels or hosting propaganda rallies and shows like ‘Direct Line with Vladimir Putin’, where they are spreading disinformation about the war in Ukraine and praising Putin’s regime. The new listings further include cultural figures: actor Roman Chumakov and Ukrainian-born Russian ballet dancer Sergey Polunin who are through their work promoting pro-Russian propaganda and conspiracy theories on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as well as anti-Ukraine and anti-Western narratives. All of those designated today actively contribute to Russia’s war against Ukraine, for instance through the raising of money for the Russian armed forces. With today’s decision, restrictive measures in view of Russia’s destabilising activities now apply to a total of 65 individuals and 17 entities. Those listed are subject to an asset freeze, and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds, financial assets or economic resources available to them. Natural persons also face a travel ban that prohibits them from entering or transiting through EU territories. The relevant legal acts have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Background On 8 October 2024, the Council adopted a framework of restrictive measures in response to Russia’s destabilising actions. The sanctions regime targets those engaged in actions and policies by the government of the Russian Federation, which undermine the fundamental values of the EU and its member states, their security, stability, independence and integrity. The sanctions regime targets also those responsible for Russia’s hybrid activities against third countries and international organisations. In May 2025, the EU broadened the scope of the restrictive measures framework to allow the targeting of tangible assets linked to Russia’s destabilising activities, financial backers of destabilising activities, and to allow for the suspension of the broadcasting licences of Russian media outlets involved in disinformation. On 18 July 2025, a statement of the High Representative on behalf of the EU strongly condemned persistent malicious activities posed by Russia, which form part of broader, coordinated, and long-standing hybrid campaigns aimed at threatening and undermining the security, resilience and democratic foundations of the EU, its member states and its partners. The High Representative stressed that Russian malicious activities have further escalated since the beginning of the war of aggression against Ukraine and are highly likely to persist in the foreseeable future. On 18 December 2025 the EU Delegation to the UN and OSCE in Vienna published a Statement concerning Russia’s destabilising activities in the OSCE region. The EU Delegation underlined that Russia has waged hybrid campaigns against the EU and its member states for years, with malicious activities further escalating since the beginning of the war of aggression against Ukraine and highly likely to persist in the foreseeable future. The EU and its member states will continue to draw on the full range of tools available to protect, prevent, deter from and respond to such malicious behaviour. Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/260 of 29 January 2026 amending Decision (CFSP) 2024/2643 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s destabilising activities Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/259 of 29 January 2026 implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2642 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s destabilising activities Decision (CFSP) 2024/2643 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s destabilising activities (consolidated text dated 15 December 2025) Hybrid threats / Russia: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU condemning Russia’s persistent hybrid campaigns against the EU, its Member States and partners (press release, 18 July 2025) EU Statement on the Current Issue to be raised by the UK regarding “the Russian Federation’s hybrid activities in the OSCE region” (18 December 2025) Russia's hybrid activities: EU sanctions (background information) EU sanctions against Russia (background information)   Visit the website