COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Press material Tuesday, 12 May 2026

● Council of the EU   11/05/2026 15:49 | Press release | Erasmus+: Council agrees position on the EU’s flagship programme for education and training, youth and sport   The Council has agreed its position on the Erasmus+ regulation for 2028-2034. The agreement ensures that the regulation builds on the strengths of the current Erasmus+ programme and marks a crucial first step towards negotiations with the European Parliament. Erasmus+ is the EU’s flagship programme for education and training, youth and sport, and has changed the lives of more than 16 million people over the last four decades. “This agreement marks an important milestone for the future of Erasmus+. The Council’s mandate strengthens the role of member states and ensures that all sectors – education and training, youth and sport – receive the visibility and support they deserve. Erasmus+ has transformed millions of lives, and today we are taking the first step to ensure it continues to do so.” — Dr Athena Michaelidou, Minister for Education, Sport and Youth, Republic of Cyprus The Erasmus+ programme aims to support high-quality education and training and provide learning and mobility opportunities for a wide range of participants, including young people, learners and people in grassroots sport. The Commission’s proposal merges the programme with the European Solidarity Corps (ESC). Today’s negotiating position is ‘partial’ because it excludes financial and horizontal issues. These are currently being discussed as part of the negotiations on the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) covering the period 2028 to 2034. Main elements of the Council’s position An enhanced governance model The Council has updated the governance model of the Erasmus+ programme to strengthen member states’ powers of scrutiny. In particular, it has reinstated the programme committee that exists under the current Erasmus+ programme, giving member states greater control in the governance of the programme. It has also introduced two separate categories of work programme, via which actions under Erasmus+ shall be implemented: a ‘new action work programme’ for new actions under direct management that have been proposed by the Commission a ‘regular work programme’ for actions that continue to receive financing after their initial implementation European Solidarity Corps  In order to preserve the legacy of the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) in the post-2027 Erasmus+ programme, the Council’s position includes provisions for actions that currently fall within the scope of the ESC programme, such as initiatives supporting youth participation and solidarity activities. A reference has also been added to ESC-related volunteering activities, including volunteering under the European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps.. Providing visibility to all sectors The text approved by the Council today ensures the visibility of all sectors covered by the Erasmus+ programme. Activities supported by Erasmus+ in education and training, youth and sport appear in different articles.   Under the Council’s mandate, Erasmus+ will continue to support youth exchanges and DiscoverEU in the field of youth. In the field of sport, the mandate stipulates that Erasmus+ will support the learning mobility of people active in grassroots sport, including sport staff. Non-EU countries The Commission’s proposal introduces the new concept of ‘partial’ association to the Erasmus+ programme for non-EU countries. The Council’s mandate takes this further, clarifying the conditions under which a non-EU country would qualify for partial association, and stipulating that those countries should respect EU values. Talent and excellence  In its mandate, the Council has renamed the ‘Erasmus+ scholarships’ in Article 5 of the Commission’s proposal ‘talent and excellence development opportunities’. The scope of the new initiative has been broadened to include other programmes with a transnational dimension, in addition to joint study programmes. Next steps The partial negotiating position approved today is the Council's mandate to start negotiations with the European Parliament on the Erasmus+ regulation. The decision on the programme’s budget for 2028-2034 will depend on the final agreement on the next MFF. Background On 16 July 2025, as part of the wider package for the MFF, the Commission published its proposal for the next generation of the Erasmus+ programme (2028-2034). The proposal merges two existing EU programmes: Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps (ESC), and provides for a budget of €40.8 billion. The programme is built around two pillars: learning opportunities for all, and capacity building support. Partial general approach on the regulation establishing the Erasmus+ programme Erasmus+ programme (background information) EU law tracker   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   11/05/2026 16:03 | Press release | AI in education: Council calls for human-centred approach   At a time when artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming education systems across Europe, bringing both challenges and opportunities, the Council is pushing for teachers to remain at the heart of the learning process. “Teachers are not just users of AI – they are guides, mentors and critical thinkers who help students navigate an increasingly complex digital world. Supporting them with the right training, tools and safeguards is essential to making AI a success in education.” — Dr Athena Michaelidou, Minister for Education, Sport and Youth, Republic of Cyprus The conclusions approved by the Council call for an ethical, safe and human-centred approach to AI in education that focuses on strengthening digital skills and AI literacy, guaranteeing inclusion and fairness, empowering teachers, and supporting teachers’ and learners’ well-being. This is the first time that the relationship between AI and teaching has been discussed in the field of education policy. The Council calls on national governments to strengthen teachers’ AI and digital skills, promote the development and use of education-specific AI tools, address unequal access to digital resources, and ensure AI enhances rather than undermines autonomy and sustainable working conditions for teachers. Challenges and opportunities The Council acknowledges that AI is rapidly reshaping education systems and has the potential to influence how teaching and learning are organised, how information is accessed, and how schools manage administrative tasks. In terms of benefits, AI can enhance teaching and learning by supporting more inclusive approaches, improving accessibility for disadvantaged learners, and enabling more individualised teaching and assessment methods. It can also improve administrative efficiency, freeing up more time for teaching and learning. Nevertheless, the Council’s conclusions also raise concerns about reduced autonomy, over-reliance on technology, and risks relating to aspects such as bias, misinformation and data protection. The use of AI could also exacerbate inequalities and digital divides, affect learners’ concentration and skill acquisition, and have broader societal and environmental implications. The role of teachers in the digital era Teachers play a central role in harnessing AI’s potential in the classroom, including by fostering responsible digital citizenship and helping learners reflect on the societal, environmental and ethical implications of AI tools. They are also key to critically assessing AI outputs and guiding learners in understanding its limitations and biases. In its conclusions, the Council therefore argues that teachers should have an opportunity to contribute to the design and evaluation of AI tools, in line with an approach based on digital humanism that ensures technology supports human agency and democratic values. Supporting teachers in the AI transition In order to harness the benefits of AI in education while also ensuring that teachers remain at the heart of the learning experience, the Council calls on national governments to: help boost teachers’ digital and AI-related skills, including by integrating AI literacy into teacher training promote the use of AI tools that add clear pedagogical value while also preserving teachers’ autonomy and the well-being of learners encourage the development of education-specific AI tools as a way to strengthen the EU’s strategic autonomy, alongside clear guidance on data protection, accountability and risk awareness address inequalities in access to AI tools and digital resources, and ensure systems are accessible and suitable for all learners ensure sustainable working conditions for teachers by considering the impact of AI on workload, assessment and administrative tasks The Council notes that the Commission can also support teachers in the era of AI, including by strengthening cooperation with international organisations such as the Council of Europe, facilitating research and evidence-sharing, providing guidance on the ethical use of AI, and involving teachers in shaping EU-level initiatives. Likewise, the Commission can work with member states to improve capacity-building, encourage peer-to-peer learning and the exchange of good practices, and promote professional learning resources and collaborative initiatives at both national and EU level. Council conclusions on teachers in the era of artificial intelligence   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   11/05/2026 18:56 | Meetings | Main results - Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council (Education and Youth), 11 May 2026   EU ministers for education and youth met to discuss Erasmus+, teachers in the era of AI, the EU Youth Dialogue, and the youth-friendliness of EU and national policies.   View meeting page ● International ministerial meetings   11/05/2026 20:55 | Meetings | Main results - First EU-Syria High-level Political Dialogue, 11 May 2026   The first high-level political dialogue between the EU and Syria was held in Brussels, with the aim of reinforcing the EU’s engagement with Syria.   View meeting page ● Council of the EU   11/05/2026 21:11 | Meetings | Main results - Foreign Affairs Council, 11 May 2026   The Foreign Affairs Council exchanged views on the latest developments related to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, including the war in Iran and its effects across the region. Ministers also discussed EU relations with Western Balkans partners and were informed about the outcomes of the updated EU threat analysis. In the margins of the meeting, ministers took part in the high-level meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children and the first High-Level Political Dialogue with Syria.   View meeting page ● Council of the EU   12/05/2026 06:04 | Press release | Critical medicines act: Council and Parliament reach provisional deal   The Cyprus presidency of the EU Council has reached a provisional agreement with the European Parliament on a new regulation that seeks to strengthen the EU’s resilience in addressing ongoing challenges to security of supply of critical medicines in Europe. The critical medicines act (CMA) aims to tackle shortages of key medicines such as antibiotics, insulin and painkillers by improving security of supply and availability of critical medicines, and medicines of common interest in the EU. The new rules seek to diversify supply chains of critical medicines, make it easier for EU countries to join forces to procure critical medicines, and strengthen the manufacturing capacity for critical medicines and their active ingredients within the EU. “Patients should not have to worry about whether critical medicines such as antibiotics will be available at their pharmacy or hospital. With today’s agreement, we are taking practical action to reduce our vulnerabilities, diversify supply chains and strengthen Europe’s capacity to produce critical medicines and their ingredients closer to home.” — Neophytos Charalambides, Minister of Health of the Republic of Cyprus Elements of the agreement Public procurement procedures One of the key objectives of the CMA is to strengthen the resilience of critical medicine supply chains in the EU. To this end, the provisional agreement between the Council and the Parliament introduces an obligation for contracting authorities to apply resilience-related requirements in public procurement procedures for critical medicines. The new rules also seek to incentivise EU-based manufacturing of critical medicines and their active ingredients, thus reducing the EU’s dependency on non-EU countries. In this context, the agreement between the co-legislators provides flexibility for contracting authorities in implementing the ‘EU preference’ approach. Collaborative procurement The new regulation will allow EU countries to join forces when procuring critical medicines and medicines of common interest, thereby strengthening their collective leverage. The co-legislators reduced the threshold of member states (from nine to five) required to submit a request to the Commission to procure on their behalf. Contingency stocks safeguards In its original proposal, the Commission aimed to safeguard security of supply by ensuring that any contingency stock requirements applied in one member state would not negatively affect other member states or the EU’s internal market. The co-legislators have maintained this ambition by stipulating that any contingency stock requirements should be transparent and respect the principles of solidarity and proportionality. The Council and the Parliament have also introduced new measures allowing member states to share relevant information about contingency stock requirements. Moreover, the agreement clarifies the use of the existing voluntary solidarity mechanism (VSM) in ensuring that data on contingency stocks is exchanged between member states, and providing the means for countries to reallocate critical medicine products, if needed, on a voluntary basis. Orphan medicines The scope of the act was expanded to include orphan medicinal products in certain key areas, including strategic projects and collaborative procurement. Orphan medicinal products are used to treat life-threatening or very serious conditions that affect no more than 5 in 10,000 people in the EU. Next steps The provisional agreement will now have to be endorsed by the Council and the Parliament. It will then formally be adopted by both institutions following legal-linguistic revision. Background In recent years, the EU has increasingly faced severe shortages of critical medicines such as antibiotics, insulin and painkillers. The critical medicines act complements the proposals to revise the EU’s pharmaceutical legislation (the ‘pharmaceutical package’), which also contain provisions on shortages and management of supply of medicinal products. New rules for critical medicines in the EU (background information) Critical medicines act: Council agrees its position on new rules to tackle shortages (press release) EU law tracker   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   12/05/2026 10:33 | Press release | AgoraEU: Council agrees partial mandate on new programme to support culture, media and democratic values   The Council has agreed its position on key elements of the new AgoraEU programme supporting culture, media, and civil society in Europe. This programme will be part of the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) covering the period 2028 to 2034. The AgoraEU programme aims to foster shared values such as democracy, equality and the rule of law. It will support Europe’s cultural diversity and its cultural and creative sectors, including the audiovisual and news media sectors, as well as safeguarding artistic and media freedom and boosting active citizenship. Today’s negotiating position is “partial” because it excludes financial and horizontal issues. These are currently being discussed as part of the negotiations on the MFF. “Today’s agreement marks an important step towards strengthening Europe’s cultural and democratic fabric. With AgoraEU, we are equipping our cultural and creative sectors with the tools they need to thrive, while safeguarding the values that underpin our Union, from artistic freedom to active citizenship.” — Dr Vasiliki Kassianidou, Deputy Minister for Culture, Republic of Cyprus The AgoraEU programme The AgoraEU programme aims to strengthen culture, media and civic participation in order to boost the resilience of European democracies. It builds on the achievements of existing programmes such as Creative Europe and the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme. The programme is structured around three main strands: Creative Europe – Culture, which will contribute to cross-border cultural creativity and cooperation MEDIA+, which will enhance the diversity and competitiveness of the audiovisual and videogames industries, as well as supporting free and independent journalism and news media CERV+, which will promote fundamental rights and equality, prevent discrimination, enhance democratic participation, and uphold the rule of law The Council’s position The Council’s position on the AgoraEU regulation maintains the ambition of the Commission’s proposal while providing additional clarification on key aspects of the legislative text, strengthening the role of member states, and accommodating national differences in areas such as audiovisual media. Cultural and creative sectors  The Council has introduced an updated definition of ‘cultural and creative sectors’, which sets out the main qualities of the sectors covered by the ‘Creative Europe – Culture’ strand of the programme and provides a non-exhaustive list of relevant sectors. To help foster action for all cultural and creative sectors covered by the programme, the Council’s position provides for a more targeted approach to sectors such as music, book publishing and libraries, which have shared needs and face specific challenges. Examples of targeted actions include cultural prizes and peer learning activities.   The Council’s mandate also adds more emphasis to the dual nature of the cultural and creative sectors, recognising both their intrinsic artistic value and their economic contribution to growth, innovation and competitiveness, while promoting cultural diversity, strengthening the media and information space, and supporting an inclusive, rights-based and democratic society. AgoraEU Desks The Commission’s proposal provides for the creation of ‘desks’, independent bodies that can be set up by each EU country to offer guidance and assistance on funding opportunities and cross-border collaboration. The Council’s mandate refines and expands this concept, renaming the desks ‘AgoraEU Desks’, specifying the kind of support the desks will offer, and ensuring that they are adequately resourced. It also describes their tasks, such as promoting the AgoraEU programme, providing training to applicants, and exchanging good practices. A level playing field for audiovisual media Bearing in mind the different conditions in EU member states, the Council’s mandate clarifies that the implementation of the ‘audiovisual’ objective should take into account the specificities of each country in areas such as production and distribution, access to content, market size, and cultural and linguistic diversity. The aim is to encourage greater participation and collaboration from all countries, regardless of their audiovisual capacities, thus contributing to a more level playing field. Supporting creativity in the digital era Reflecting the ongoing impact of digital advances on the cultural and creative sectors, and particularly that of artificial intelligence (AI), the Council’s position stresses that human creativity remains irreplaceable. It specifies that the ethical, sustainable and responsible use of AI and other innovative tools should be promoted, for example by encouraging the protection of cultural and creative data. The mandate also stipulates that AgoraEU should support the use of digital technologies in cultural and creative sectors, including the development of audiovisual and media platforms and technologies that promote cultural and linguistic diversity and democracy. AgoraEU Committee In order to strengthen the role of EU countries in the implementation phase of the AgoraEU programme, the Council’s mandate provides for the creation of an ‘AgoraEU Committee’. The committee will be made up of representatives from each of the member states and will meet to discuss and vote on concrete issues relating to the different strands of the programme. Next steps The partial negotiating position approved today is the Council's mandate to start negotiations with the European Parliament on the AgoraEU regulation. The decision on the programme’s budget for 2028-2034 will depend on the final agreement on the next MFF. Background The proposed regulation establishing the new AgoraEU programme for culture, media and civil society was published on 16 July 2025 in the context of the multiannual financial framework 2028-2034. It brings together €8.6 billion in funding with the aim of: promoting cultural and linguistic diversity and heritage increasing the competitiveness of the cultural and creative sectors safeguarding artistic and media freedom protecting and promoting equality, active citizenship, rights and values Since the proposed regulation is part of the package of proposals linked to the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), all the provisions in the text with budgetary implications or corresponding to the elements that form part of horizontal negotiations on the MFF have been bracketed and are therefore excluded from the partial general approach pending further progress on the MFF. These provisions include recital 4 (financial envelope), recital 30 (implementation in accordance with the European Competitiveness Fund InvestEU Instrument), recital 31 (budgetary guarantee or financial instrument), recital 35 (accordance with the Performance Regulation), recital 40 (duration), Article 1 (duration), Article 11 (budget) and Article 15 (budgetary guarantee or financial instrument). Partial general approach on the regulation establishing the AgoraEU programme EU law tracker   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   12/05/2026 10:54 | Meetings | Agenda highlights - Foreign Affairs Council (Development), 18 May 2026   The Foreign Affairs Council (Development) will exchange views on the future of the EU’s external action in light of geopolitical developments and on the role of Global Gateway in the EU’s external action. Ministers will also hold an informal discussion over lunch on the impact of the war in Iran on development across the world.   View meeting page ● Council of the EU   12/05/2026 12:12 | Press release | European Peace Facility: Council adopts the third bilateral assistance measure in support of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina   The Council today adopted an assistance measure worth €15 million under the European Peace Facility. The objective is to strengthen the military and defence capabilities of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The decision complements the support provided so far under the 2021 and 2022 bilateral support package. The new assistance measure will strengthen the interoperability and operational readiness of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and their potential to contribute to the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) operations and missions and any international coalitions. Today’s decision illustrates the continued engagement with Bosnia and Herzegovina in the area of security and defence and reflects the country’s full alignment with the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy. In a regional context, the EU and Bosnia and Herzegovina have consistently reaffirmed their commitment to enhance their cooperation in this area, including through Bosnia and Herzegovina’s participation in the Balkan Medical Task Force, a regional task force also supported by the European Peace Facility. The European Peace Facility will provide the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina with individual protective equipment, CBRN equipment, night vision devices, and cargo vehicles. It will also provide, where needed, related supplies and services, including operational training. Background and next steps The European Peace Facility was established in March 2021 for the financing of actions under the common foreign and security policy to prevent conflicts, preserve peace and strengthen international security and stability. In particular, the European Peace Facility allows the EU to finance actions designed to strengthen the capacities of third States and regional and international organisations relating to military and defence matters. European Peace Facility, policy page EU cooperation on security and defence (background information)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   11/05/2026 15:34 | Press release | Organic farming: Council negotiating position on simpler and clearer organic farming rules agreed   Today, the member states at the Special Committee on Agriculture agreed on negotiating position for updating the EU rules on organic production and labelling. The aim is to make the rules simpler to follow, clearer to interpret, and to support the continued growth of the organic sector across Europe. The proposed updates focus on selected areas of the existing framework while keeping the EU’s high standards for organic products. By doing so, the Council hopes to maintain consumer trust in the EU organic label, reduce administrative burdens for farmers, businesses, and national authorities, and strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of the organic sector. “Organic farming is a strategic asset for Europe’s food systems, biodiversity and rural areas. Member states want rules that are simpler, clearer and better fit to the realities on the ground. But we want to do so while preserving the high standards and consumer confidence that underpin the success of the EU organic sector.” — Maria Panayiotou, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of the Republic of Cyprus The Council’s position focuses in particular on: simplification and flexibility: Council wants to simplify rules for small operators, including exemptions from certification and adjustments to turnover thresholds. Small online retailers of pre-packed organic products will be exempt from certification under certain conditions. This aims to reduce administrative burdens and encourage participation in organic farming. imported organic products and labeling: The Council’s position clarifies that products imported from countries with organic production systems recognised as equivalent to the EU’s cannot use the EU organic logo but can use the organic logo of their country of origin. The Council at the same time supports allowing the EU organic logo to be used on imported products if they meet additional production and control requirements beyond the equivalence standards, ensuring they approach the rigor of EU organic standards. This aims to facilitate trade and maintain consumer trust. removing Commission’s proposal to allow the EU organic label on products containing up to 5% ingredients from third countries that do not meet additional criteria. temporary use of non-organic inputs: Temporary flexibility is introduced for non-organic protein feed for poultry and pigs, and for aquaculture juveniles, with a plan to phase out these derogations gradually. Council’s position also allows products already labeled under the old system to continue being sold until stocks are exhausted. This will avoid market disruption. Transitional measures ensure continuity and legal certainty for imported organic products and trade as the new rules are implemented. Next steps Negotiations between the Council presidency and the European Parliament are expected to start as soon as possible. The EU aims to find an agreement before the end of the year to ensure smooth transition of the recognition of third countries whose organic production and control systems have been recognised as equivalent to those of the Union. Current agreement expires on 31 December 2026. Background The EU organic production framework is laid down in regulation (EU) 2018/848, which has applied since January 2022. The framework establishes rules for organic production, certification and labelling across the EU. The Commission presented its proposal for a targeted revision of the organic legislation as part of its roadmap “Organic rulebook fit for the future”. Organic farming continues to play an important role in the EU’s transition towards more sustainable food systems. According to the Commission, there are more than 381 000 organic farmers in the EU, representing an increase of 30% since 2018. Commission proposal EU Law Tracker   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   11/05/2026 13:22 | Press release | Ukrainian children unlawfully deported and forcibly transferred to Russia: EU sanctions 16 individuals and seven entities   On the day of the high-level meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, the Council has decided to adopt restrictive measures against further 16 individuals and seven entities responsible for actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. The decision targets those responsible for the systematic unlawful deportation, forced transfer, forced assimilation, including indoctrination and militarised education, of Ukrainian minors, as well as their unlawful adoption and removal to the Russian Federation and within temporarily occupied territories. Since the start of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, Russia is estimated to have deported and forcibly transferred nearly 20 500 Ukrainian children. These actions constitute grave breaches of international law and a violation of the fundamental rights of the child and aim to erase Ukrainian identity and undermine the preservation of its future generations. The entities listed today include federal state institutions linked to the Russian Ministry of Education such as the All-Russian Children's Centres Orlyonok, Scarlet Sails, and Smena. They organise -in coordination with occupation authorities- programmes for Ukrainian children in which they are subjected to pro-Russian indoctrination, including through patriotic events, ideological education, and military-oriented activities. Other listed entities host Ukrainian minors transferred from occupied territories of Ukraine and expose them to programmes aligned with Russian state policies, including political indoctrination and activities consistent with education frameworks designed for basic military training. The DOSAAF Centre in Sevastopol, the Nakhimov Naval School and the Military-Patriotic Club “Patriot” in Crimea run the re-education, ideological indoctrination, and militarisation of minors, fostering loyalty to Russia and undermining Ukrainian national identity. Today’s listings also include officials and politicians from territories illegally occupied by Russia, as well as various heads of youth camps and military-patriotic clubs and organisations. They are all responsible for promoting patriotic and military education among young people through ideological indoctrination, exposure to Russian military culture, paramilitary training, and participation in events glorifying Russia’s war of aggression. Those listed today 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 are additionally subject to a travel ban that prohibits them from entering or transiting through EU territories. Background In its conclusions of 19 December 2024, the European Council reiterated its resolute condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a manifest violation of the Charter of the United Nations, and reaffirmed its continued support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. The European Council stated that efforts to further limit Russia’s ability to wage war must continue. It also expressed the EU’s readiness to step up pressure on Russia, including by adopting further sanctions. As stated in the text supported by 25 heads of state or government at the European Council on 13 March 2026, the European Council reiterates its urgent call on Russia and Belarus to immediately ensure the safe and unconditional return to Ukraine of all unlawfully deported and transferred Ukrainian children and other civilians. Council decision of 11 May 2026 amending Decision 2014/145/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine Council Implementing Regulation of 11 May 2026 implementing Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine Bringing Ukrainian children back home (European Commission) European Council meeting – Ukraine, 16 March 2026 European Council conclusions, 19 December 2024 EU sanctions against Russia (background information)   Visit the website