COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Press material Monday, 23 February 2026

● European Council   23/02/2026 12:01 | Press release | President Costa to travel to Kyiv on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine   On 24 February 2026, the President of the European Council, António Costa, will travel to Kyiv, Ukraine, alongside the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia's aggression against Ukraine. During the visit, they will participate in the official memorial ceremony, commemorating the four years of war. They will also visit an energy infrastructure site damaged by Russian missile strikes. In addition, Presidents Costa and von der Leyen will hold a trilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The leaders will also attend a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, convened by French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. As Russia’s aggression enters its fifth year, the meeting will reaffirm the commitment of the 35 participating countries to support Ukraine in achieving a lasting and robust peace, ensuring the security of both Ukraine and Europe. “On 24 February 2022, Russia launched an unprovoked, unjustified, and illegal war against Ukraine, violating its sovereignty and international law. Since that day, the European Union has stood staunch and steadfast in solidarity with the Ukrainian people — with those who have lost loved ones, those who have been wounded, and all who continue to endure this unjust suffering. Four years later, we reaffirm that our support remains strong, united, and unwavering.” — António Costa, President of the European Council Press opportunities The meeting with President Zelenskyy will be followed by a press event. The events in Kyiv will not be live-streamed due to security constraints but they will be available on EBS, Council’s TV Newsroom and on President Costa’s social media channels with a delay. Background This will be President Costa’s fourth visit to Ukraine, since the beginning of his mandate as President of the European Council on 1 December 2024. The European Union has from the very beginning stood by Ukraine as it exercises its inherent right to self-defence against Russia's full-scale war of aggression. The EU has adopted unprecedented sanctions against Russia. The EU and its member states are Ukraine's biggest provider of financial, economic, military and humanitarian support.  Since the start of Russia's war of aggression, they have provided €193.3 billion in support for Ukraine and its people. The assistance includes: €103.3 billion in financial, economic and humanitarian support €69.3 billion in military support €17 billion in support for refugees within the EU €3.7 billion in proceeds from immobilised Russian assets EU solidarity with Ukraine Russia's war against Ukraine: EU sanctions Council agrees position on legal framework to provide €90 billion in financial support to Ukraine (Press release, 4 February 2026)   Visit the website

● Council of the EU

23/02/2026 11:41 | Media advisory | Press briefing - Competitiveness Council (Internal market and industry, Research) of 26 and 27 February   The press briefing ahead of the Competitiveness Council will take place on Tuesday, 24 February 2026 at 10.00 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 Competitiveness Council do not need to do it again. Deadline for registration: Tuesday, 24 February 2026 at 09.00 Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants shortly after the deadline. Competitiveness Council (Internal market and Industry), 26 February 2026 Competitiveness Council (Research), 27 February 2026 Registration page Media accreditation for journalists   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   23/02/2026 11:35 | Press release | Road transport: Council allows Austria to amend agreement with Switzerland on cabotage by buses and coaches in border regions   Today, the Council adopted a general approach on a proposal allowing Austria to amend its bilateral road transport agreement with Switzerland. The amendment would allow cabotage operations in the border regions of Austria and Switzerland for passenger coach and bus services between the two countries. Both Austria and Switzerland expressed an interest in updating the existing bilateral agreement of 1958 on the issue of cabotage in their border region, which is highly integrated economically and socially, with a lot of commuters moving daily in both directions. However, allowing cabotage between EU member states and a third country falls within the EU's exclusive competences. Under the Treaties, the EU may nevertheless authorise a member state to act in the areas of exclusive competence where this is duly justified and clearly circumscribed. The authorisation would enable Austria to amend the bilateral agreement to permit limited cabotage operations in defined border regions. This would allow passenger services operating between Austria and Switzerland to pick up and drop off passengers within those regions, improving operational efficiency. The measure is also expected to enhance cross-border connectivity, further regional integration and to promote more sustainable mobility by making coach and bus services a more attractive alternative to private car use. Cabotage operations would be strictly limited to the specified administrative districts of Bludenz, Bregenz, Dornbirn, Feldkirch in the region of Vorarlberg and the district of Landeck in the region of Tyrol. Next steps The European Parliament still needs to set its position. The presidency can enter negotiations with the European Parliament, once the latter reaches its own negotiating position, with a view to reaching an agreement on this file. General approach Commission proposal   Visit the website

● Council of the EU

23/02/2026 10:50 | Press release | Red Sea: Council extends the mandate of Operation ASPIDES to safeguard freedom of navigation   The Council today decided to extend the European Union’s maritime security operation to safeguard freedom of navigation in relation to the Red Sea crisis (EUNAVFOR ASPIDES) until 28 February 2027, following the strategic review of the operation. As part of the extension, the Council agreed on a financial reference amount of nearly €15 million to cover the common costs of the operation for the period from 1 March 2026 to 28 February 2027. A further strategic review of the operation will be conducted in 2026/27. The operation contributes to safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and surrounding waters in response to ongoing threats against merchant and commercial vessels. Operation ASPIDES provides defensive maritime security, protects vessels and supports stability along key maritime routes in accordance with international law. The decision reflects the EU’s continued commitment to maritime security, regional stability and the protection of global trade flows. Background EUNAVFOR ASPIDES was established by the EU in February 2024 as a defensive operation in response to the Red Sea crisis, following repeated Houthi attacks on international shipping since October 2023. The operation was launched with a mandate to protect vessels and safeguard freedom of navigation and is active along the main sea lines of communication around the Baab al-Mandab Strait and monitors the maritime situation in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as international waters in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman, and the Gulf. The extension follows a strategic review of ASPIDES and a broader assessment of EU maritime operations in the region. The operation complements other EU efforts to promote security and stability along key sea lines of communication. ASPIDES is headquartered in Larissa, Greece, and headed by Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis. Red Sea: Council prolongs the mandate of Operation ASPIDES (press release, 14 February 2025) Security and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea: Council launches EUNAVFOR ASPIDES (press release, 19 February 2024) EUNAVFOR Operation ASPIDES (EEAS) Civilian and military missions and operations (background information) Security and defence (background information)   Visit the website

● Συμβούλιο της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης

23/02/2026 10:34 | Δελτίο τύπου | Τελικό πράσινο φως του Συμβουλίου για μέτρα που θα καταστήσουν το σύστημα ασύλου της ΕΕ πιο αποτελεσματικό και ισχυρό   Το Συμβούλιο σήμερα εξέδωσε επίσημα τον πρώτο κατάλογο ασφαλών χωρών καταγωγής σε επίπεδο ΕΕ, καθώς και αναθεώρηση της έννοιας της ασφαλούς τρίτης χώρας. Οι δύο αυτές νομοθετικές πράξεις αποσκοπούν στην περαιτέρω εναρμόνιση και βελτίωση της αποτελεσματικότητας του πλαισίου της ΕΕ για τη μετανάστευση και το άσυλο. Ο κατάλογος ασφαλών χωρών καταγωγής σε επίπεδο ΕΕ θα βοηθήσει τα κράτη μέλη να εξετάζουν αποτελεσματικότερα τις αιτήσεις διεθνούς προστασίας που υποβάλλονται από υπηκόους των εν λόγω χωρών. Η αναθεωρημένη έννοια της ασφαλούς τρίτης χώρας θα δώσει στα κράτη μέλη μεγαλύτερη ευελιξία όσον αφορά την απόρριψη αιτήσεων ασύλου ως απαράδεκτων. “Αυτός ο πρώτος κοινός ενωσιακός κατάλογος ασφαλών χωρών καταγωγής και η αναθεωρημένη έννοια της ασφαλούς χώρας θα στηρίξουν ταχύτερες και συνεκτικότερες διαδικασίες ασύλου. Συμβάλλουν στην υλοποίηση του συμφώνου για τη μετανάστευση και το άσυλο και σηματοδοτούν ένα έμπρακτο βήμα προς την εφαρμογή του. Είμαστε προσηλωμένοι στην έγκαιρη υλοποίησή του. ” — Νικόλας Α. Ιωαννίδης, Υφυπουργός Μετανάστευσης και Διεθνούς Προστασίας της Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας Τα μέτρα είναι σημαντικά για την εφαρμογή του συμφώνου της ΕΕ για τη μετανάστευση και το άσυλο — του θεματολογίου της ΕΕ για την αποτελεσματικότερη διαχείριση της μετανάστευσης και τη θέσπιση κοινού συστήματος ασύλου με στόχο τη διασφάλιση αποτελεσματικών και πιο ομοιόμορφων διαδικασιών, καθώς και της δίκαιης κατανομής των βαρών μεταξύ των κρατών μελών. Ενωσιακός κατάλογος ασφαλών χωρών καταγωγής Ο κατάλογος χαρακτηρίζει τις ακόλουθες χώρες ως ασφαλείς χώρες καταγωγής σε επίπεδο ΕΕ: Αίγυπτος, Ινδία, Κολομβία, Κόσοβο*, Μαρόκο, Μπανγκλαντές και Τυνησία. Οι υποψήφιες για προσχώρηση στην ΕΕ χώρες συμπεριλαμβάνονται επίσης ως ασφαλείς χώρες καταγωγής σε επίπεδο Ένωσης, εκτός εάν: υπάρχει κατάσταση διεθνούς ή εσωτερικής ένοπλης σύρραξης στην υποψήφια χώρα η ΕΕ έχει λάβει περιοριστικά μέτρα κατά της υποψήφιας χώρας για ζητήματα που σχετίζονται με τα θεμελιώδη δικαιώματα και ελευθερίες ή το ποσοστό των θετικών αποφάσεων των αρχών των κρατών μελών προς τις αιτήσεις διεθνούς προστασίας των πολιτών από την υποψήφια χώρα είναι μεγαλύτερο του 20% Ο κοινός ενωσιακός κατάλογος θα διασφαλίσει μεγαλύτερη συνοχή μεταξύ των κρατών μελών κατά την αξιολόγηση των αιτήσεων από χαρακτηρισμένες ασφαλείς χώρες καταγωγής και θα συμβάλει στην ταχύτερη διεκπεραίωση των αιτήσεων. Τα κράτη μέλη θα εξακολουθήσουν να έχουν τη δυνατότητα να έχουν τους δικούς τους εθνικούς καταλόγους με πρόσθετες τρίτες χώρες, τις οποίες θεωρούν ασφαλείς. Έννοια της ασφαλούς τρίτης χώρας Η έννοια της ασφαλούς τρίτης χώρας επιτρέπει στα κράτη μέλη της ΕΕ να απορρίπτουν μια αίτηση ασύλου ως απαράδεκτη (χωρίς να εξετάζουν την ουσία της) όταν οι αιτούντες άσυλο θα μπορούσαν να έχουν ζητήσει και, εφόσον είναι επιλέξιμοι, να έχουν λάβει διεθνή προστασία σε χώρα εκτός ΕΕ που θεωρείται ασφαλής για αυτούς. Η νομοθεσία διευρύνει και αποσαφηνίζει τους λόγους για τους οποίους οι αιτήσεις κρίνονται απαράδεκτες βάσει της έννοιας αυτής. Τα κράτη μέλη μπορούν να επιλέξουν να εφαρμόσουν την έννοια με βάση τρεις επιλογές: όταν υπάρχει σύνδεση μεταξύ του αιτούντος άσυλο και της ασφαλούς τρίτης χώρας. Η σύνδεση, όμως, δεν θα αποτελεί πλέον υποχρεωτικό κριτήριο για τη χρήση της έννοιας της ασφαλούς τρίτης χώρας όταν ο αιτών έχει διέλθει από την ασφαλή χώρα πριν από την άφιξή του στην ΕΕ ή όταν υπάρχει συμφωνία ή διακανονισμός με ασφαλή χώρα. Επόμενα βήματα Εκτός από ορισμένους κανόνες που μπορούν να εφαρμοστούν εμπροσθοβαρώς, ο ενωσιακός κατάλογος ασφαλών χωρών καταγωγής και οι τροποποιήσεις της έννοιας της ασφαλούς τρίτης χώρας θα αρχίσουν να εφαρμόζονται στις 12 Ιουνίου 2026, ταυτόχρονα με το υπόλοιπο σύμφωνο για τη μετανάστευση και το άσυλο. Ιστορικό πλαίσιο Ο κανονισμός για τη διαδικασία ασύλου προβλέπει τη δημιουργία ενωσιακού καταλόγου ασφαλών χωρών καταγωγής. Κατόπιν αιτήματος πολλών κρατών μελών, η Επιτροπή πρότεινε αυτόν τον κατάλογο πριν από την εφαρμογή του συμφώνου. Η έννοια της ασφαλούς τρίτης χώρας αποτελεί ήδη μέρος του εγχειριδίου κανόνων της ΕΕ για το άσυλο και τη μετανάστευση. Βάσει ρήτρας επανεξέτασης που προβλέπεται στο σύμφωνο, η Επιτροπή κλήθηκε να επανεξετάσει τους ισχύοντες κανόνες για μεγαλύτερη εναρμόνιση σε ολόκληρη την ΕΕ. *Η ονομασία αυτή χρησιμοποιείται με επιφύλαξη των θέσεων ως προς το καθεστώς και συνάδει με την απόφαση 1244/1999 του Συμβουλίου Ασφαλείας των Ηνωμένων Εθνών και τη γνώμη του Διεθνούς Δικαστηρίου σχετικά με τη διακήρυξη της ανεξαρτησίας του Κοσόβου. Συμφωνία Συμβουλίου και Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου για τον ενωσιακό κατάλογο ασφαλών χωρών καταγωγής (δελτίο Τύπου, 18 Δεκεμβρίου 2025) Συμφωνία Συμβουλίου και Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου για νέο κανονισμό της ΕΕ που περιορίζει το παραδεκτό των αιτήσεων ασύλου (δελτίο Τύπου, 18 Δεκεμβρίου 2025) Μετανάστευση και άσυλο (γενικές πληροφορίες) Πολιτική της ΕΕ για τη μετανάστευση και το άσυλο (γενικές πληροφορίες)   Επισκεφτείτε τον ιστοχώρο

● Council of the EU

23/02/2026 10:23 | Press release | Council approves set of measures to support the EU wine sector   Today the Council adopted the regulation on a modernised policy framework to support a competitive, resilient and future-orientated EU wine sector. The updated measures are designed to better balance supply and demand, reinforce climate adaptation, simplify and harmonise labelling practices, encourage innovation, expand planting flexibility, and stimulate rural economies. They will also strengthen the sector’s capacity to respond to evolving consumer preferences and seize emerging market opportunities. “By adopting the regulation on the wine sector today, less than a year after it was proposed by the Commission, the Council and the member states once again demonstrate that they listen carefully to farmers’ and the agricultural sector’s concerns and are ready to take effective action to address them. First, by providing clear and targeted political guidance to the Commission on the measures required, and second, by adopting those measures swiftly in cooperation with the European Parliament. This ensures that the sector can already benefit from them this year.” — Maria Panayiotou, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of the Republic of Cyprus Key elements of the agreement Better alignment of production and demand Member states may support measures such as grubbing-up of excess vines to prevent oversupply and maintain market stability supporting innovation and adapting to new market conditions. The end date for the planting rights scheme is removed and instead a 10-year revision period is introduced. Stronger climate resilience Member states may increase EU support for climate-related investments, including mitigation and adaptation – up to 80% of eligible costs, enabling a faster shift towards sustainable production. Simplified and harmonised labelling Labelling rules will become simpler across the EU, cutting administrative costs and facilitating cross-border trade for the benefit of the consumers and producers. Consumers will gain clearer access to information, including through digital labels and pictograms. Boosting rural economies through wine tourism Wine producers can receive targeted support to develop wine tourism initiatives, driving economic growth in rural regions. Reduced or no-alcohol wines The term ‘alcohol-free’ will apply to products below 0.5% alcohol, with ‘0.0%’ used for those below 0.05%. For reduced-alcohol wines (above 0.5% but at least 30% lower than the standard strength), there will be the clearer designation ‘reduced-alcohol’, replacing the previously suggested ‘alcohol-light’. Export flexibility Wines destined for export will be exempt from the requirement to list ingredients and provide a nutrition declaration for the internal EU market, reducing unnecessary administrative burden. Combating plant diseases To fight plant diseases like flavescence dorée, the new package will provide more support such as monitoring, diagnostics, training, and research. This will help protect vineyards from this major threat. Aromatised wine products — expanding innovation The agreement clarifies that rosé wine may be used as a base for additional regional aromatised wine products, widening the scope for product development. This will encourage innovation in emerging product styles and support producers responding to new consumer tastes. Next steps The regulation will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU. Background The EU wine sector is a cornerstone of Europe's cultural and economic fabric. It represents 60% of global wine production and is the third-largest EU agrifood sector in terms of exports. The wine sector also helps counter rural depopulation by creating stable jobs and sustaining local economies. Furthermore, it contributes to the conservation of European cultural heritage, with 88% of EU vineyards dedicated to geographical indications. Adopted regulation on wine package Council negotiating mandate on wine package Commission proposal on wine package Council and Parliament strike agreement to strengthen and future-proof the EU wine sector (press release, 4 December 2025) EU wine sector (European Commission) High-level group on wine policy (European Commission)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   23/02/2026 13:27 | Press release | Human rights violations in Russia: EU lists additional eight individuals   Today, the Council imposed restrictive measures on eight individuals responsible for serious human rights violations, the repression of civil society and democratic opposition, and for undermining democracy and the rule of law in Russia. The new listings target members of the judiciary - 2 judges, one prosecutor and one investigator – involved in politically motivated trials - responsible for sentencing Russian activists Dmitry Skurikhin and Oleg Belousov on politically motivated charges. Furthermore, the measures agreed today target the heads of penal colonies and a pre-detention centre, where political prisoners Aleksei Gorinov, Pavel Kushnir, Mikhail Kriger and journalist Maria Ponomarenko, speaking out against Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and criticising Putin’s regime, were held and kept in solitary confinement and inhuman and degrading conditions. The individuals designated today are subject to an asset freeze and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to them. They are also subject to a travel ban, which prevents them from entering or transiting through EU territories. The EU remains unwavering in its condemnation of human rights violations and repressions in Russia, and is deeply concerned about the continuing deterioration of the human rights situation in the country, especially in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The relevant legal acts have been published in the Official Journal of the EU. Background The Council established a new framework for restrictive measures against those responsible for serious human rights violations or abuses, repression of civil society and democratic opposition, and undermining democracy and the rule of law in Russia in March 2024, as the EU’s response to the accelerating and systematic repression in Russia. The new framework has been established following the death of Alexei Navalny. The regime allows the EU to target also those who provide support for or are involved in the misconduct set out above. Furthermore, it entails trade restrictions on exporting to Russia equipment, which might be used for internal repression and the monitoring or interception of telecommunication. Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/432 of 23 February 2026 amending Decision (CFSP) 2024/1484 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Russia Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/431 of 23 February 2026 implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1485 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Russia Consolidated text dated 20 November 2025: Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/1484 of 27 May 2024 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Russia Human rights abuses in Russia: EU sanctions (background information)   Visit the website