COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Press material Monday, 04 May 2026

● European Council   04/05/2026 15:54 | Statements and remarks | Press statement by President António Costa following the meeting of the European Political Community   Thank you, Prime Minister Pashinyan, dear Nikol, for your warm welcome to Yerevan. You and your team have done an exceptional job of hosting this summit of the European Political Community, bringing together more than 40 leaders from across our continent. Dear Nikol, the fact that Armenia is hosting this summit, the fact that we are all here today – it is a powerful illustration of the country’s courageous geopolitical path. A path that Armenia and the European Union are walking together. That is also why tomorrow we will hold the first-ever EU-Armenia summit. Today’s EPC Summit was truly historic. For the first time, the EPC met in the South Caucasus. And the day started with President Aliyev’s participation by videoconference: that means this summit will forever be remembered as a summit of peace in the Caucasus – brought about by brave political choices and patient diplomatic efforts.  This story of peace in Europe, in a world where escalation and war seem to dominate, is something to be celebrated. There is a European way of doing things – through multilateralism, with the UN system at its heart, and in respect for international law. In the current geopolitical context, it is increasingly clear that our continent needs a 360º degree vision for its security. Meeting here, in Armenia, in the South Caucasus, so close to the Middle East – it is a stark reminder that war in Europe’s neighbourhood has a direct impact on our common security, our energy supply and our economy.  That is why, more than ever, the European Union needs to work hand in hand with Armenia and the region for peace and stability. Lasting peace and stability must be anchored in resilient democratic institutions and strong economic bonds between neighbours. That is why today’s EPC summit focussed on the fight against foreign interference in democratic processes, as well as on the power of connectivity to create win-win economic partnerships.  At the same time, we continue to pursue the goal of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. That is why support for Ukraine continues to be a key focus of the European Political Community. And these were my messages to President Zelenskyy today: first, the European Union will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes to achieve a sustainable, just, and lasting peace, in full respect of Ukraine’s territorial integrity;  second, we need to take Ukraine’s accession process forward, by opening the first negotiation cluster as soon as possible. Any discussion about peace and stability in our continent must include our likeminded partners beyond Europe. The participation of Canada’s Prime Minister, Mark Carney, in today’s summit – the first time, we have invited a non-European guest to an EPC summit – is therefore politically very significant. It is a reflection of the strong and growing alignment between Europe and Canada. And a powerful reminder that a principles- and rules-based international order, with multilateralism and the UN system at its heart, are objectives widely shared around the world. To conclude, today’s summit, in this region, shows that Europe’s way of doing things – diplomacy, multilateralism, and respect of international law – yields results, it yields peace. I want to thank, once again, Prime Minister Pashinyan again – for hosting this summit of the European Political Community. And, beyond that, for grasping the historic opportunity to bring Armenia closer to the European Union.  And a final word to the Irish Taoiseach, dear Micheál – to say how much I am looking forward to the next EPC summit in Ireland. I am sure it will be as successful as today’s meeting here in Yerevan. Thank you.    Visit the website ● European Council   04/05/2026 15:15 | Media accreditation | One-year badge 2026 - accreditation is open   If you applied for the one-year badge 2026 in December 2025 or February 2026, you do not need to register again.  This badge is intended for journalists resident in Belgium and gives access, during the whole calendar year 2026, to the Council premises during summits and high-level meetings, as well as on regular working days.  Application deadline: Friday 29 May 2026 at 14:00 Apply for the one-year badge More information on the one-year badge (PDF) Procedure Before starting the online procedure please make sure to have at hand the following piece of information and documents: the number of your valid identity document (national identity cards are only accepted for EU and EFTA nationals) or passport, as well as the issuing and expiry dates thereof a scanned copy of your EU or Belgian press card, OR of the assignment letter signed by your editor-in-chief confirming that you are covering EU affairs during the current year a passport-type picture in .jpeg format (max. 500KB) you will also be asked to print, sign and upload a form to give your authorisation to be security screened by the Belgian authorities. You will be able to download your consent form from your account Collection of badges You will receive an automatic email to inform you once your application has been validated and the badge is ready to be collected. One-year badges can be collected, on an individual basis only, at the JL main accreditation desk on working days. Please ensure you have your ID/passport when collecting the badge.   Visit the website ● European Council   04/05/2026 15:12 | Media accreditation | Media advisory - European Council meeting of 18 and 19 June 2026   The meeting of the European Council will take place on 18 and 19 June 2026 in the Europa building in Brussels. Address: Rue de la Loi 155/Wetstraat 155, 1040-Brussels. Registration Media representatives wishing to cover the meeting in person are required to register in advance, following this link. The deadline to register is Friday 29 May 2026 at 14:00 CEST.  IMPORTANT: Media representatives are strongly advised to apply by the deadline to allow for sufficient time to process the requests especially those attending a European Summit for the first time or who have not completed a full security screening during the European Council meeting on 19 and 20 March 2026. Due to organizational and security constraints, the Council cannot guarantee the verification of applications for accreditation received after the deadline. Without such verification, the access to the summit will be denied.  There is no need to register or collect any badge for the media representatives already in possession of the European Council annual badge. For more information, please also consult the Media accreditation page. Badge Collection A media accreditation desk will be set up at the LEX building (Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 145) outside the security perimeter, to allow for collection of badges during the events. Opening hours will be communicated at a later stage. Media opportunities A detailed programme, including information on media opportunities, will be published at a later stage. Press materials Videos and photos of the summits will be available on: Council Newsroom EC Audiovisual Service Council Live   Visit the website