| ● Council of the EU | | | 08/06/2026 12:44 | Press release | | | | | The Council approved today restrictive measures against two individuals and one entity under the extended legal framework targeting those involved in Iran’s actions and policies threatening the freedom of navigation in the Middle East. These actions are contrary to international law and infringe upon established rights of both transit and innocent passage through international straits. The Council is listing the Hormozgan Provincial Command of the EU listed Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN). The IRGC Navy has assumed control of the Strait of Hormuz and implemented a toll system whereby vessels are now required to provide identifying documentation, as well as cargo and destination information ultimately passed onto the Hormozgan Provincial Command. Using this information, the Hormozgan Provincial Command screens vessels and determines which ones are allowed to transit through the strait, sometimes after paying tolls. Furthermore, the EU is listing today Mohammad Akbarzadeh and Hamid Hosseini for supporting Iran’s actions impeding lawful transit passage and freedom of navigation. Mohammad Akbarzadeh is Deputy Commander for Political Affairs of the IRGC Navy and acts as the spokesperson for the organisation. The IRGC Navy undermines freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz by enforcing a toll system and by threatening, harassing, and attacking multiple commercial vessels in the region. In his capacity, Akbarzadeh threatens to use missiles or drones against vessels transiting the strait. Hamid Hosseini is a representative of Iran’s Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Products Exporters’ Union and a member of Iran’s Chamber of Commerce. In his capacity, Hosseini promotes the policy of submitting, undergoing assessment, and paying transit fees to Iranian authorities for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. With today’s listings, restrictive measures under this amended framework now apply to 26 natural and legal persons and 27 entities from a range of countries. Those listed under the sanctions regime are subject to an asset freeze, and it is prohibited to provide them with funds or economic resources, either directly or indirectly. Additionally, a travel ban to the EU applies to all natural persons listed. BackgroundIn its conclusions of 19 March 2026, the European Council called for the full implementation of UNSC Resolution 2817 (2026), recalling the need to ensure maritime security and respect for the freedom of navigation and condemning any acts that threaten navigation or prevent vessels from entering and exiting the Strait of Hormuz. On 9 April 2026, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy issued a statement on behalf of the EU on the ceasefire agreed by the United States and Iran urging all involved to fully respect the ceasefire across the region and to fully ensure freedom of navigation as well as free and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, in line with international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. On 22 May 2026, the Council extended the scope of EU’s restrictive measures in view of Iran's military support of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and to armed groups in the Middle East and Red Sea region to be able to also target individuals and entities involved in Iran’s actions and policies threatening the freedom of navigation in the Middle East, and particularly in the Strait of Hormuz.
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● Council of the EU | | | 08/06/2026 16:18 | Press release | | | | | The Council today adopted conclusions on the EU maritime industrial strategy, underlining the strategic importance of Europe's maritime manufacturing and shipping sectors for the European Union's competitiveness, resilience, economic security, defence readiness, prosperity and decarbonisation objectives. In the conclusions, member states recognise the maritime sector as a cornerstone of Europe's industrial base and stress its essential role in safeguarding supply chains, supporting the clean transition and strengthening the EU's technological leadership. They also acknowledge the diverse national, regional and local characteristics of maritime manufacturing and shipping industries across the Union and the different priorities of member states. “The conclusions on the maritime industrial strategy are a significant step forward in recognising the strategic importance and global excellence of Europe's maritime industry. They demonstrate our shared vision and commitment to maintaining a strong, innovative and sustainable maritime sector that drives economic growth, ensures vital connectivity, strengthens our common security and plays a crucial role in our decarbonisation efforts.” | | — Marina Hadjimanolis, Shipping Deputy Minister of the Republic of Cyprus |
The maritime industrial strategy is a structured action plan with the aim to strengthen Europe's maritime leadership by advancing high-tech shipbuilding and cutting-edge port equipment. The Council notes that the European maritime manufacturing and shipping industries face growing challenges, including intensifying global competition, geopolitical tensions, strategic dependencies on third-country production, the need to accelerate decarbonisation and persistent labour and skills shortages. The conclusions adopted today set out key priorities to address these challenges. Industrial sovereignty and competitivenessThe Council highlights Europe's strengths in shipbuilding and design, ship repair, conversion, maintenance, retrofitting, recycling, maritime equipment and ocean engineering. These capabilities are considered essential for the EU's prosperity, technological leadership, strategic autonomy and long-term resilience. Member states express concern however about market distortions and unfair subsidisation practices by third countries that undermine fair competition. The Council therefore calls for an assessment of measures to strengthen the sector's competitiveness, including the effective use of existing trade defence instruments in line with international obligations. It also encourages investment aimed at reducing strategic dependencies and reinforcing critical industrial capacities. Investment and innovationThe conclusions stress the importance of mobilising strategic investment across the maritime ecosystem, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. Member states support measures that accelerate the deployment of digital, clean and circular technologies, including artificial intelligence, advanced sensing technologies, automation, robotics and smart maintenance solutions. To expand Europe's capacity in advanced and low- and zero-emission vessels, the Council calls for increased investment in innovative shipbuilding technologies, clean propulsion systems and research and innovation. It also supports initiatives such as Shipyards of the future and the creation of an EU maritime industrial value chains alliance to help channel investment towards strategic priorities. Decarbonisation and sustainabilityThe Council reaffirms the maritime sector's central role in achieving the EU's climate objectives and stresses that decarbonisation requires coordinated action across the entire waterborne value chain, including fuel producers and suppliers. Member states call for the timely and coordinated deployment of sustainable maritime fuels and innovative low-emission technologies. They underline that the availability of safe, sustainable and competitively priced alternative fuels will be critical to accelerating their uptake. The conclusions also recall the importance of using revenues generated under the EU emissions trading system (EU ETS) for climate-related purposes. At the same time, they highlight the need to assess potential adjustments to the FuelEU maritime regulation, the MRV regulation and the maritime ETS framework to avoid overlapping costs and unnecessary administrative burdens, in the event of the adoption of global measures to reduce GHG emissions from shipping. Security and resilienceThe Council warns that maritime security challenges are increasing, including risks linked to the operation of shadow fleets and growing geopolitical instability. Member states stress the need to strengthen the EU's resilience, preparedness and defence capabilities, including the protection of critical maritime infrastructure and the resilience of maritime supply chains. The conclusions also support a coordinated approach to developing dual-use infrastructure capable of serving both civilian and military purposes. Skills and workforceThe Council notes that the maritime sector faces significant labour shortages, an ageing workforce and increasingly demanding working conditions, all of which affect its long-term competitiveness and resilience, and which was also the key objective of the Lefkosia declaration, which was adopted and signed by all member states at the informal TTE Council for maritime affairs held in Cyprus in April. Member states therefore call for strengthened maritime education and training, including upskilling and reskilling initiatives. The conclusions encourage measures to attract more young people to maritime professions and support the development of a coordinated European initiative on maritime skills.
BackgroundOn 4 March 2026, the European Commission presented its communication on the EU maritime industrial strategy, setting out a vision and action plan to strengthen Europe's maritime manufacturing and shipping industries, enhance innovation and safeguard global competitiveness. Shipping and maritime industries are vital to the EU's economy and connectivity. The European maritime manufacturing sector is a global leader in complex and high-value shipbuilding, advanced maritime technologies and sustainable waterborne transport solutions. It is a key driver of innovation, regional industrial development and the blue economy. For example, 97% of the world's cruise ship fleet is built in Europe. The EU shipping sector is also a leading global provider of maritime transport services. It plays a critical role in securing supplies of essential goods, facilitating international trade and supporting Europe's energy security. Together with other waterborne sectors, it generates demand for maritime manufacturing products and services while shaping the technological development of the wider maritime ecosystem.
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| ● Council of the EU | | | 08/06/2026 16:57 | Press release | | | | | Today, member states approved Council conclusions on the European ports strategy, reaffirming the vital role ports play in strengthening the EU’s strategic autonomy, securing critical supply chains, accelerating the energy transition and maintaining Europe’s global leadership in waterborne transport. “Europe’s ports are much more than gateways for trade. They are strategic assets for our economy, our security and our energy supply. Today’s conclusions send a clear message: we need ports that are competitive, resilient and future proof. By strengthening security, accelerating the energy transition and supporting innovation and investment, we are ensuring that European ports can continue to serve citizens, businesses and regions across the Union while maintaining Europe’s leading position in global maritime transport.” | | — Alexis Vafeades, Minister of transport, communications and works of the Republic of Cyprus |
The strategy seeks to address the key challenges facing European ports - both maritime and inland - in the areas of competitiveness, sustainability, resilience, security, digitalisation and social development. It builds on the foundations of the 2013 EU ports policy while responding to a rapidly changing geopolitical, economic and environmental landscape. In their conclusions, member states underline the importance of ensuring the efficient and proportionate implementation of the strategy. They invite the European Commission to assess the effectiveness of existing EU-level coordination and governance structures and, where necessary, establish new mechanisms to support implementation. The Council recognises that ports are increasingly evolving into multi-functional industrial hubs. As gateways for trade, energy and mobility, they must simultaneously expand capacity, decarbonise operations, accelerate digitalisation and strengthen security. At the same time, member states emphasise the need for a balanced approach that respects national, regional and local specificities while pursuing common European objectives. Strengthening competitivenessGiven the global nature of maritime trade, European ports operate in a highly competitive international environment. The conclusions stress the importance of maintaining a level playing field by addressing distortions arising from regulatory asymmetries, unfair competition and certain third-country practices. Member states call for continued efforts to secure fair market access for European operators in third-country port markets under balanced and non-discriminatory conditions. The Council also welcomes the Commission’s intention to provide guidance on the assessment of foreign investments in EU ports. While stressing that European ports must remain attractive destinations for investment, member states underline that investment screening should be risk-based, proportionate and non-discriminatory. Particular attention should be given to safeguarding economic security and preventing undue foreign control over critical port infrastructure and operations. Enhancing security and resilienceThe conclusions note that ports are facing an increasingly complex security environment, including threats linked to terrorism, sabotage, organised crime, corruption, cyberattacks, hybrid threats and the threats posed by drones. Against this backdrop, member states welcome existing and forthcoming initiatives aimed at strengthening the security and resilience of port infrastructure. These include the European Ports Alliance, enhanced cooperation with international partners and third countries, and the forthcoming proposal for an EU framework facilitating cooperation between member states on background checks for port workers. Military mobilityPorts also play a critical role in military mobility and Europe's defence readiness. As essential nodes for the movement of military personnel and equipment, ports contribute directly to the Union’s resilience and security. Member states therefore stress that implementation of the ports strategy should be closely aligned with ongoing work on military mobility, facilitating the rapid deployment of forces and ensuring coherence with efforts undertaken within NATO. Supporting the energy transitionPorts are recognised as key enablers of Europe’s energy transition, serving as hubs. The conclusions call for stronger support for onshore power supply (OPS), smart grids, electrification and enhanced grid integration, while ensuring that investments remain economically viable and aligned with actual demand. Member states further underline the importance of accelerating grid deployment, permitting procedures and investments in clean energy technologies. They encourage the use of EU emissions trading system (ETS) revenues to support maritime decarbonisation throughout the value chain, including shipping, port infrastructure and alternative fuels. At the same time, the Council acknowledges concerns regarding the impact of ETS and other climate-related legislation on the competitiveness of EU ports, including the risks of traffic diversion, carbon leakage and investment relocation. The Commission is therefore invited to continue monitoring these effects and, where necessary, propose targeted corrective measures while preserving the Union’s climate ambitions and ensuring alignment with international frameworks. Investment and fundingThe Council stresses the need to improve access to EU funding through greater transparency, better coordination and simplified procedures. Funding mechanisms should avoid unnecessary administrative burdens and remain neutral with regard to governance structures, concession models and operational arrangements. Social cohesion and quality jobsPorts make a significant contribution to economic development, resilience and territorial cohesion across the Union, particularly in island, remote, outermost and coastal regions. The conclusions underline the importance of ensuring safe working conditions and investing in training, reskilling and workforce development to support the sector’s technological transformation. Particular attention should be given to attracting women and young people to careers in the maritime and port sectors. BackgroundOn 4 March 2026, the European Commission presented its communication on a European ports strategy aimed at strengthening the competitiveness, resilience, security and sustainability of EU ports. Ports are indispensable to Europe’s economy, handling around 74% of goods entering or leaving the Union and approximately 395 million passengers every year. Beyond their traditional role as trade gateways, ports have become central to Europe’s energy transition, offshore renewable energy deployment, industrial development, military mobility and economic security. As a result, ports are increasingly required to expand capacity, decarbonise operations, digitalise processes and strengthen security simultaneously, while facing growing challenges ranging from organised crime and illicit trafficking to cyber and hybrid threats affecting the resilience of European supply chains.
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| ● Council of the EU | | | 08/06/2026 19:19 | Meetings | | | | | Transport ministers discussed the proposal on clean corporate vehicles, decarbonisation beyond 2030 and approved conclusions on the maritime industrial strategy and the EU ports strategy.
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| ● Council of the EU | | | 08/06/2026 20:13 | Press release | | | | | The European Union congratulates the citizens of the Republic of Armenia on exercising their sovereign democratic right to vote in parliamentary elections and commends the high level of civic participation. The vote shows Armenia’s firm commitment to democracy, peace and enhanced cooperation in the region as well as closer ties with Europe. According to the preliminary findings and conclusions of the OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission, although the campaign was highly polarized, the elections were managed in an inclusive manner, offered clear political alternatives, and were well organised, under a sound legal framework. The electoral campaign and the voting took place in a context of unprecedented interference, pressure and persistent hybrid attacks from Russia, including via economic coercion measures that have sought to undermine the democratic process and incite polarisation. Nevertheless, the elections reflect Armenia’s democratic resilience and progress on its reform path. They also underscored the Armenian people’s commitment to European values, peaceful political participation, and the pursuit of a stable, secure and prosperous future. The EU takes note of the preliminary results announced by Armenia's electoral authorities, which indicate a clear lead for Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's Civil Contract party. We call on all political actors to respect the outcome of the vote, democratic procedures and make use of legal mechanisms to address any electoral complaints. The EU stands firmly with Armenia and its people and remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting Armenia on its democratic path and to further deepening our partnership. We look forward to continuing our close cooperation with the future government and parliament of Armenia, to implement their comprehensive reform agenda, promote regional peace, economic growth and connectivity, with a view to strengthening Armenia’s sovereignty, resilience, democracy and prosperity.
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| ● Council of the EU | | | 09/06/2026 11:10 | Press release | | | | | Today, the Council adopted its position on the proposal to establish European business wallets, a digital tool designed to simplify and secure business interactions across the EU, both between companies and with public administrations. Building on the eIDAS2 framework, European business wallets will allow companies to digitalise many operations that currently require in-person processing. By providing a harmonised European solution, European business wallets will enable secure, cross-border communication and document exchange for businesses operating in multiple member states. “Businesses should be able to operate across the single market as seamlessly as they do within their own member state. Today's agreement on the Council's position on European business wallets, a key building block of Europe’s digital future and central to our 'One Europe, One Market' roadmap, marks an important step towards that goal and puts us right on track to reach a political agreement by the end of 2026. By enabling secure and trusted digital interactions across borders, through a single, harmonised digital business identity solution, the initiative will help reduce administrative burdens, strengthen our single market, and support a more competitive, innovative and digitally connected European economy.” | | — Nicodemos Damianou, Deputy Minister for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy of the Republic of Cyprus |
The adoption of the Council’s position demonstrates the commitment of member states to reach a final agreement on this legislation before the end of 2026, as asked by EU leaders in the conclusions of the March 2026 European Council. The adoption of the European business wallets is in line with the ‘One Europe, one market’ roadmap, aiming to transform the EU business environment into a true seamless single market. Companies using a European business wallet will be able to: - Verify the identity of others and prove their own identity digitally.
- Create, store, and share trusted documents instantly, including verified licenses, permits, and certificates.
- Sign, timestamp, and seal documents electronically.
- Delegate legal authority to representatives.
- Communicate securely with other businesses or public administrations through an efficient digital channel.
Key provisions of the Council’s position- Interoperability: the Council emphasises that European business wallets should complement rather than replace existing national B2B and B2G systems.
- Equivalence: While digital actions via European business wallets are largely recognised as legally equivalent to traditional paper-based processes, the Council specifies that national administrative and procedural requirements remain applicable.
- Power of attorney/legal mandates: Member states specify that the authorisation system established in the proposal is not intended to affect any power of attorney or legal mandates provided under national or Union law.
- EBW providers: To enhance cybersecurity, the Council raised the threshold for European business wallet provider authorisation. Member states also introduced an obligation for the Commission to adopt implementing acts detailing the specifics of the paperwork that needs to be submitted by aspiring European business wallet providers. In case of systemic non-compliance by European business wallet providers, the Council also ensured stronger involvement of the national supervisory body.
- Timings: national supervisory bodies reviewing provider applications have been accorded extended deadlines (up to 60 days instead of the 30 days initially proposed). Furthermore, all the timelines have been grouped and streamlined in the proposal for better clarity.
Next stepsNow that the Council has reached a general approach, negotiations with the European Parliament in the framework of the ordinary legislative procedure may begin as soon as the latter has adopted its position.
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