think tank,COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Συνεδριάσεις Δευτέρα, 26 Ιανουαρίου 2026

● Συμβούλιο της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης   26/01/2026 11:35 | Συνεδριάσεις | Κύρια σημεία της ημερήσιας διάταξης - Συμβούλιο Εξωτερικών Υποθέσεων, 29 January 2026   Το Συμβούλιο Εξωτερικών Υποθέσεων θα ανταλλάξει απόψεις σχετικά με τον επιθετικό πόλεμο της Ρωσίας κατά της Ουκρανίας, την κατάσταση στη Μέση Ανατολή και την περιοχή των Μεγάλων Λιμνών και θα πραγματοποιήσει άτυπες συζητήσεις, μία σχετικά με τις προοπτικές για το 2026, και μία με τον Ύπατο Αρμοστή του ΟΗΕ για τα Ανθρώπινα Δικαιώματα.   Ειδική σελίδα συνεδρίασης ● Council of the EU   26/01/2026 10:22 | Press release | Russian gas imports: Council gives final greenlight to a stepwise ban   Today, the 27 EU member states formally adopted the regulation on phasing out Russian imports of both pipeline gas and liquified natural gas (LNG) into the EU. The new rules also include measures on effective monitoring and diversification of energy supply. The regulation is a key milestone in delivering the REPowerEU objective of ending the EU’s reliance on Russian energy. “As of today, the EU energy market will be stronger, more resilient and more diversified. We are breaking away from detrimental reliance on Russian gas and taking a major step, in a spirit of solidarity and cooperation, towards an autonomous Energy Union.” — Michael Damianos, Minister for Energy, Commerce and Industry of Cyprus Stepwise ban, strict monitoring and diversification According to the regulation, importing Russian pipeline gas and LNG into the EU will be prohibited. The ban will start to apply six weeks after the regulation enters into force. Existing contracts will have a transition period. This stepwise approach will limit the impact on prices and markets. A full ban will take effect for LNG imports from the beginning of 2027 and for pipeline gas imports from autumn 2027. Before authorising entry of gas imports into the Union, EU countries will verify the country where gas was produced. Non-compliance with the new rules may result in maximum penalties of at least € 2,5 million for individuals and at least € 40 million for companies, at least 3,5 % the company’s total worldwide annual turnover, or 300 % of the estimated transaction turnover. By 1 March 2026, EU countries must prepare national plans to diversify gas supplies and identify potential challenges in replacing Russian gas. To that end, companies will be required to notify authorities and the Commission of any remaining Russian gas contracts. EU countries still importing Russian oil will also have to submit diversification plans. Security of supply in emergencies In the event of a declared emergency, and if security of supply is seriously threatened in one or more EU countries, the Commission may suspend the import ban for up to four weeks. Next steps The regulation will now be published in the Official Journal of the EU. It will enter into force one day after publication and will apply directly in all EU countries. The Commission also plans to propose legislation to phase out Russian oil imports by the end of 2027. Background Following Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and the use of energy as a weapon, EU leaders agreed, in the Versailles Declaration of March 2022, to phase out dependence on Russian fossil fuels as soon as possible. Consequently, gas and oil imports from Russia to the EU have both decreased significantly in recent years. However, while imports of oil have dropped to below 3% in 2025 as a result of the current sanctions regime, Russian gas still accounts for an estimated 13% of EU imports in 2025, worth over €15 billion annually. This leaves the EU exposed to significant risks in terms of its trade and energy security. Regulation on phasing out Russian natural gas imports Public session and voting results Council and Parliament strike a deal on rules to phase out Russian gas imports for an energy secure and independent Europe (press release, 3 December 2025) REPowerEU roadmap REPowerEU plan (background information) Energy prices and security of supply (background information) Liquefied natural gas infrastructure in the EU (infographic)   Visit the website

● European Council

23/01/2026 00:43 | Statements and remarks | Oral conclusions drawn by President António Costa following the informal meeting of the members of the European Council of 22 January 2026   The European Union and the United States have long been partners and allies. We have built a transatlantic community forged by history, anchored in common values, and dedicated to the prosperity and security of our peoples.  We believe that relationships between partners and allies should be managed in a cordial and respectful way.  Europe and the United States have a shared interest in the security of the Arctic region, notably working through NATO. The European Union will also play a stronger role in this region. In this context, I want to be very clear: the Kingdom of Denmark and Greenland have the full support of the European Union. Only the Kingdom of Denmark and Greenland can decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland. This is a reflection of our firm commitment to the principles of international law, territorial integrity and national sovereignty, which are essential for Europe and for the international community as a whole. These principles will continue to guide our action. Against this backdrop, yesterday’s announcement that there will be no new US tariffs on Europe is positive. The imposition of additional tariffs would have been incompatible with the EU-US trade deal. Our focus must now be on moving forward on the implementation of that deal. The goal remains the effective stabilization of the trade relations between the European Union and the US.  At the same time, the European Union will continue to stand up for its interests and will defend itself, its member states, its citizens and its companies, against any form of coercion. It has the power and the tools to do so and will do so if and when necessary. Looking ahead, we remain ready to continue engaging constructively with the United States on all issues of common interest, including on creating the conditions for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.  We have serious doubts about a number of elements in the charter of the Board of Peace related to its scope, its governance and its compatibility with the UN Charter.  We are ready to work together with the US on the implementation of the comprehensive Peace Plan for Gaza, with a Board of Peace carrying out its mission as a transitional administration, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2803. Let me conclude by recalling that the European Union is focused on delivering an ambitious agenda for our citizens: on defense, on competitiveness, on building a more strategically autonomous Europe.  That is why the next Leaders’ meeting, on the 12th of February, will be a strategic brainstorming dedicated to strengthening the Single Market in a new geoeconomic context.    Visit the website

● General Secretariat of the Council

Think Tank Review 137- January 2026   The EU's growth plan for the Western Balkans, the state of play in the EU enlargement process in 2025, the European Space Agency 2040 strategy, opportunities and challenges of the next EU budget, the role of the EU in the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership by replacing the USAID, European autonomy in space, and the EU–Mercosur agreement are some of the topics discussed in this Think Tank Review.     Read full post ● Council of the EU   23/01/2026 17:01 | Meetings | Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 26 January 2026   Background brief - Agriculture and Fisheries Council of 26 January 2026   View meeting page ● Council of the EU   22/01/2026 10:04 | Media advisory | Press briefing - Agriculture and Fisheries Council of 26 January 2026   The press briefing ahead of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council will take place on Friday, 23 January 2026 at 16.00. The "off the record" press briefing will take place in a hybrid format: EU accredited journalists will be able to participate and ask questions either remotely or in person at the Europa building press room. To attend the event remotely, please use the link below to register and have the possibility to ask questions. Those who already registered for previous press events of the  Agriculture and Fisheries Council do not need to do it again. Deadline for registration: Friday, 23 January at 15.00 Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants shortly after the deadline. Registration page Media accreditation for journalists   Visit the website ● International ministerial meetings   26/01/2026 14:03 | Meetings | Agenda highlights - EU-Morocco Association Council, 29 January 2026   The Association Council between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco will hold its 15th meeting on Thursday, 29 January in Brussels, marking the 30th anniversary of the signature of the EU-Morocco Association Agreement.   View meeting page