COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Press material Tuesday, 17 February 2026

● Council of the EU   17/02/2026 12:27 | Press release | Economic governance: Council approves flexibility for Austria to increase defence spending   The Council today activated the national escape clause (NEC) under the stability and growth pact (SGP) for Austria. The measure will help Austria transition to higher defence spending at national level without putting its debt sustainability at risk.  The clause covers a period of four years and a maximum of 1.5% of GDP in flexibility. The flexibility provided by the national escape clause will not have any effect on Austria’s ongoing commitment to address its ongoing excessive deficit, provided that the flexibility is used for increased defence spending. For all other expenses, Austria remains bound by the budgetary rules and must remain committed to the implementation of the revised economic governance framework irrespective of the clause’s activation. Background The NEC allows a member state to temporarily deviate from budgetary requirements in response to exceptional circumstances outside their control, while ensuring debt sustainability. The reformed EU economic governance framework allows member states to make use of this flexibility by temporarily increasing public spending or running higher deficits without being considered in breach of the fiscal rules set out in the stability and growth pact. The EU has activated the national escape clause to respond effectively to heightened geopolitical tensions which pose a significant threat to European security. This threat creates a growing need to ramp up the European defence industry. 16 other EU member states - Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia and Slovenia – have also had their requests to activate the national escape clause approved. Council recommendation endorsing activating the national escape clause for Austria National escape clause for defence expenditure (press release, 8 July 2025) Economic governance framework (background information) Boosting European defence expenditure (background information)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   18/02/2026 12:43 | Press release | Market stability reserve: Council backs measures for a smoother launch of ETS2   Today, the Council (at EU ambassadors level) adopted its position on a targeted amendment of the market stability reserve for the new emissions trading system for buildings, road transport and other sectors (ETS2). The amendment aims to ensure a better price stability and predictability for a smoother start of ETS2 in 2028. The amendment does not change the overall design of the market stability reserve. The market stability reserve helps address supply and demand imbalances in ETS2. It automatically adjusts the number of emission allowances available when prices fluctuate. “The new emissions trading system for road transport and buildings should begin on firm ground. The Council’s position on adjusting the market stability reserve — the safety valve of the system — sends a clear signal that the EU is committed to a stable and predictable carbon market.” — Maria Panayiotou, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of the Republic of Cyprus Stability and predictability for the European carbon market The Commission proposal for a targeted amendment of the market stability reserve was supported by the Council without changes. This proposal follows a July 2025 initiative, supported by 19 member states, calling for a smooth start of ETS2. To improve longer-term market predictability and confidence among market participants, the market stability reserve will be extended beyond 2030. The 600 million allowances held in the reserve — equivalent to around ten years of required ETS2 emission reductions — will remain available for future release if needed. The current price control mechanism triggers a release of 20 million allowances when the cost of carbon exceeds €45 per tonnes CO2 equivalent (in 2020 prices). The amendment adds a top-up of 20 million allowances to each release and provides for it to be triggered twice per year. This means that up to 80 million additional allowances can be injected into the market annually. Moreover, the Council position endorses the need for a more gradual and responsive release of allowances from the reserve into the market, as a safeguard for market stability. Currently, when the number of allowances in the system falls to 210 million, 100 million allowances are released from the market stability reserve. According to this amendment, if the number of allowances drops below 260 million allowances, but still stays above 210 million, a lower number of allowances will be released. This will avoid sudden and sharp supply fluctuations and will send a stable price signal to the markets. Next steps The Cyprus presidency can now start talks with the European Parliament on the final text, once the latter has adopted its position, with the ambition of advancing negotiations as much as possible under its term. Background The ETS2 applies to distributors supplying fuels to the buildings, road transport and certain other sectors. These suppliers must monitor, report and surrender allowances equivalent to the emissions from the fuels they sell, while the total limit of available carbon allowances within the EU decreases each year to incentivise decarbonisation. The system was established as part of the ‘Fit for 55’ package in 2023. The aim of ETS2 is to reduce emissions from these sectors by 42 % by 2030, compared to 2005 levels. The ETS2 will become fully operational by 2028, as agreed during negotiations on the European Climate Law. 2040 climate target: Council and Parliament agree on a 90% emissions reduction ‘Fit for 55’: Council adopts decision on market stability reserve   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   18/02/2026 15:11 | Media advisory | Press briefing - General Affairs Council of 24 February and General Affairs Council (Cohesion) of 26 February 2026   The press briefing ahead of the General Affairs Council and of the General Affairs Council (Cohesion) will take place on Thursday, 19 February at 16.00. This "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 General Affairs Council do not need to do it again. Deadline for registration: Thursday, 19 February 2026 at 15.00 Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants shortly after the deadline. Meeting page - General Affairs Council of 24 February 2026 Meeting page - General Affairs Council (Cohesion) of 26 February 2026 Registration page Media accreditation for journalists   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   18/02/2026 14:37 | Media advisory | Press briefing - Agriculture and Fisheries Council of 23 February 2026   The "off the record" press briefing ahead of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council will take place on Friday, 20 February 2026 at 11.00. 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 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, 20 February 2026 at 10.00 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   18/02/2026 14:56 | Meetings | Agenda highlights - General Affairs Council, 24 February 2026   Ministers responsible for European affairs will meet in Brussels to start preparations for the March European Council by discussing an annotated draft agenda. The Council will also hold an exchange of views on the European Centre for Democratic Resilience.   View meeting page

● European Council

17/02/2026 11:15 | Press release | President Costa to travel to Oslo on 19 February 2026   The President of the European Council, António Costa, will travel to Oslo this week for high-level meetings. The visit marks the strong momentum of the bilateral relations with Norway, one of the closest and most likeminded partners for the European Union. President Costa will have an audience with HRH The Crown Prince Regent in the morning of 19 February. Afterwards, the President will meet the Prime Minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr Støre. The meeting will be followed by a joint press conference. Their discussion is expected to focus on the EU-Norway bilateral relationship, defence cooperation and support for Ukraine. “Norway stands as a close friend of the European Union, bound by a long-standing and resilient partnership that is particularly important in today’s shifting geopolitical landscape. Our ever-deepening cooperation is based on shared values and common priorities. We are working on the implementation of our Security and Defence Partnership, strengthening our support to Ukraine, and advancing European competitiveness. Together, Norway and the EU are committed to building a secure, prosperous future for all.” — António Costa, President of the European Council Programme and press opportunities The joint press conference by President Costa and Prime Minister Støre is planned at around 13:15. In the afternoon, President Costa will visit the National CBNRE Centre of Medicine at the Oslo University Hospital, specialised in managing medical incidents involving highly contagious diseases. Oslo University Hospital plays a key role in Norway's support for Ukraine by treating hundreds of patients evacuated due to the war. As a major trauma centre, it provides specialised care for war injuries. President Costa will also visit the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI) in Kjeller outside Oslo. FFI has been a key player in supporting and enhancing Norway's defence capabilities through cutting-edge research and innovation. FFI has participated in collaborative defence research and development under the European Defence Fund (EDF), receiving EU financial support. Background Norway participates fully in the EU single market through the European Economic Area agreement and Schengen. Norway is also one of the closest partners of the Union in security and defence, with NATO membership forming the cornerstone of its own defence policy. It was the second country to sign a Security and defence partnership with the Union (at the occasion of the May 2024 EEA Council), committing to further strengthening long-term support for Ukraine and to further expanding their security cooperation including in maritime, space, cybersecurity, counter-terrorism, among other areas. As an EEA/EFTA member, Norway has been involved in EU defence industrial programmes since the first such programme (the EDIDP) entered into force in 2018. Security and defence partnerships (background information)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   17/02/2026 11:04 | Press release | Taxation: Council updates the EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes   Today, the Council added two countries - Turks and Caicos Islands and Viet Nam – to the EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes. At the same time, the Council removed three countries - Fiji, Samoa and Trinidad and Tobago - from the list as they now comply with all agreed international standards. The list is part of the EU’s efforts to promote tax good governance worldwide. It is composed of countries which fail to comply with agreed international tax standards or did not fulfil their commitments on tax good governance within a specific timeframe. Following today’s update, the list consists of 10 jurisdictions: American Samoa Anguilla Guam Palau Panama Russia Turks and Caicos Islands US Virgin Islands Vanuatu Viet Nam This update features both positive and negative developments, reflecting the dynamic character of the process which involves the constant monitoring of the tax practices in other jurisdictions. The code of conduct group (business taxation) prepares the updates and engages with all jurisdictions involved to help them improve their legal framework to resolve identified issues. The code of conduct group is composed of high-level representatives of the member states and the European Commission and acts to promote fair tax competition within the EU and beyond. Updates to the EU list (Annex I) The Turks and Caicos Islands were included in Annex I of the EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes following concerns raised by the OECD forum on harmful tax practices regarding the enforcement of economic substance requirements in the jurisdiction. Viet Nam was included in the EU list after the OECD Global Forum’s review revealed that the country did not meet the necessary standards for the exchange of tax information on request. In addition, the entries in Annex I for American Samoa, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands have been updated to reflect ongoing efforts to address compliance with certain tax cooperation standards. However, this progress was not considered enough to warrant their complete removal from the list. Updates to the state of play document (Annex II) In addition to the list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions, the Council approved the usual state of play document (Annex II) which reflects ongoing EU cooperation with its international partners and the commitments of these countries to reform their legislation to adhere to agreed tax good governance standards. Its purpose is to recognise ongoing constructive work in the field of taxation, and to encourage the positive approach taken by cooperative jurisdictions to implement tax good governance principles. Antigua and Barbuda and Seychelles have both received a positive rating from the Global Forum regarding their systems for exchanging tax information on request. As a result, both jurisdictions have fulfilled their commitments and will be removed from the state of play document. Brunei has been granted a six-month extension to reform its foreign-source income exemption regime. The additional time will allow Brunei to implement the necessary changes to be delisted. Background The EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes was established in December 2017. It is part of the EU’s external strategy on taxation and aims to contribute to ongoing efforts to promote tax good governance worldwide. Jurisdictions are assessed based on a set of criteria laid down by the Council. These criteria cover tax transparency, fair taxation and implementation of international standards designed to prevent tax base erosion and profit shifting. The Council updates the list twice a year. The next revision of the list is scheduled for October 2026. The chair of the code of conduct group conducts political and procedural dialogues with relevant international organisations and jurisdictions, where necessary. The Council’s decisions regarding the list are prepared by the Council's code of conduct group which is also responsible for monitoring tax measures in the EU member states.The code of conduct group cooperates closely with international bodies such as the OECD Forum on Harmful Tax Practices (FHTP) to promote tax good governance worldwide. Council conclusions on the revised EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions (background information) Code of Conduct Group (Business Taxation)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   17/02/2026 10:01 | Press release | Safeguarding water quality: Council signs off on stricter protection rules for surface water and groundwater   The Council has formally adopted the directive on updating the list of pollutants affecting surface water and groundwater, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals and PFAS. The revised rules also tighten environmental standards for several substances and strengthen monitoring across the EU. The directive amends the water framework directive, the groundwater directive and the directive on environmental quality standards, aligning EU water policy with the latest scientific evidence. To improve water quality, the EU has already put in place rules for monitoring and reducing the release of identified dangerous substances and pollutants in surface water and groundwater. The EU-wide list of these substances has now been expanded and updated, including pharmaceuticals (such as painkillers), pesticides, bisphenols, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS, a group of so-called ‘forever chemicals’). For the first time, the directive introduces rules to assess the cumulative risk of combined substances. Several pollutants that are already on the list will now be subject to tighter environmental quality standards. To support future reviews, the directive also adds microplastics and antimicrobial resistance indicators to the EU’s water watchlists, which help track substances of emerging concern. “Water is an utmost priority of the Cyprus presidency, and protecting its quality is just as vital as securing its quantity. By setting stricter quality standards for our rivers, lakes and groundwater, we are not only protecting the resilience of our ecosystems but also ensuring access to clean drinking water and safeguarding the health of EU citizens today and for generations to come.” — Maria Panayiotou, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of the Republic of Cyprus The updated directive strengthens monitoring and reporting obligations for EU countries, in order to improve water quality and transparency across the EU. One of the measures to achieve this objective is the introduction of effect-based monitoring of surface water, to assess the impact of chemical mixtures. Furthermore, EU countries may use remote sensing and earth observation technologies for their monitoring. They must report on biological quality, chemical quality and also the overall status of water bodies for more reliable data across the EU. Next steps  This step concludes the adoption procedure in the Council. The European Parliament is expected to hold the final vote on the directive by the end of March. EU countries will have until 2039 to comply with the new standards for both surface water and groundwater. For substances with revised and more stringent environmental quality standards in surface water, the compliance deadline is 2033. Background Chemical pollution of surface and groundwater poses risks to human health and to the aquatic environment, including acute and chronic toxicity in aquatic organisms. According to data from the river basin management plans, a key tool of the water framework directive, 46% of surface waters and 24% of groundwater in the EU fail to meet the existing environmental quality standards, with significant differences between member states. The directive addresses these challenges, by improving protection against emerging pollutants and chemical mixtures. Directive on priority substances in the field of water policy Statement of the Council’s reasons Voting results Statements The ordinary legislative procedure (background information) Pollution (background information)   Visit the website ● Συμβούλιο της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης   17/02/2026 11:05 | Δελτίο τύπου | Φορολογία: Επικαιροποίηση από το Συμβούλιο του ενωσιακού κατάλογου μη συνεργάσιμων περιοχών φορολογικής δικαιοδοσίας   Σήμερα, το Συμβούλιο πρόσθεσε δύο χώρες — τις Νήσους Τερκς και Κάικος και το Βιετνάμ — στον ενωσιακό κατάλογο μη συνεργάσιμων περιοχών φορολογικής δικαιοδοσίας. Ταυτόχρονα, το Συμβούλιο διέγραψε τρεις χώρες — Φίτζι, Σαμόα και Τρίνινταντ και Τομπέιγκο — από τον κατάλογο, καθώς συμμορφώνονται πλέον με όλα τα συμφωνηθέντα διεθνή πρότυπα. Ο κατάλογος αποτελεί μέρος των προσπαθειών της ΕΕ για την προώθηση της χρηστής φορολογικής διακυβέρνησης παγκοσμίως. Στον κατάλογο περιλαμβάνονται οι χώρες που δεν συμμορφώνονται με τα συμφωνηθέντα διεθνή φορολογικά πρότυπα ή δεν εκπλήρωσαν τις δεσμεύσεις τους όσον αφορά τη χρηστή φορολογική διακυβέρνηση εντός συγκεκριμένου χρονικού πλαισίου. Μετά τη σημερινή επικαιροποίηση, ο κατάλογος περιλαμβάνει 10 περιοχές δικαιοδοσίας: Αμερικανική Σαμόα Ανγκουίλα Γκουάμ Παλάου Παναμάς Ρωσία Νήσοι Τερκς και Κάικος Αμερικανικές Παρθένες Νήσοι Βανουάτου Βιετνάμ Η επικαιροποίηση αυτή προβάλλει τόσο τις θετικές όσο και τις αρνητικές εξελίξεις, αντικατοπτρίζοντας τον δυναμικό χαρακτήρα της διαδικασίας, η οποία συνεπάγεται τη συνεχή παρακολούθηση των φορολογικών πρακτικών σε άλλες περιοχές δικαιοδοσίας. Η Ομάδα «Κώδικας δεοντολογίας» (Φορολογία των επιχειρήσεων) προετοιμάζει τις επικαιροποιήσεις και συνεργάζεται με όλες τις εμπλεκόμενες περιοχές δικαιοδοσίες προκειμένου να τις βοηθήσει να βελτιώσουν το νομικό τους πλαίσιο για την επίλυση των ζητημάτων που έχουν εντοπιστεί. Η Ομάδα «Κώδικας δεοντολογίας» απαρτίζεται από υψηλού επιπέδου εκπροσώπους των κρατών μελών και την Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή και ενεργεί με σκοπό την προώθηση του δίκαιου φορολογικού ανταγωνισμού εντός και εκτός της ΕΕ. Επικαιροποιήσεις του ενωσιακού καταλόγου (παράρτημα I) Οι Νήσοι Τερκς και Κάικος περιλήφθηκαν στο παράρτημα Ι του ενωσιακού καταλόγου μη συνεργάσιμων περιοχών φορολογικής δικαιοδοσίας μετά τις ανησυχίες που διατυπώθηκαν από το φόρουμ του ΟΟΣΑ για επιζήμιες φορολογικές πρακτικές όσον αφορά την επιβολή των απαιτήσεων οικονομικής υπόστασης στην περιοχή δικαιοδοσίας. Το Βιετνάμ περιλήφθηκε στον ενωσιακό κατάλογο όταν διαπιστώθηκε στο πλαίσιο της αξιολόγησης του Παγκόσμιου φόρουμ του ΟΟΣΑ ότι η χώρα δεν πληρούσε τα αναγκαία πρότυπα για την ανταλλαγή φορολογικών πληροφοριών κατόπιν αιτήματος. Επιπλέον, επικαιροποιήθηκαν οι καταχωρίσεις στο παράρτημα I για την Αμερικανική Σαμόα, το Γκουάμ και τις Αμερικανικές Παρθένες Νήσους ώστε να αντικατοπτρίζουν τις συνεχιζόμενες προσπάθειες για διασφάλιση της συμμόρφωσης με ορισμένα πρότυπα φορολογικής συνεργασίας. Ωστόσο, η πρόοδος αυτή δεν θεωρήθηκε επαρκής ώστε να δικαιολογήσει την πλήρη διαγραφή τους από τον κατάλογο. Επικαιροποιήσεις του εγγράφου για την τρέχουσα κατάσταση (παράρτημα II) Πέραν του καταλόγου των μη συνεργάσιμων περιοχών φορολογικής δικαιοδοσίας, το Συμβούλιο ενέκρινε και το σύνηθες έγγραφο για την τρέχουσα κατάσταση (παράρτημα ΙΙ), το οποίο αντικατοπτρίζει τη συνεχιζόμενη συνεργασία της ΕΕ με τους διεθνείς εταίρους της και τις δεσμεύσεις των εν λόγω χωρών να προβούν σε μεταρρύθμιση της νομοθεσίας τους ώστε αυτή να συμμορφώνεται με τα συμφωνηθέντα πρότυπα χρηστής φορολογικής διακυβέρνησης. Με το εν λόγω έγγραφο αναγνωρίζεται το συνεχιζόμενο εποικοδομητικό έργο στον τομέα της φορολογίας και ενθαρρύνεται η θετική προσέγγιση που υιοθετούν οι συνεργάσιμες περιοχές δικαιοδοσίας για την εφαρμογή των αρχών της χρηστής φορολογικής διακυβέρνησης. Τόσο η Αντίγκουα και Μπαρμπούντα όσο και οι Σεϋχέλλες έχουν λάβει θετική αξιολόγηση από το Παγκόσμιο φόρουμ όσον αφορά τα συστήματά τους για την ανταλλαγή φορολογικών πληροφοριών κατόπιν αιτήματος. Ως εκ τούτου, αμφότερες οι περιοχές δικαιοδοσίας έχουν εκπληρώσει τις δεσμεύσεις τους και θα αφαιρεθούν από το έγγραφο για την τρέχουσα κατάσταση. Στο Μπρουνέι έχει χορηγηθεί εξάμηνη παράταση ώστε να προβεί στη μεταρρύθμιση του καθεστώτος απαλλαγής του εισοδήματος αλλοδαπής προέλευσης. Ο πρόσθετος χρόνος θα επιτρέψει στο Μπρουνέι να υλοποιήσει τις αναγκαίες μεταρρυθμίσεις προκειμένου να διαγραφεί από τον κατάλογο. Ιστορικό Ο ενωσιακός κατάλογος μη συνεργάσιμων περιοχών φορολογικής δικαιοδοσίας καταρτίστηκε τον Δεκέμβριο του 2017. Αποτελεί μέρος της εξωτερικής στρατηγικής της ΕΕ για τη φορολόγηση και σκοπός του είναι να συμβάλει στις προσπάθειες που καταβάλλονται για την προώθηση της χρηστής φορολογικής διακυβέρνησης σε παγκόσμιο επίπεδο. Οι περιοχές δικαιοδοσίας αξιολογούνται βάσει δέσμης κριτηρίων που έχει καθορίσει το Συμβούλιο. Τα κριτήρια αυτά αφορούν τη φορολογική διαφάνεια, τη δίκαιη φορολόγηση και την εφαρμογή διεθνών προτύπων που αποσκοπούν στην πρόληψη της διάβρωσης της φορολογικής βάσης και της μετατόπισης των κερδών. Το Συμβούλιο επικαιροποιεί τον κατάλογο δύο φορές ετησίως. Η επόμενη αναθεώρηση του καταλόγου έχει προγραμματιστεί για τον Οκτώβριο του 2026. Η προεδρία της Ομάδας «Κώδικας δεοντολογίας» διεξάγει πολιτικούς και διαδικαστικούς διαλόγους με σχετικούς διεθνείς οργανισμούς και περιοχές δικαιοδοσίας, όπου απαιτείται. Οι αποφάσεις του Συμβουλίου σχετικά με τον κατάλογο εκπονούνται από την Ομάδα «Κώδικας δεοντολογίας» του Συμβουλίου, η οποία είναι επίσης αρμόδια για την παρακολούθηση των φορολογικών μέτρων στα κράτη μέλη της ΕΕ. Η Ομάδα «Κώδικας δεοντολογίας» συνεργάζεται στενά με διεθνείς φορείς, όπως το φόρουμ του ΟΟΣΑ για τις επιζήμιες φορολογικές πρακτικές (FHTP) με σκοπό την προώθηση της χρηστής φορολογικής διακυβέρνησης παγκοσμίως. Ενωσιακός κατάλογος μη συνεργάσιμων περιοχών φορολογικής δικαιοδοσίας (γενικές πληροφορίες) Ομάδα «Κώδικας δεοντολογίας» (Φορολογία των επιχειρήσεων)   Επισκεφτείτε τον ιστοχώρο ● Council of the EU   17/02/2026 18:06 | Press release | Armenia: Council appoints new Head of Mission for European Union Mission in Armenia   The Council appointed Satu Koivu as new Head of Mission for the European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA). She will take up her duties on 20 February 2026, taking over from Markus Ritter. Satu Koivu is a Finnish senior police officer with more than 35 years of national and international experience. She has built extensive international expertise through leadership positions within UN and EU missions in the Palestinian Territories, Rwanda, Namibia, and Cyprus. Before her appointment as EUMA Head of Mission, she was deployed in the National Police Board of Finland as Chief of Human Resources, based in Espoo, Finland. The decision to appoint her as the new Head of EUMA was taken by EU’s Political and Security Committee on 17 February 2026. The civilian mission EUMA is an essential component of EU efforts to support peace and stability in the South Caucasus region. The Mission is tasked with observing and reporting on the situation on the ground on the Armenian side of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, contributing also to human security in these areas. The current mandate of EUMA runs until 19 February 2027. The Mission comprises over 200 international and local staff. EUMA observers and civilian experts come from 25 EU Member States and a third contributing state, Canada. Curriculum vitae of Mrs. Koivu PSC Decision on the appointment of the head of mission of th EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA) EU Mission in Armenia (EEAS website) Armenia: Council extends the mandate of the EU civilian mission for two years (press release, 30 January 2025) Armenia: EU establishes a civilian mission to contribute to stability in border areas (press release, 23 January 2023)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   17/02/2026 16:11 | Press release | Zimbabwe: Council renews arms embargo and lifts travel bans and assets freeze   The European Union has concluded its annual review of the restrictive measures in relation to Zimbabwe. As a result of it, the Council has decided to extend the arms embargo for one year, until 20 February 2027, while lifting all provisions related to the possibility of imposing a travel ban and asset freeze. The EU remains constructively engaged with Zimbabwe and looks forward to deepening the bilateral relations across a broad range of areas of mutual interest, including on trade and investment. The EU will continue to monitor the effectiveness of these measures in light of any future developments. Background On 15 February 2011, the Council adopted restrictive measures in view of the situation in Zimbabwe, which were subsequently renewed and adjusted over the years. This decision replaced the legal framework for measures already in place since 18 February 2002. The Council Decision and Council Implementing Regulation adopted today reflect the decision to maintain and extend the existing arms embargo in view of the situation in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe: Council renews restrictive measures framework and delists one entity (press release, 18 February 2025) The European Union and Zimbabwe (EEAS) Zimbabwe (DG INTPA, European Commission)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   17/02/2026 14:30 | Meetings | Main results - Economic and Financial Affairs Council, 17 February 2026   Ministers discussed the supplementary pensions package - part of the EU’s savings and investment union agenda. The Council approved the guidelines for the EU’s annual budget 2027 and activated the national escape clause for defence financing for Austria. Finally, as part of the European semester, the Council adopted its recommendation on the economic policy of the euro area.   View meeting page ● Council of the EU   17/02/2026 12:32 | Press release | EU annual budget 2027: Council sets guidelines for next year's EU budget   The Council today approved conclusions setting guidelines for the EU’s annual budget for 2027. The guidelines provide political steer to the Commission in preparing the draft budget proposal for next year – the last annual budget exercise of the EU’s multiannual financial framework (MFF) 2021-2027. In its conclusions, the Council underlines that the EU budget for 2027 has a key role in the development and delivery of the EU’s long-term objectives and political priorities. The Council also stresses the importance for the 2027 budget to continue showing the EU’s solidarity with the people of Ukraine and to respond to related crises, including humanitarian needs. The Council considers that the budget for 2027 should be realistic, in line with actual needs, ensure prudent budgeting and leave sufficient margins under MFF ceilings to deal with unforeseen circumstances and to address the EU’s challenges.  At the same time, the budget for 2027 should provide sufficient resources to ensure the implementation of Union programmes.  The Council stresses the need for the Commission to identify in the draft budget for 2027 the redeployments necessary to finance the priorities laid down in the revised MFF 2021-2027. The Council invites the Commission to take into account the agreement on the 2025 and 2026 budgets with regard to the resources to be used for NextGenerationEU interest payments in case they cannot be covered by the existing budget line. Background The EU’s annual budget lays down all the European Union’s expenditure and revenue for one year. It provides for the funding of EU policies and programmes in line with the EU’s political priorities and legal obligations, within the ceilings established through the seven-year MFF. Each year, the Commission proposes the draft annual budget for the year that follows. It is then the Council and the European Parliament who agree on the final budget on an equal footing. Council conclusions on the EU budget for 2027 Budget (background information) The EU’s annual budget (background information) EU budget for 2027 timeline (background information)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   17/02/2026 10:01 | Press release | Safeguarding water quality: Council signs off on stricter protection rules for surface water and groundwater   The Council has formally adopted the directive on updating the list of pollutants affecting surface water and groundwater, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals and PFAS. The revised rules also tighten environmental standards for several substances and strengthen monitoring across the EU. The directive amends the water framework directive, the groundwater directive and the directive on environmental quality standards, aligning EU water policy with the latest scientific evidence. To improve water quality, the EU has already put in place rules for monitoring and reducing the release of identified dangerous substances and pollutants in surface water and groundwater. The EU-wide list of these substances has now been expanded and updated, including pharmaceuticals (such as painkillers), pesticides, bisphenols, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS, a group of so-called ‘forever chemicals’). For the first time, the directive introduces rules to assess the cumulative risk of combined substances. Several pollutants that are already on the list will now be subject to tighter environmental quality standards. To support future reviews, the directive also adds microplastics and antimicrobial resistance indicators to the EU’s water watchlists, which help track substances of emerging concern. “Water is an utmost priority of the Cyprus presidency, and protecting its quality is just as vital as securing its quantity. By setting stricter quality standards for our rivers, lakes and groundwater, we are not only protecting the resilience of our ecosystems but also ensuring access to clean drinking water and safeguarding the health of EU citizens today and for generations to come.” — Maria Panayiotou, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of the Republic of Cyprus The updated directive strengthens monitoring and reporting obligations for EU countries, in order to improve water quality and transparency across the EU. One of the measures to achieve this objective is the introduction of effect-based monitoring of surface water, to assess the impact of chemical mixtures. Furthermore, EU countries may use remote sensing and earth observation technologies for their monitoring. They must report on biological quality, chemical quality and also the overall status of water bodies for more reliable data across the EU. Next steps  This step concludes the adoption procedure in the Council. The European Parliament is expected to hold the final vote on the directive by the end of March. EU countries will have until 2039 to comply with the new standards for both surface water and groundwater. For substances with revised and more stringent environmental quality standards in surface water, the compliance deadline is 2033. Background Chemical pollution of surface and groundwater poses risks to human health and to the aquatic environment, including acute and chronic toxicity in aquatic organisms. According to data from the river basin management plans, a key tool of the water framework directive, 46% of surface waters and 24% of groundwater in the EU fail to meet the existing environmental quality standards, with significant differences between member states. The directive addresses these challenges, by improving protection against emerging pollutants and chemical mixtures. Directive on priority substances in the field of water policy Statement of the Council’s reasons Voting results Statements The ordinary legislative procedure (background information) Pollution (background information)   Visit the website   ● Council of the EU   17/02/2026 12:32 | Press release | EU annual budget 2027: Council sets guidelines for next year's EU budget   The Council today approved conclusions setting guidelines for the EU’s annual budget for 2027. The guidelines provide political steer to the Commission in preparing the draft budget proposal for next year – the last annual budget exercise of the EU’s multiannual financial framework (MFF) 2021-2027. In its conclusions, the Council underlines that the EU budget for 2027 has a key role in the development and delivery of the EU’s long-term objectives and political priorities. The Council also stresses the importance for the 2027 budget to continue showing the EU’s solidarity with the people of Ukraine and to respond to related crises, including humanitarian needs. The Council considers that the budget for 2027 should be realistic, in line with actual needs, ensure prudent budgeting and leave sufficient margins under MFF ceilings to deal with unforeseen circumstances and to address the EU’s challenges.  At the same time, the budget for 2027 should provide sufficient resources to ensure the implementation of Union programmes.  The Council stresses the need for the Commission to identify in the draft budget for 2027 the redeployments necessary to finance the priorities laid down in the revised MFF 2021-2027. The Council invites the Commission to take into account the agreement on the 2025 and 2026 budgets with regard to the resources to be used for NextGenerationEU interest payments in case they cannot be covered by the existing budget line. Background The EU’s annual budget lays down all the European Union’s expenditure and revenue for one year. It provides for the funding of EU policies and programmes in line with the EU’s political priorities and legal obligations, within the ceilings established through the seven-year MFF. Each year, the Commission proposes the draft annual budget for the year that follows. It is then the Council and the European Parliament who agree on the final budget on an equal footing. Council conclusions on the EU budget for 2027 Budget (background information) The EU’s annual budget (background information) EU budget for 2027 timeline (background information)   Visit the website